The Town has launched an initiative with Active Communities Development Inc. (ACDI) focused on economic development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and ACDI has been signed and the two entities will work together on joint ventures and projects to benefit the area and those who live and work there.
“We all have a vested interest in seeing the community thrive through responsible economic development,” said Mayor Ed MacAulay. “This partnership could make a real impact in our community, and we’re excited with the formation of the committee and the fact that they’re so keen to get started.”
Through the partnership, a new Three Rivers Economic Development Committee has been formed with appointments made by Town officials and ACDI. The committee consists of seven members, including two ACDI board members, Heather MacLean and Clinton Myers; two Town Councillors, Gerard Holland and Larry Creed; and volunteer members, Mark Baker, Sarah Doyle, and Ben McCarron. All three volunteer members live and work in Three Rivers; Ben McCarron is a business developer and tourism operator, Mark Baker is a business owner and developer, and Sarah Doyle is a Chartered Professional Accountant who operates her own accounting service and works with the Abegweit First Nation as a Senior Operations Officer.
The mandate of the Three Rivers Economic Development Committee includes such items as:
- Soliciting and encouraging the establishment and development of new enterprises in and around Three Rivers;
- Encouraging the expansion of existing enterprises in and around Three Rivers;
- Conducting or sponsoring research in the area’s resources;
- Establishing physical infrastructure strategic to the area’s development;
- Conducting or sponsoring projects for the purpose of assisting residents to establish private and/or community enterprises;
- Encouraging the development of tourism opportunities;
- Assisting the arts and culture initiatives in the area, where possible;
- Conducting or sponsoring human resource development measures which will help residents establish businesses or obtain jobs;
- And, working in cooperation with the marina operations within the Town for the promotion and expansion of tourism related initiatives.
“We are excited to be part of this committee and work towards the common goal of bettering our community,” said ACDI Board Chair Roger Steadman. “We are looking forward to working with the Town of Three Rivers to carry out new projects that will be beneficial for residents and the business community.”
The committee will meet monthly and shall report to Council quarterly. The next meeting is scheduled for October 6.
To submit ideas or feedback to the committee, contact the Committee Chair, Sarah Doyle, at sarahdoylecpa@gmail.com
