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Wednesday, February 13,

 

 

1985

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DEVELOPMENT CONTR

Economic development took another
bold leap forward with the signing
of a federal government contract to
help promote business and community
groups in New Westminster.

The Industrial Adjustment Service
contract was signed last week by
Douglas College President Bill Day,
Employment and Immigration represen-
tatives Richard Cruchley and Carol
Badger, Ella Matsen from the New
Westminster and District Labour
Council and Alan Riches, ventures
manager for Scott paper and repre-
sentative for the Royal City Develop-
ment Group.

The contract guarantees money for
planning new strategies in the New
Westminster area, and the development
group is looking for the input of all
special interest groups, Riches said.

The federal government will be match-
ing local resources on a 50/50 basis
to help make economic redevelopment
in New Westminster a reality.

"We have brought a great diversity of
people together to talk about this

very worthwhile and satisfying acti-
vity," Riches said. "It's not often

we can get people from all the differ-
ent special interest groups together."

The money will be used much in the

same manner as that which put together

the recently completed 1984 Economic
Profile of New Westminster. This
profile will also be the base for the

lapproval," Riches says.

 

  

development strategy, Riches said.

By comparing the statistics shown
in the profile, with the economic
situation New Westminster groups
would like to see, the RCCDA can
make recommendations on what type
of businesses to attract, or where
expansion should take place, he
adds.

"We'll be putting together a task
force to analyze the profile, and
then start looking for input from
groups like the rate payers associ-
ations, the Chamber of Commerce, the
Labour Council, and provincial,
federal and local governments,"
Riches said.

With Douglas College volunteering
the services of their computer time,
and businesses and governments pro-
viding the financial assistance, the
RCCDA is hopeful a strategy could be
prepared as early as January 1986.

"We'll be monitoring the situation
as it unfolds, and then take our
final proposals to city council for
"City hall
will ultimately have the responsi-
bility for ensuring our recommenda-
tions are used."

DOUGLAS COLLEGE NEWS SERVICES