Pemberton’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan identifies ways for the Village of Pemberton (VoP) to create additional revenue sources outside of taxation while creating an environment favourable to attracting and retaining current, new and diverse investment, increasing local employment and building a robust and sustainable community. It also focuses on two specific sectors for economic development: tourism and food and agriculture. These two sectors were selected based on the Village’s current existing strengths as well as external opportunities.
Pemberton’s business community members were engaged in the development of this Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan through two online surveys, focus group discussions, one-on-one interviews, and stakeholder workshops. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process for developing this Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan was delayed, and business members re-engaged to understand the impacts of the pandemic on the business environment.
A strategic planning process was conducted following four steps:
Where are we now?
- Community economic profile
- SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
Where are we going?
- Mission
- Goals
How do we get there?
- Strategies and actions
The last step identifies strategies and actions for four focus areas: new non-taxation revenues, business retention and expansion, tourism, and food and agriculture.
The Strategy and Action Plan is expected to be completed in 2022.