Recognizing that sustainable and local economic development will help our community thrive now and in the future, Bowen Island residents, businesses, and other community stakeholders are invited to share their ideas for the economic future of Bowen Island.
Funded by the provincial Rural Dividend Fund, and after a pandemic-induced delay, Bowen Island is re-starting work on a community economic development plan in support of our ambition to be a viable, resilient, and sustainable municipality within the Islands Trust and Metro Vancouver.
The project will examine short and long-term issues, needs, and opportunities to enhance existing and new businesses and associated employment. The goal is for the final plan to be comprehensive, easily understood, achievable, innovative and measurable, setting a safe and clear course as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and move ahead in creating a prosperous economic future for all members of the Bowen Island community.
From February to September 2021, community members are invited to help explore economic development priorities of Bowen Islanders. Information on upcoming engagement opportunities will be shared widely with the Bowen Island community through social media, via e-mail, at the ferry terminal, and through existing networks.
Starting February 25, community members are invited to participate in the first round of engagements on sustainable and local economic development for Bowen Island. Please visit www.bowenisland.citizenlab.co for more information and to have your say.
“We hope that everyone will get involved in this important project about the future of Bowen Island. It is essential that we hear from community members who do not typically speak up. We’re aiming for an economic future that creates opportunities for everyone in the Bowen Island community to thrive,” said Mayor Gary Ander.
The Community Economic Development Plan for Bowen Island is scheduled to be completed and made public in September 2021. Opportunities to engage online and in paper format will be publicized over the next several months.
Consultation and plan development is being coordinated by Hill+Knowlton Strategies, working with community engagement expert Vince Verlaan, Principal of OD4Impact, and community economic development expert David Van Seters, Founder and President of Sustainability Ventures.
To help spread the word, we will be hiring individuals to serve as part-time consultation ambassadors. This will be a paid role and training will be provided. Residents seeking more information about this opportunity are encouraged to contact Vince Verlaan, OD4Impact at vince@od4impact.com.