Council approves economic development strategic plan

By Jamie Rieger
Bow Island town council gave their approval of the final draft of their economic development strategic plan at their Jan. 12 regular council meeting.
A year ago, the Town held an economic development strategic planning workshop to look at the purpose of economic development, and in future economic planning initiatives.
At the workshop, councilors addressed a number of items to be included in economic development: sustainable businesses, attracting and growing businessess, affordable land, opportunitis, population, employment labour pool, lifestyle, housing, recreational facilities, among others.
Dong a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, they identified areas where the town excels and where there is room for improvement.
Through that they developed a stragetic plan that will guide the Town with their economic development goals.
The strategic plan will be reviewed annually, each fall.