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 ;
- The five-year Tumbler Ridge Tourism Strategy 2020-2024 entitled “Land of Ancient Footprints, Land of New Discoveries”
- Investment Readiness and Economic Development Plan, a three-year plan 2018-2020.
2024 Work Plan & Initiatives
Key Projects in 2024:
- Economic Development Strategy - In partnership with Lochaven Consulting, this strategy explores opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, technology, and emerging industries to ensure the community’s long-term resilience.
- Residential Development Plan - Developed with Urban Systems, this plan establishes a strategic framework for responsible and sustainable growth, evaluating land parcels for housing development while considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
- Zoning Bylaw Update - Actively participated in updating the Zoning Bylaw update, ensuring alignment with long-term economic and residential development priorities.
Professional Development:
- Attended BC Economic Development Association Summit, BC Tourism Industry Conference, Northern BC Tourism Summit and multiple webinars on sustainability, digital marketing, and business retention.
- Completed training in Crisis Communication Planning, Emergency Operations Centres, and Cultural Sensitivity Awareness.
Destination Management & Outdoor Recreation:
- Initiated a Trails and Destination Management Strategy in partnership with TRORA to drive sustainable tourism growth.
Grant & Grant Writing:
- Partnered with Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) to work with Kyldar Consulting as a dedicated Community Grant Researcher/Writer. Kyldar secured $160,000 in funding for local businesses and organizations, with an additional $588,000 pending.
- The Economic Development team successfully secured $100,000 for the Economic Development Strategy through the Rural Economic Development & Infrastructure Fund.
Marketing Websites & Graphic Design:
- Launched Shop Tumbler Ridge featuring 213 local businesses.
- Ran the 12 Days of Christmas campaign, driving $10K+ in local spending and 8,000+ social media impressions.
- Summer social media campaigns reached 177,800+ people with 467,600+ impressions.
- Utilized Crowdriff for visual content marketing.
- Created graphics for events, signage, and promotions, including the Go KARTS project.
- Designed business directories, newsletters, and ads; managed promotional materials.
Tradeshow, Networking & Business Support:
- Promoted Tumbler Ridge at FCM (Calgary) and Alberta Off-Road Show (Edmonton).
- Hosted a networking event to launch the Shop Local Directory and Economic Development Strategy.
- Delivered digital training for local businesses and celebrated key economic awareness weeks.
- Appointed Director on the Northern BC Tourism Board and served on the PRRD Regional Growth Strategy Steering Committee.
- Responded to 43 business/property inquiries and facilitated one District land sale.
Learn more at Invest Tumbler Ridge and Visit Tumbler Ridge
The Economic Development Team:
Jessie Olsen, Director of Economic & Community Development
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242
Sydney Blunden, Economic Development Assistant
305 Iles Way, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0
Phone: 250-242-4242