Page 36 - Annual Report - Final - Spread - June 2019

YOUR

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The primary function of the Economic Development Department is to identify and
promote measures that will increase the City’s tax base and non-tax revenue sources,
retain existing businesses and attract new business ventures to stimulate and diversify
the local economy.

GRANTS TO GUIDE GROWTH
In 2018, the Economic Development Department
secured funding for five key projects:

• $30,000 for an Industrial Land Inventory &
Action Plan
• $22,500 for an Investment Attraction website
• $28,800 to implement a ‘Volunteer Engagement
Initiative’
• $25,000 for an ‘Age-Friendly Needs Assessment’
• $12,100 for a cooperative marketing program

GROWING

#EXPLOREPORTALBERI

Promoting the weired, the wonderful, the active WITH GRACE
and the adventurous, #ExplorePortAlberni united
Destination BC, Alberni Valley Tourism, Alberni In 2018, the department saw an increase in interest amonng investors and developers.
Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bamfield and the Looking to capitalize on the momentum, the department set its sights on resident and worker
City in showcasing the Alberni Valley and its attraction initiatives and continuing its work in the beautification of the community and
surrounding areas through digital, print and video diversification of the ecomony.
campaigns that entice visitors and locals alike.
In 2019, the City became part of the Provincial Nominee Program for the Entrepreneur Immigration
Regional Pilot project, a provincial initiative that invites entrepreneurs from around the world
to establish businesses in regional communities. The project launched in mid-March and the
City has since received an average of one application per day, with many more expected over
the two-year pilot period.

BETTER BUSINESS The department is of course dedicated to local efforts and once again partnered with Community
Futures Alberni-Clayoquot in 2019 on the Façade Improvement Program. The program looks
Dedicated to improving the customer service to make significant improvements to the appearance of Port Alberni’s streetscapes by providing
experience, the department continued streamlining monetary assistance and design services as an incentive to building/business owners. This
its business licencing process by assigning a program has had and will continue to have an impact on Port Alberni’s image.
dedicated staff person to process requests, creating
educational pamphlets to help guide businesses These and the many other initiatives being brought forward by the Economic Development
through the steps, strengthening enforcement to Department support the City’s vision of being economically robust and diverse.
improve the annual renewal process and adding an
online business directory that is updated monthly. INTERESTING FACT. DID YOU KNOW?

In 2019, Port Alberni will host three Holland America The Façade Improvement Program leveraged more
cruise ships bringing over 5000 visitors to the community. than $2 million in commercial storefront investments.

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