In today's busy world we often do not take the time to celebrate what has been accomplished and to look ahead to the next priorities. From an economic development perspective a number of developments in the year 2000 will help secure a stable economic future for Revelstoke.

A summary of key investments is:

• Completion of the Water Filtration Plant secures a healthy water supply for the future.
   
• Telus installed an ATM switch enabling Revelstoke to be connected to the information super highway.
   
• Glacier House Resort, a $3 million tourism project opened in July building on the growing snowmobile tourism market.
   
• Revelstoke Resort completed the Concept Development Plan for a destination resort at Mount Mackenzie and entered into an Interim Agreement with the Province to further the project.
   
• Downie Timber invests $9 million to install a new head rig and carriage, additional sorting capability and technology in order to maintain its competitive position in the lumber industry.
   
• Natural Resources Canada completed the District Energy Options Report for the City and Downie Timber.

Looking Forward...

Early in the year 2001, the "Revelstoke and Area Community Development Action Plan" will be completed. This innovative strategic plan endeavors to link social and economic priorities and projects to guide the City and community organizations in their future investments.

The Millennium Gateway Monuments will be constructed on Victoria Road at the railway underpass by the end of May, inviting more of the 4 million travellers on the Trans Canada highway to stop and explore our historic mountain town. The setting of enhancement priorities for Victoria Road will be established and the City in partnership with local businesses will build several "enhancement signage units" on Victoria Road.

Downie Timber and the City will enter into a "Memorandum of Cooperation" to assess the technologies, develop a detailed proposal and establish agreements for a cogeneration and district-heating project based upon the use of Downie's woodwaste. This project would improve air quality, reduce co2 emissions, provide a locally sustainable energy supply and create additional investment and employment.

With the transfer of CP Rail jobs to Calgary and other Cities, the closure of the Goldstream Mine and the Naya Bottling Plant during the past five years, Revelstoke has been losing population, particularly younger families. In response, a priority in 2001 will be to market Revelstoke as a place to live for people who have the flexibility to select where they live and work. The new Revelstoke Economic Development Website will be the cornerstone in recruiting entrepreneurs to live in and work from Revelstoke.

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