Ideas spoken, opportunities to be determined

They may have made up a small number, but their ideas were big.

The group of residents who turned out for the Community Planning Sessions raised over 50 ideas for economic development for Port aux Basques.

The quality of the ideas was good, and the sessions were "extremely positive" in the opinion of Gerard Merrigan, chair of the town's economic development committee that started the sessions.

Ultimately, the ideas will be sorted into industry sector categories and reported in a municipal strategic economic development plan that is due early February. Public meetings were held on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 to gather the ideas about what direction the town should look to for improvements to the local economic state of the town.

During the first session, some 18 people attended, but only five were not affiliated with a government agency or representing a not-for-profit organization. The second session drew just a few more people.

Once all of the information gathered from the sessions is collated the economic development committee will sift through them to determine the areas of priority.

Coun. Merrigan said he expected to hear ideas around tourism and transportation, but he didn't expect health care to get as much attention as it did. Practically all attendees named ideas for growth stemming from increased health care services and services to seniors.

"When you think about it, with our aging population, it makes sense," said Mr. Merrigan.

All attendees will be invited back to the table for a launch of the town's new strategic economic plan once completed. Mr. Merrigan said he's going to be careful not to "promise the moon," to prevent disappointment in the future like what has happened in the past.

He said there are many positive things happening in Port aux Basques that might not be readily visible, but comes clear when considering how the new housing starts in the past five years have driven property values.

"The fact that these things are happening is positive," said Mr. Merrigan. "From an economic point of view, we're in better shape than we've ever been in."

Mr. Merrigan added that although some may say it's Alberta money that is driving the economy, it really doesn't matter.

"What difference does it really make if the money is coming from Alberta or the Great Lakes? There is none," he said.

editor@gulfnews.ca