Initiative

I got off a plane and was welcomed by Jorge Aldana, Economic Development Officer, Town of San Pedro, Belize. What had I got myself into? The challenge before us…create San Pedro’s first-ever tourism-focused economic development strategy in a community with no previous experience doing so….in a week. Home of the largest reef in the western hemisphere (and the healthiest large reef in the world), San Pedro is grappling with a core desire to articulate what environmental and tourism sustainability means amidst a community also grappling with strong tourism growth and development pressures as the biggest economic generator in Belize. These can be competing interests, which greatly complicates a path forward. Significant collaborative learning was required to build a base from which to make informed decisions about a strategic future. And amidst it all, a very bright light of energy of people wanting a better future for their families and community.

While the context is international, the dynamic has all the hallmarks of the tourism challenges Canmore faces.

The mechanics of learning and strategizing were built on engagement with 100 residents, including: consultant educational talks about community building and tourism development; meetings with key municipal officials; four workshops with each of Mayor and Council, municipal staff, tourism operators, and general community stakeholders, vision/strategy direction interpreted by a three person Belizean project team plus Rynic; and a final community open house to present direction, get feedback, and talk proactively about the future.

The plan, entitled “Green Ways” is a sustainable tourism strategy with an ambitious vision at its heart: “As the #1 marine reef tourism destination in the world, we will lead and innovate in creating a green economy that provides opportunities for prosperous and happy lives for our residents.” The Plan mixes both job creation and community-building enablers, and sets a course for San Pedro to be a governance leader in Belize, and a global tourism leader.

As I stood in a hot and humid, open air event facility in downtown San Pedro watching 50 people at a community forum talk with energy, hope and commitment to future of family and community in a final presentation, I knew it would always be the best week of my work life. What we did together mattered. What we did together would change things for the better.

development strategy via attraction of creators, entrepreneurs and footloose workforce attracted to a Fort Frances value proposition).