Stony Plain launches Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan

Article content

Stony Plain is continuing to grow and prosper economically.

Article content

Stony Plain Administration presented the new Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan to Stony Plain Council during their Apr. 8 council meeting.

Article content

“Today marks an important milestone in our journey for economic development,” said Michelle Levasseur, Economic Development Officer. “This will guide our efforts in fostering growth, prosperity, and resilience in our vibrant community.”

Through research and conversation, as well as the help from Patricia Huntsman Culture and Communications, the Town of Stony Plain started developing an updated Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan focused on emerging trends, diversifying economic development opportunities and sectors, as well as outlining key initiatives to support businesses and community members. With this plan, the Town of Stony Plain’s goals include but are not limited to creating new jobs, sustaining existing jobs, and aligning economic development with the development plan and key projects such as the Highway Development Strategy.

Article content

“The project officially began in June 2023 with the engagement of Patricia Huntsman and her team,” said Levasseur. “They immediately began reviewing the Highway Development Strategy and conducting additional research and analysis of other plans and areas that would impact and contribute to the strategy.”

Four key sessions were held with residents, businesses, industry groups, and internal stakeholders.

“Working closely with Patricia’s team, we analyzed and validated the input received and research accumulated. The culmination of this effort resulted in the draft Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan,” explained Levasseur.

With the work of these stakeholders and all the input received, the key engagement themes were that the town would benefit from heightened presence to pursue economic opportunities effectively which highlights the need for proactive engagement and visibility. Other key engagement themes include many aspects focused on the balance between economic development and quality of life, including arts, culture, and recreation.

Article content

Another key engagement theme revolves around the strengthening of business relationships and attracting additional investments by enhancing the capabilities of the economic business development unit, with stakeholders reiterating that economic development is required and a vital component of community building to enhance quality of life in Stony Plain.

“Throughout the development of this strategy, one underlying tone resonated strongly, that being the important of being future ready.” Levasseur said. “This encompasses our commitment to anticipate and adapt to emerging trends, ensuring that Stony Plain remains agile and resilient in a rapidly evolving landscape.”

The vision is clearly stated, ‘Stony Plain is an equitable and attractive destination, where everyone actively enjoys the rewards of economic opportunities, creating a thriving and inclusive community’. Values associated with this new strategic plan include being future-ready, unforgettable, bold, a trusted partner, agile, and resilient.

Article content

The four strategic priorities outlined in the plan include creating an attractive, investment, and future-ready community, bolstering strategic partnerships and collaborations, enhancing the local business ecosystem, and optimizing municipal services.

The first priority, creating an attractive, investment, and future-ready community, has the set objectives of a one-year supply of strategically managed, development-ready non-residential land in Stony Plain, an objective to elevate the Stony Plain brand locally, provincially, and nationally through strategic online and offline initiatives, and market and communicate Stony Plain’s target sectors through strategic initiatives.

Bolstering strategic partnerships and collaborations, the next priority, has objectives not limited to cultivating, establishing, and maintaining key stakeholder partnerships to strengthen Stony Plain’s economic development, making sure economic reconciliation pathways are identified and guided by Indigenous peoples, and continuing to be a strategic collaborator within the Tri-Municipal Region with distinct and competitive positioning

Article content

The third priority, enhancing the local business ecosystem, is to be achieved through the objectives strengthening local business collaboration and enhancing support services, implementing Comprehensive Business Retention and Expansion Programming, and supporting transition to the next generation of business owners and investors.

Finally, the objectives to support the final priority, optimizing municipal services, includes making sure internal conditions are further developed and enhanced to help economic development flourish, ensuring organizational practices, capacity, and workload are optimized, and enhancing and clearly communicating Stony Plain’s development requirements to prospective industry.

“The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan reflect our collective vision for Stony Plain’s future. It lays the foundation for sustainable growth, job creation, and enhanced quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor William Choy.

Article content