The Town of Smithers is working toward creating an economic development plan and a survey asking residents for their input on it is now open.
The town is creating the plan which is focused on job creation, investment, and workforce and resident attraction.
The survey includes creating a vision for the future and sharing ideas about opportunities.
Smithers has been without an economic development plan since 2017 when economic development services were provided through the former Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association.
Town council voted to award the Town of Smithers Economic Development Plan contract to Rynic, out of Okotoks, AB, in the amount of $30,000 last fall.
Community services director Will George (who until recently was the town’s economic development officer) told Smithers council a plan that reflects the current economic landscape in the community will have overarching impacts.
According to George, the plan will serve as the overall decision-making tool for council and the community, over five years. It will include a prioritized list of short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for future investment and identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnership with the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, the Office of Wet’suwet’en, and the business sector.
The Smithers Economic Development Survey is available from Jan. 5 to Feb. 2, with the link available on the Town of Smithers website.
Survey participants will be entered to win local Smithers gift cards.