Maintaining and increasing population is an ongoing challenge for small rural communities across the country. The situation in Revelstoke is no exception. Decreasing population can result in reduced levels of social services, school closures, and challenges for local businesses which need a certain size of client base to sustain their operations.

One of the initiatives the City of Revelstoke and the Regional District is working on to help reverse the population decline of the last few years is to develop a strategy to encourage more investment in the community, which will in turn create employment and attract new residents to Revelstoke. Over the summer months, a team of consultants undertook some research on the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy. The consultants also held a focus group meetings with representatives from City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Commission and the Community Futures Development Corporation, and interviewed a number of local business leaders.

Following this work, the consultants prepared a preliminary report which identifies those areas of the economy which we can best promote and advertise to outside investors, and which have the highest potential to result in job creation and contribute to population growth. This report will now be reviewed by the project steering committee. The next step will be to identify potential investors, and identify the most effective way to promote these investment opportunities. Once this work is completed, the strategy will be implemented and the results tracked to monitor progress.

Revelstoke is often described by residents and visitors as "a hidden gem". Through this project, we hope to do a better job of letting the world know what we have to offer, and encourage new business and employers to move to the community to create employment opportunities which will benefit local residents and encourage others to make Revelstoke their home.

For further information call Alan Mason, Director of Community Economic Development, at 837-5345 or e-mail redc@revelstoke.net

'Keep it Positive' Message

At the last meeting of the Economic Development Commission, there was consensus that the whole community needs to present a positive face if we hope to attract new business and residents to move to Revelstoke. We are fortunate to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, an attractive downtown area, some outstanding amenities, and a large number of strong community organizations - all of which contribute to a wonderful quality of life. In addition we have a number of very positive and progressive business leaders in the community, many of whom make a significant contribution to civic life. These are all important assets which make a strong impression on visitors to our city.

It is important to realize that, as residents, we are all ambassadors for our community. The way in which we present ourselves and present information about Revelstoke can make a lasting impression on those who visit our city, and may influence whether or not people make a return visit or tell their friends about the community. Our marketing efforts describe Revelstoke as a mountain "wonderland". Those people who come and spend time in our community, and leave with a very positive impression, are some of our best and most effective advocates.

It is important that if we are giving directions, answering questions about our town, or even engaging in casual conversations with visitors, we should try and keep things upbeat and positive, and encourage our guests to take away a lasting impression of Revelstoke as a friendly and warm community - one which they will want to return to and a place they will encourage others to visit.

We are competing against many other communities both for tourism business and as a good place to start or relocate a business. Lets put ourselves at the "top of the mountain" when it comes to community pride and promoting Revelstoke as a great place to live!

Alan Mason