The search is on for industrial land.
The City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan are currently developing a regional employment lands action plan process.
“It is intended to create realistic short, medium and long-term solutions, options and opportunities that will provide guidance on how to increase the North Okanagan’s supply of market-ready employment land,” said Anthony Kittel, RDNO’s regional growth strategy co-ordinator.
“These actions can be considered within local, regional and provincial projects and plans. As well, this plan will explore infrastructure and servicing opportunities for subregional employment clusters.”
The process has included local municipalities and electoral areas, and the Splatsin First Nation and the Okanagan Indian Band will be invited to participate within the development of the plan.
“Phase one of the action plan will begin in August with a review past employment lands inventories, economic development initiatives, infrastructure and community planning documents, interviews with key stakeholders and the preparation of potential opportunities and a list of employment land criteria for discussion by the technical committee in September,” said Kittel.
The plan, which should be completed by March 31, will include a land analysis and implementation strategy.
“Plan recommendations will help to strengthen, diversify and enhance the regional economy,” said Kittel.
“Through the plan’s collaborative process, action items will be identified for municipalities and the regional district to take on together as well as work on individually.”
