By working together, three local governments are expanding their business reach.
Tri-Council, consisting of the Town of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, is promoting the area and advertising the opportunities offered here.
“The project began two years ago with the three governments signing a friendship accord,” said
The Pas Mayor Jim Scott. “We made a commitment to work together.”
The partnership has developed to a level of great cooperation. The initiative is one of the first of its kind in the country that includes a rural municipality, First Nation and town council joining forces, something Scott is proud of and reports as working well.
“We used to just go about our own business and not consult each other,” said Scott. “We’ve come to a point now where we wouldn’t do anything without talking to the other members of our community.”
Through the cooperative nature of Tri-Council, Scott believes the entire area will benefit.
Work behind the scenes led to a new economic development website and brochure showcasing the area. The package, unveiled to the public this month, includes promotional information and insight into the offerings and opportunities in the area. Designed as a resource to attract potential business, information on taxation, infrastructure, workforce and investment opportunities are outlined.
Scott explained that businesses will do a great deal of research before coming to an area. Much of that research is done before local officials are even aware that the business is interested in the area.
“We want to make sure we have all the right information available and accessible so we can get on people’s radar,” said Scott. “We want to say: ‘Look at us and do business with us.’”
Transportation options, utility costs, housing prices, and demographics are all laid out in a professional-looking package to attract the attention of anyone wanting to do business in the area.
“There is a lot of information and it’s easy to access,” said Scott.
With the marketing pieces launched, the group will now be looking at ways to use the resource. Scott said this is the first step in the process and the group will continue to expand on ideas to promote the area.
“We needed to get to Point A, having the information available, and now we will look at how we can use it,” he said.
The full website launched by the group can be found at www.tricouncil.ca.
