The mayors of Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie are supportive of the possibility of a collaborative Economic Development Service Bylaw bringing Elk Valley communities together.
Officials with the Elk Valley Economic Initiative (EVEI) presented the idea to the councils of those respective communities before bringing the plan to the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK).
EVEI officials said having this bylaw in place would mean the communities would be able to take a more collaborative approach to developing their economies to benefit residents, and in turn, businesses.
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Fernie Mayor Nic Milligan said this will support a promise he made during his mayoral campaign.
“One of the planks in my platform was to build more collaboration between our communities in the Elk Valley and start to look at our region as a region instead of the individual communities,” said Milligan. “When this idea came forward, I was fully supportive. I think it’s a good first step in terms of sharing ideas up and down the valley.”
Elkford Mayor Steve Fairbairn shares the excitement about what this could mean for the future.
“I think it has a real possibility to bring different outcomes than previous plans. The three mayors, and the area director – we’re all united and we all see the benefit of a common approach,” said Fairbairn. “It’s 2023 and there’s a new kind of model for economic development. I’m really excited, I think there’s great potential for it to make a difference for Elkford.”
Sparwood Mayor David Wilks said he’s optimistic but wants to see the idea fully fleshed out before a final decision is made.
“I’m excited to see how it looks. I want to see how that works from a perspective of a bylaw through the RDEK,” said Wilks. “Where I get concerned is the long-term funding. We’re in it for the long haul once we start, so let’s iron out the details prior to that just to make sure we’re all on the same page. If we can get through that, I think it’s a great opportunity for the entire Elk Valley.”
That said, a formal bylaw has not been up for discussion just yet, as it still needs to be written and passed through the RDEK’s planning committee.