After consideration on how to proceed with the city’s economic development function, council has approved plans for a model that combines elements of both in-house and arms-length operations.
The model is similar to Surrey’s in-house economic development function but not like the Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC), which is a land development corporation, said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun.
The economic development department helps businesses connect with information and resources about business retention and expansion within Abbotsford, as well as providing information for businesses looking to set up in Abbotsford.
Council also approved Braun and Couns. Sandy Blue, Kelly Chahal and Brenda Falk as members of a committee to support initiatives for business innovation, growth and attraction.
“This model also provides us with ultimate flexibility – we have the option to move to an arms-length model in the future if the circumstances and priorities shift that way without having put an investment in an organization that we cannot get back,” said Braun.