The Town of Comox is creating its first-ever economic development strategy, focused on job creation, investment, downtown vitality, and workforce and resident attraction.
Residents and the business community are being asked to share their ideas about how to boost the economy and enhance quality of life through two public engagement sessions.
Next week, the public, businesses and other community partners will come together to explore opportunities and provide ideas to create a long-term Downtown Enhancement Action Plan.
Registration and session details are hosted through the Comox Business in Action (BIA) Eventbrite website, with links provided on the Town’s website at comox.ca/economicdevelopmentstrategy.
• Downtown Action Plan – Session 1 – Assess and Conceptualize
Monday, November 6 from 4:30 – 6 p.m.
• Downtown Action Plan – Session 2 – Prioritizing Actions
Wednesday, November from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The economic development strategy will guide efforts to support and grow existing businesses and attract workforce and investment. The strategy also aims to connect the dots to a broader community development action plan that enables job creation, including downtown enhancement, placemaking, housing choice and affordability, and more flexible commercial form and function for today’s entrepreneurs needing more nimble solutions.
The strategy is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.
Background
The Town of Comox, who is leading the initiative, has retained consulting firm Rynic to develop the strategy, as the result of a public request for proposal process. The strategy will have a strong focus on investment and resident attraction. Community engagement to date has highlighted a desire to leverage key economic infrastructure including the downtown, marina, airport, and employment lands; explore economic diversification opportunities; and achieve a balance between economic opportunity and enhancement of lifestyle living Comox is known for.