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Community
Report Card
Following
the development of the Action Swift Current community partnership
over three years ago, ten key projects were identified to help create
growth for the community of Swift Current. Today, many groups
across the province of Saskatchewan, Canada and the world have recognized
the accomplishments of our community.
Looking
at the 10 projects originally identified, much has been accomplished.
This has been through dedicated commitment from many individuals,
groups, and organizations; a true community effort.
The
following is a sample of many projects that have been completed,
are ongoing, or are in the planning stages by community members,
clubs, organizations, business associations, and government.
At this point we wanted to "report" to the businesses
of Swift Current. Three years ago, it was these 10 projects
that were identified, and to continue creating an atmosphere of
growth for Swift Current it is necessary to see where we have come
from, what has taken place, and where we are headed. Future
action has only been listed where there are planned initiatives
or events. It is not saying that further projects cannot be
undertaken, but rather that to date nothing has been planned.
If you, the reader have ideas for future actions feel free to make
suggestions on behalf of the community in this column. These
ideas can be brought to the table in 2006 as we will gather together
to seek out the role the community feels Action Swift Current should
now take.
On
February 27th, we wish to discuss the 'future action' column.
Are there further projects that could be undertaken? Are there
new areas to address? What does your organization need to grow?
We want to help!
Initial
Key Initiative Identified |
Changes
within the Community of Swift Current to date
|
|
| Creating
a Brand and Identity for the City of Swift Current |
-Adopted
and Marketed by many Community Stakeholders
-Including
8 pillars that establish, "Where Life Makes Sense"
-They
include Affordability, Accessibility, Education, Health, Security,
Recreation, Culture and Environment
-This
brand and logo has been marketed through Community Profile,
Community Portfolio, License Plates, Mugs, Bottled Water,
Downtown Banners, Signage throughout city including City Hall
and along the Highway, and City Vehicles
-Development
of Trade Show Booth that has been circulated throughout Western
Canada
-Internal/External
Marketing |
|
Attracting
and Retaining Youth
|
-Establishments
of Young Professional's Network (YPN)
-Establishment
of a Labour Attraction and Retention Committee (LARC)
-Series
of Lunch and Learns addressing topics including, "Representative
Workforce" and "Immigration Opportunities'
-Job
Fairs for past three years have promoted employment opportunities
in communities and has allowed business to showcase local
opportunities |
|
| Revitalization
of Downtown |
-Several
new downtown buildings and businesses
-Demolition
of depreciated downtown building
-Enhancement
of Esthetics of Current Downtown Facilities
-WindoWorks
an ongoing event
-Increased
Downtown Property Values |
|
| Regional
Healthcare |
-New
Regional Healthcare Facility opening in 2006 in Swift Current
-Amalgamation
of the Health District
-Expansion
of Dr. Noble Irwin Foundation into the Cypress Health Region |
|
| Senior
Issues |
-Survey
of five hundred (500) seniors which rated Swift Current as
a desirable retirement community
-Increase
in senior housing developments
-Bussing
survey completed and submitted to the City |
|
| Facilities
Development |
-Skate
Park opened in 2005
-Location
for new Museum established
-Planned
developments for Civic Centre expansion
-New
Lighting of Swift Current Indians Ball Diamond
-Wastewater
Treatment Plant in development stages
-Performing
Arts and Casino Development to open in 2007
-Entrepreneurial
Centre has seen opening of many family organizations such
as the Friendship Centre. Allows for business and community
to meet to achieve sustainability and build capacity
|
|
| Value
Added Agriculture Ventures |
-Great
West Beef Initiative continues through development and planning
-Ethanol
Plant Development in Shaunavon continues |
|
| Expansion of
Firms |
-Tax
incentive policy implemented and Amendments to zoning bylaws
to accommodate business needs
-Close
to twenty(20) million dollars worth of construction has accessed
the policy
-Many
existing businesses have purchased land for additional expansions
-Substantial
increase in Commercial and Industrial Property Sales
-Contact
Committee Established. This committee provides links
from initial inquiries from external individuals to resources
throughout the city
-Development
of Community Toolbox Website |
|
| Southwest
Regional Economic Development |
-Formation
of Action Southwest
-Within
Action Southwest a Business Network Coalition Cluster Initiative
has formed to highlight Manufacturing, Tourism, Agribusiness,
and Energy as key sectors
-Each
committee with many initiatives being addressed
-Developed
synergies throughout the region |
|
| Educational
Enhancement |
-School
Divisions Amalgamation (Effective January 2006)
-Identification
of the need for: Autonomy within the Regional College
-Training
Enhancement
-Apprenticeship
Programs
-Expansion
of Academy of Learning Programs to meet the needs of the region
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