Economic Development 2010 Work Plan

The Economic Development Department has recently drafted their 2010 Work Plan and staff are in the process of informing and obtaining input from a number of business related organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement Area and Construction Association.

The Work Plan contains 6 key goal areas focused on achieving the strategic priorities of Council and ensuring the City is in a strong position to attract new business/industry and support the success of existing business sector.

The key goal areas include, in no particular order:
1. Completing and Implementing an Industry Attraction Strategy
2. Ensuring the City is Investment Ready
3. Assisting Skilled/Professional Worker Attraction and Retention
4. Determining Twin City Related Economic Development Opportunities in China
5. Identifying and Determining Land Development Opportunities in the City
6. Supporting Taseko Prosperity Mine Process

The Economic Development Department works closely with the Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation and each have a role to play in supporting economic development in and around Williams Lake. One important project that the Corporation will become involved in is the application process for a Community Forest Licence, the intent being that any revenues generated by the Community Forest Licence would be used to further economic development.

With the current lull in the forest industry and the proposed Taseko Prosperity Mine project, it is critical that the City be positioned to take full advantage of any and all opportunities.

Community Arts Centre

Residents may have noticed a lot of activity at the old Fire Hall in recent weeks. Sprucelee Contracting was awarded the contract for completing renovations necessary for the building to become a new Arts Centre and work is well underway. The existing overhead doors have been replaced with fixed walls that are designed to look like garage doors from the outside of the building. Once new plumbing is installed in the garage bays, new partition walls will be constructed to establish four separate studio spaces as well as a new accessible washroom and storage facilities. A wheel chair lift will be installed to provide access to the upper floor of the building and a new heating and cooling system will be installed. Budget permitting, the building will also receive new paint, flooring, entrance doors and newly paved parking areas.



A majority of the funding for this project is being provided by the Towns for Tomorrow program with a total budget of $200,000. Once the renovations are complete in March, the building will provide a new home for the Spinners and Weavers, Potters, Artists Group as well as common space for use by other artists and artisan groups. This facility will add to the vibrancy of the downtown core with it's adjacency to the Museum, Library, Seniors Centre and Recreation Complex.