DIDSBURY - Town council has approved three economic development projects with a total cost of $60,000.
“All the projects align with the economic development strategy and support fulfillment of council’s vision and priorities,” said the town's chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner during the recent council meeting where the projects were approved.
“Economic development developed a comprehensive project plan that includes detailed objectives, action items, key performance measures, timelines, potential budget implications, and assigned responsibilities.”
The Didsbury Quality of Life and Business Video - Image Library project has a cost of $10,000 in 2024.
“The proposal aims to develop a comprehensive photo and video library as a marketing tool for business and investment attraction, business retention and expansion, residents attraction and increase visitation,” he said in a briefing note to council.
“By leveraging high-quality visual content, the community can create a comprehensive narrative that highlights its strengths and opportunities, ultimately driving business growth and economic development.”
The project will showcase community assets and support real estate development including “visual tours of available commercial properties, making it easier for potential investors and businesses to assess opportunities remotely.”
The Business Resource Pamphlet project has a cost of $5,000 in 2024-25.
“By providing a centralized source of information, the pamphlet will support economic growth, improve quality of life, and encourage collaboration among businesses and community members.
“The pamphlet will provide essential information about local resources, services and opportunities, foster economic growth and community engagement and much needed information for newcomers.”
The pamphlet will be available in print and digital format on the town’s website.
The Augmented Reality Tool Project has cost of $45,000 in 2024.
“Augmented reality offers a unique opportunity to blend the physical world with digital elements, providing tourists with immersive and interactive experiences that enrich their exploration of a destination.
“Various Didsbury locations and landmarks, points of interest and history, such as the museum are included in this designation tool.”
In response to a followup inquiry from the Albertan, Lisa Bastarache, communications coordinator with the town, provided a statement about the project.
“We do not yet have many details about what the project will include or look like, as we are in the early stages,” she said. “Council approval was required to move forward in applying for and securing funding. Council looks forward to seeing this project move forward.
“Once we are further along in the process and have more information, it will be shared on our website, social media channels, and the town hall news which is distributed along with utility bills each month.”
Alexa Ross, the town’s economic development coordinator, said the project will support Didsbury’s efforts in business retention and tourism.
The funding for all three projects will come from the economic development reserve account.
New service group funding
Meanwhile, council also approved a new service group funding policy, which establishes a framework for the Town of Didsbury to provide operational funding for Didsbury-based service organizations.
Under the policy the Town of Didsbury Library Board, the Didsbury & District Historical Society and the Didsbury Lions Club will be considered annually for funding on a per capita basis.
The policy also states that “council may invite select not-for-profit organizations not listed in this policy to present to council proposals for operational or capital funding requests.”
Deputy mayor Curt Engel and councillor Bill Windsor did not attend the June 25 council meeting.
