Initially organized as the Pender Harbour and District Board of Trade – September 27, 2014

Shop Local

Board Members Leonard Lee President Dave Milligan Past-President Signage Elaine Park Vice-President Kerry Milligan Treasurer Secretary Larry Curtiss Highways Troy Callewaert Shop Local Mike Ryan Harbour Days Don Fraser VIC/Gardens Ralph LinnmannDave Davies Harbour Authority Bruce Thompson Industrial Commissioner

Board Members Ken Johnson Music Advisor Work from home Musician, Composer, Producer Todd Slobogean Business Advisor Self Employed and Local employer Home Office Warehousing, Machinery Sales Carey Threlkeld Business Advisor Local Employer, Storefront, Retail Dwayne Dobson Business Advisor Self Employed Work from Home Marketing and Technology

Planning There are many economic plans such as: – 2002 Community Economic Development Strategic Plan Lower Sunshine Coast, – 2004 Gibsons Economic Development Strategic Plan – 2009 Banff Community Plan – 2012 Ucluelet Economic Development Strategy We now have an economic strategy targeted for Pender Harbour and Egmont.

The UBC Sauder School of Business Community Business Project

Interesting observations Strengths: a relaxed lifestyle, world-class natural attractions, favourable real estate prices and a lively, engaged community Weaknesses: gaps in infrastructure and services, a small population, an undiversified industrial base and ineffective, uncoordinated marketing Ferries are an asset – lower cost and less travel time when compared to major competition

Opportunities Immediate economic improvement possible by focussing on tourism development and the “rural tourist.” We are attractive to new small business enterprises Regional economic development initiatives are underway

Things we could do Develop a clear community brand and image using key messages: – Pender’s clean natural environment within reach of the Lower Mainland – world-class attractions such as Princess Louisa and the Skookumchuck – a vibrant arts scene and interesting history

Things we could do Build a better online presence with a focus on community brand messages Implement a clearly-signed hiking and walkway network Improve public access to lakes and ocean Improve directional and information signage, especially on main roads and at the community entrances

Regional Activities Cooperative regional organizations such as Sunshine Coast Tourism and the trails network working group are producing good results Economic initiatives are in development in Gibsons, Sechelt and the Sechelt Indian Band SCRD is conducting a series of workshops for elected officials to investigate regional economic development

Best Done Regionally Regional Economic Development Office to do proactive business solicitation and follow-up Effective coast-wide marketing campaign Coast-wide signage and branding

Things we are doing Working with service clubs and voluntary groups to create and maintain the festivals and events that make us a destination for visitors. Formed an independent economic development working group Working with service clubs, voluntary groups and various levels of government to improve amenities and infrastructure.

Festivals and Events Visitors Information Center Signage New Web Site Light up the Harbour Pender Harbour Days

Working Group Formed an independent economic development working group

Amenities and Infrastructure

Washrooms at Millennium Park Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour open to the general public

Visitors Information Booth Washrooms administered by the Chamber of Commerce

Hospital Bay Water Access Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour – enhanced access to the water

Hospital Bay Mini Park Harbour Authority and Pender Harbour Rotary Project

Future Opportunities Mini Parks – Lake and Ocean Access – Three realistic Lake opportunities – Six realistic Ocean Access and many more possibilities Heritage Signs – Stories at Cemeteries – Kleindale and Fran Pen – Community Gateway Stories Assistance with Trail Signage – money and labour Develop a trail – Bridge to Spipiyus – old mine road

Proposed Hotel Lake Water Access SCRD park with Pender Harbour Living Heritage stewardship

Proposed Irvines Ocean Access Community Clean-up

Trails, Road ends and District Parks Lakes – Regional - East end of Sakinaw – Hotel Lake – Regional Park next to Sarah Hall – Hotel Lake – Harbour Peak Drive road end Ocean – Regional - Bargain Harbour road end – Cross Tree Irvines road end – Myers road end – Regional - Panorama Road – Regional - Shark Lane – Many Others Assistance with Trail Signage – money and labour Develop a trail – Bridge to Spipiyus – old mine road

Thanks for your help – in the past, today and in the Future