Colwood is taking steps to plan for the future with a unique, comprehensive approach.
Although still awaiting budget approval, staff started work on some of the cityB次元官网网址檚 identified strategic priorities for the near future, including planning for traffic and economic development.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 time to chart the way forward,B次元官网网址� said Michael Baxter, director of engineering.
The terms of reference for the transportation master plan were developed with public input.
A unique aspect of the project is its co-ordination with the cityB次元官网网址檚 economic development strategy, also being developed this year.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 no point in having an economic development strategy that requires road service that the transportation master plan does not allow for,B次元官网网址� Baxter said. B次元官网网址淭he two need to be in sync.B次元官网网址�
Both projects are in the cityB次元官网网址檚 list of top 11 strategic priorities.
Also being considered at the same time are the proposed storm water management plan, the land use bylaw update and an update to the cityB次元官网网址檚 official community plan.
Gas tax funds are covering much of the budget for the projects.
B次元官网网址�(LetB次元官网网址檚) take a holistic approach, as opposed to a more narrow approach,B次元官网网址� said Iain Bourhill, planner. B次元官网网址淐ertainly itB次元官网网址檚 got challenges but itB次元官网网址檚 also an opportunity to build on the strengths of each plan.B次元官网网址�
ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 economic development strategy which Bourhill is spearheading, is intended to help the city grow economically in a way which promotes Colwood as both a place to live and work.
An ad hoc working group, with members from council, city staff and Dan Spinner from WestShore Chamber of Commerce, will meet to determine the scope, select a consultant and monitor the project.
The plan is to arrange public open houses dealing with the multiple projects, rather than for the specific plans. Public input will be sought for the terms of reference for the economic development strategy.
B次元官网网址淲here there are overlapping goals and priorities and actions that can be aligned between the different plans, they can be mutually supportive,B次元官网网址� Bourhill said.
