Stephenville's new development plan to boost region's economy earns positive reaction

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — FRANK GALE
THE WESTERN STAR

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — Ross Ryan sees a future in Stephenville for his children.
Ryan, who is a parole officer with Correctional Service Canada and officer-in-charge of Charlie Company, 2nd Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Stephenville, feels the town has a viable economic development plan on the table for moving forward and strong leadership to make it happen.
“I have four teenagers in my household, so I would like to see a future for them in our community,” he said.
He attended the Nov. 8 presentation of the Town of Stephenville’s new Strategic Economic Plan by Mayor Tom Rose and Coun. Mark Felix, who chairs an economic development committee whose members worked to create the document.
Ryan likes the new town logo and how the strategic plan aims to attract people off the Trans-Canada Highway and into the town.
Wendy Brake, who was among the nearly 40 people on hand for the plan's announcement, said it was nice to see the Town of Stephenville put so much effort into trying to boost the area's economy.
As a representative for the Newfoundland and Labrador Francophone Economic Development Network (RDÉE Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador) out of Mainland, she acknowledged the town's regional perspective.
“It’s great how this economic plan can share perspectives on the economics of where I work on the Port au Port Peninsula,” Brake said.
Stephenville town council formed the economic development committee two years ago. It consists of 12 gender-balanced members and represents key business and community partners in the town.
He said this set the stage for a planned professional approach to development, using collaborative partnerships and a coordinated process to improve the local economy.
Felix, who is also chair of the town council’s finance committee, said an ongoing strategy for council is to leverage financial and human resources to achieve its vision and goals.
“To accomplish this, the town should be able to leverage on capital works $8 to (every $1) for the taxpayers and, on community development projects, $3 to (every $1),” he said.
Felix expressed appreciation to all citizens who helped form the foundation for the Stephenville Economic Plan.

[email protected]

Goals of the Stephenville Economic Development Plan:

• Have a comprehensive and progressive infrastructure plan embracing green practices and evolving technologies.
• Alignment of human resources and operational structure with council priorities and direction.
• Enhance town's reputation as a preferred place to do business through a red tape review.
• Strive to lead the province in municipal economic development readiness.
• Be a national model of an inclusive and age-friendly community.
• Become one of the preferred destinations for immigrants and Canadian residents looking to relocate to a smaller community.
• Create the Stephenville Business Opportunities Development Committee as a three-year pilot project to identify and develop business opportunities.
• Designate the Stephenville Innovation Centre as the official town vehicle for business development, retention and expansion.

Source: Stephenville Economic Development Committee