Through the completed Service Review Process for Service 550 at the Comox Valley Regional District, all local governments, including the Town of Comox, will be shifting towards a local economic development service delivery model while destination marketing and visitor services will remain regional.
“The change to the local delivery of economic development will be a benefit for the Town of Comox and I believe, for the region as a whole,” says Comox Mayor Russ Arnott. “With local autonomy, the Town of Comox can focus on growing our business and industrial sectors in a sustainable manner to help alleviate the tax burden on residents while helping to provide jobs that keep up with the ever-rising costs of living. Comox has very little ‘employment lands’ available and it is vital that we use them to the best of our abilities.
“The regional focus for our tourism sector will help continue to build on the great work started by Comox Valley Economic Development Society (CVEDS) and now continued by Vancouver Island Tourism to show the world the wonders of the Comox Valley. All Comox Valley communities have a strong sense of pride and partnership that will continue to be shown by this renewed commitment to cooperation.”
The Town will contract into a regional visitor information and destination marketing service at the Comox Valley Regional District and continue providing financial contributions to the outstanding mortgage of the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre until the debt is completed. The Town will also be included in any benefits as it relates to disposition, lease, or re-purposing of the facility during that timeframe.
To learn more about the Comox Valley Economic Development Service report, please visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/ecdev.