Economic development was a focus at the latest Creighton town council meeting, as Mayor Bruce Fidler shared ideas from a recent Saskatchewan Economic Development Association (SEDA) conference.
Fidler said a key topic at the conference, held in Humboldt in early November, was retaining and transitioning local businesses.
He added that two highlights of the conference were contacts he gained, and information he learned about different projects and programs to promote economic development.
One of these projects is a database called Townfolio.
Townfolio aggregates data for towns that register for a detailed profile on the site, creating a homepage for each town that highlights key demographic data, among other things.
In a recent interview with the Humboldt Journal, Townfolio co-founder Ryley Iverson called the site “the LinkedIn of the economic development industry.”
Fidler said a listing on Townfolio could be a useful marketing tool for Creighton, helping the town connect with industries and businesses looking for locations for investments.
“It’s more for us to get our name and interest out there, to say that we are interested in bringing industry in and working with them and partnering with them if need be,” Fidler said.
Fidler also brought up the Saskatchewan Youth Initiative, a youth internship program that provides assistance to non-profits who employ youth aged 15 to 30 for information and communication technology roles.
Fidler suggested that council might look at leveraging this program to employ an economic development officer.
Bylaw amendment
In another matter at the Nov. 10 meeting, word came that council is considering a zoning bylaw amendment that would further regulate the placement and maintenance of sea cans or shipping containers in town limits.
Town administrator Paula Muench explained the amendment has been drawn up in response to concerns from residents.
Community relations
Town recreation director Channa Senyk was appointed as the Town of Creighton liaison on the committee for Flin Flon Celebrates Canada 150th Birthday event in 2017.
Council also carried a motion to make a $200 donation to the Rotary Club of Flin Flon for the Operation Red Nose campaign. Red Nose provides free rides home to people, in their own vehicles, during the holidays.
Council further approved a letter of support for the Red Cross Personal Disaster Assistance Program. The program assists area residents enduring a personal disaster, such as a house fire.
In her October recreation report, Senyk noted that the Via Rail Grey Cup Tour on Oct. 19, a joint initiative with Flin Flon, attracted about 250 participants.
Upcoming recreation events in Creighton include a National Addictions Awareness Week skate on Saturday, Nov. 21, the Christmas Family Dance on Friday, Dec. 11, and Skate with the Bombers on Sunday, Dec.13.
