The Summerland Economic Improvement Group and the Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Association is asking the municipality for $30,000 to fund efforts to promote the community in Alberta.
Council has given its approval in principal to the request, but has asked the organizations to provide a business plan to council by Feb. 20, for review and consideration at the next council meeting on Feb. 27.
Members of council were interested in the proposal, despite the significant cost.
“We no longer have an economic development officer,” said Coun. Martin Van Alphen. We need to promote our community.”
Coun. Peter Waterman agreed and said the effort looks encouraging.
Coun. Lloyd Christopherson also supported the plan.
“I think it’s a very realistic approach,” he said. “There are people who have relocated here from Alberta.”
Mayor Janice Perrino said the plan, while expensive, is an important way to market Summerland.
“It’s a good idea, but let’s see more,” she said.
She added that the community needs to have marketing plans, now that the role of an economic development officer has been eliminated.
“We want to be open to ideas,” she said. “Our fear is without an economic development officer, we’re doing nothing.”
The approval in principal passed unanimously.