Rossland’s Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) is seeking willing residents to help with its upcoming projects.
The task force made a presentation to council in December, seeking guidance on its priorities and its need for volunteers.
With the help of council, the EDTF pared its original six iniatitives down to three, which include enhancing its broadband service by improving reliability and access to high-speed internet, address the declining housing affordability in Rossland, and increase the number of child care spaces in the Golden City. The task force estimates there are 100 day-care spots available for 700 children in the community.
But the task force needs helping hands to implement change and see these projects through.
“Now is the moment we need to increase the size of the EDTF to tackle these urgent issues,” said Coun. Janice Nightingale, who is also a member of the task force. “We need members who will focus on the project of their choice and work as part of a small team to make progress.
“No previous experience with Economic Development or the particular issues is required – we want people with a passion for their area of focus who can dedicate a few hours each week.”
The EDTF was originally part of the Visions to Action initiative back in early 2000, which focused on creating new businesses, and helping them prosper.
It’s new iteration came about in 2021, after council re-introduced the task force.
“Re-created mid-2021, the task force finds Rossland growth a foregone conclusion and instead we’ve focused on managing that growth to align with community needs,” said EDTF chair Jim Firstbrook.
The task force compiles and analyzes information associated with Community Economic Development, identifies issues that need to be addressed and develops recommendations for discussion and endorsement at the Sustainability Commission table for presentation to c ouncil.
The EDTF has engaged with Rosslanders and the ecosystem of regional economic development partners over the past eight months and came up with its list of objectives intended to help the community.
“Volunteerism has always been a force multiplier in Rossland and allows us to enjoy a higher quality of life and a broader range of services and events than we otherwise could,” said Mayor Kathy Moore.
“As a small city, economic development and stability is key to continuing to enjoy the amazing community we all have chosen for our home.”
A Volunteer Coordination Effort is another project under consideration, said Moore.
The EDTF tries to attract and retain entrepreneurs and businesses, especially nomadic entrepreneurs and small technology companies that do not require extensive space or properties.
The EDTF meets weekly for an hour and reports to Rossland’s Sustainability Commission.
If interested in volunteering contact the clerk of development services by email: development.services@rossland.ca.
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