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Economic & Community Development

WHAT WE DO

The Economic & Community Development Department facilitates, promotes and enhances economic development across the community. The team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the economic development function, which includes tourism, product development, and marketing. Economic Development involves significant contact with the local business community, industries and government agencies, as well as, responsibility for gathering data research and application. Coordination of local land use planning programs to attract and enable business retention and attraction as well as encourage industry investment. 

In addition to The Official Community Plan and other District documents the Economic Development team is guided by two documents ;

Completed 2023 Priority Projects

Commercial and Residential Development

  • Saddle Club purchase is progressing with the Northeast Region Consultation Team.
  • Received 24 business and investment inquiries for lot sales.
  • Conducted updated appraisals for Monkman RV Park and Industrial Park parcels.

 Professional Development:

  • Attended the BC Economic Development Association Summit and several webinars on tourism, sustainability, and business retention.
  • Ms. Finegan presented at the Summit on outdoor recreation and the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association.
  • Ms. Olsen presented at the Union of BC Municipalities conference on economic resilience and at Dawson Creek Secondary’s Career Fair on local government and graphic design.
  • Completed courses: Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples, BC Sustainability & Resilience Planning Program, and Principles of Public Relations.

 Destination Management/Outdoor Recreation

  • Led the formation of the Tumbler Ridge Outdoor Recreation Association, uniting four prominent recreation user groups to advocate and strategize for outdoor recreation.
  • Initiated a Trails and Destination Management Strategy to drive innovative and sustainable tourism growth.

 Digital and Website Development

  • Developed an in-house, 70-page tourism website highlighting Tumbler Ridge’s landscapes, activities, and quality of life.
  • Assisted the Lions Club in launching an online camping reservation system and designed signage and graphics.

 FoodCycler Program

  • Implemented the FoodCycler program, distributing 130 units to residents to compost food waste, diverting 33.3 MT of food waste annually from landfills.
  • Achieved a 93% participant continuation rate.

 Grants and Grant Writer

  • Secured grants from NDIT for Grant Writer Support, Economic Development Capacity Building, Business Façade Improvement, and Shop Local Initiative programs.
  • Applied for the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, awaiting spring 2024 decision.
  • The Community Grant Writer secured $368,000 in funding for local groups and businesses.

 Childcare Taskforce. 

  • Collaborated with stakeholders to address short-term childcare crises and develop long-term strategies.

 Marketing & Graphic Design:

  • Managed social media campaigns, increasing engagement and promoting district events.
  • Led the Snorider’s Sledtown Showdown campaign, winning Western Canada’s #Sledtown champion for 2023.
  • Utilized Crowdriff for visual content marketing.
  • Created graphics for events, signage, and the Tumbler Ridge Triathlon.
  • Produced business directories, email newsletters, and print advertisements.
  • Managed promotional item inventory and ordering.

Tradeshows:

  • Participated in the UBCM tradeshow, the Alberta Snowmobile, ATV & Off-Road Show, the Edmonton RV Show, and the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show, showcasing Tumbler Ridge as a prime destination.

Networking and Industry Engagement:

  • Led the 2023 Tumbler Ridge Business Walk, visiting 30 businesses.
  • Conducted a regional FAM tour with the Geopark team.
  • Celebrated Tourism Week, Small Business Week, and Economic Development Week.
  • Engaged in Northeast BC Tourism Co-op and other tourism meetings and workshops.
  • Collaborated on NBCTA projects, hosted travel writers, and participated in community events.

Learn more at Invest Tumbler Ridge and Visit Tumbler Ridge


The Economic Development Team:

Jessie Olsen, Director of Economic & Community Development

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242
Email: Email

Sydney Blunden, Economic Development Assistant

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242
Email: Email


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