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ities will be available, and in a form that respects fu-
ture economic realities and facilitates the transition
process.
GENERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OBJECTIVES
1. Build a diverse and resilient economic base
capable of providing adequate jobs for Chilli-
wack’s growing labour force.
2. Create a wide array of employment prospects
that can meet the employment needs of youth
and the career aspirations of a skilled labour
force.
3. Expand the local economy on the City’s
strengths in human and natural resources,
community assets, location and business cul-
ture.
4. Develop an economy that complements com-
munity values in environmental protection,
social equity, recognition and celebration of
excellence in technology, entrepreneurship
and innovation, as well as stewardship and re-
sponsibility.
5. Foster community and government partner-
ships in economic development.
6. Reinforce the Downtown as the economic
centre of the city.
7. Create a community with knowledge and un-
derstanding of agriculture, and maximize com-
munity support for agricultural sustainability.
POLICIES
1. Maintain a strong local employment base for the
long term growth of the labour force, and to con-
tain out-of-town commuting.
2. Identify short and long term economic trends and
future industrial growth opportunities.
3. Focus long term economic development on:
•
Promoting agriculture
•
Building on natural and environmental assets
•
Capitalizing on Chilliwack’s strategic regional
location
•
Developing a skilled labour force
•
Exploring research and innovation opportu-
nities
•
Expanding employment land capacity
•
Nurturing community development, a bal-
anced lifestyle and a supportive business
culture
•
Attracting industries and commercial enter-
prises that generate high employment levels
and maximize the use of the employment
land reserve or densify existing business/in-
dustrial sites.
4. Develop a framework for the City’s future eco-
nomic development plan and initiatives with oth-
er community stakeholders.
a. Through CEPCO, lead all stakeholders
and the public in economic development
planning, including business recruitment,
marketing and general promotion of the
community.
b. Explore and promote opportunities for
joint initiatives among Chilliwack busi-
nesses, enterprises, local schools, the UFV,
other educational facilities, First Nations,
the agricultural/agri-business sector and
the tourist industry.
5. Ensure adequate growth capacity to support the
continued expansion of the local economy under
the conditions of a limited industrial and com-
mercial land reserve.
6. Promote both business park developments and
small industries that thrive in a mixed use, urban
environment
7. Initiate and support downtown revitalization proj-
ects.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
OBJECTIVES
1. Promote excellence in industries that reflect Chil-
liwack’s strengths, innovation and entrepreneur-
ship.
Goal 3 - Grow the Economy