Developing an Economic Vision for Strathcona
A little more context
Strathcona is known as a unique urban industrial district, thanks to a diverse mix of commercial uses and zoning options, its proximity to the downtown core, and the existing array of businesses and mixed-use assets in the area. Different competing socio-economic factors and business trends present future challenges and opportunities for Strathcona. These range from tremendous development pressure, the loss of industrial lands, affordability of both residential and commercial spaces, sense of safety, and the condition of the public realm, to name a few. A strong economic vision and implementation plan will help ensure the Strathcona BIA plays an effective role in industrial and commercial lands protection and attracting investment in both established and emerging industry clusters to the district.
Project Timeline
We plan to achieve this work in three phases, involving engagement with our membership along each step of the way.
Phase 1 – Setting a Baseline
Summer 2022
In this research and analysis phase, we’ll gain an in-depth view of the current state of Strathcona as an urban industrial district. We’ll identify political, socio-economic, and technological drivers, and determine trends impacting future opportunities and threats relevant to the economic development of our district. In this phase we will engage with both subject matter experts and Strathcona BIA members through focus groups and one-on-one interviews, as well as conduct a zoning assessment and asset mapping of the district to identify community strengths and resources.
Phase 2 – Developing the Vision
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023
In this phase we’ll determine the key directions for a local economic development vision for Strathcona as an urban industrial district. The vision will take into consideration everything we learned in phase one, along with municipal and regional priorities around industrial land uses, emerging key industry clusters, critical success factors, and identified challenges and barriers. This phase will also focus on in-depth engagement and feedback from Strathcona BIA members through a range of online and in-person activities. Ultimately we also want to articulate Strathcona BIA’s role and responsibility in the implementation of a long term economic development vision for the area, and the benefits for both existing and future businesses of the district.
Phase 3 – Implementation Planning
Spring 2023 – Summer 2023
The implementation plan of the economic development vision will define key objectives and the strategies and programs required to achieve those objectives. The implementation plan will define a timeline and budget for the work, areas that may require new investment, important strategic partnerships, and key performance measurement indicators.
Do you have further questions or want to get involved?
Please reach out to our Executive Director Vincent Kwan at vincent@strathconabia.com with any questions you may have or if you wish to contribute your input on the project. We look forward to working with SBIA members from all sectors to shape the future of Strathcona.