Initiative

BC is rife with under-utilized brownfield industrial land. Small, one-industry communities remember “the mill” glory days. What’s old is new in Gold River, where a legacy forestry mill property – 1 of only 5 deep water access industrial ports on Vancouver Island (a rare 180 acres of big-block land) – is today a vital cog in the wheel for a Canada in need of new and global economic ways forward.

A pragmatic, specific, and action-oriented Economic Development Plan recognizes the importance of continuing to build industrial legacy. An industrial shovel-ready agenda is supported by industrial economic diversification, advocacy, and government relations actions. A 60% of effort in the Plan.

There’s a desire to nurture a self-sufficient community that creates quality jobs, generates revenue that helps pay for desired services and amenities, and fully recapitalizes the Village’s assets – from streets to recreation facilities. While industrial development is required to achieve this, there’s more to Gold River’s story to come.

With vivid coast rainforest, tourism diversification pathways are identified. An additional 20% of effort in the Plan.

And as with all strategy, connecting the dots in both “seeing the story” of place and enabling broader community development is vital to success in altering the trajectory of community in positive ways. For Gold River, housing affordability and choice (particularly to support the tourism industry), a grocery store, village centre enhancement, and community leadership empowerment feature.

Human spirit is…free; impossibility is barrier of the mind. There is much the Village of Gold River can do – presented in the Plan – as matters of policy here, or a paintbrush there, or empowered community leadership on an enduring basis. The Plan is specific, recognizing economic development resources to “do things” in small communities are limited and choices need to be careful. A remaining 20% of effort in the Plan. Of note, the Village of Gold River has now incorporated an economic development officer function into its Administration to be able to implement the Plan.

Nature itself…Nootka Sound…the ocean…the west coast rainforest…will continue to be unbridled, big self in its rhythm of the seasons…breathing itself into the souls and spirit of people here now, and inspired to move here. Nature whispers the secrets of the good life here: Get out…side. Smell the freshest air. Hear…the quiet. Feel the friendly in the locals. Feel free to imagine and create in new and unconstrained ways. There’s nothing usual about Gold River. As any Gold River resident would tell you, life is better that way.