Nanaimo’s first corporate strategic plan is ready to be put into action.
After months of public consultation, surveys, and extensive city council deliberation, the plan was adopted by the city in July. It sets a policy framework to link all existing city plans, and will establish priorities for funding over the coming years.
The plan incorporates four pillars of sustainability — economic health, environmental responsibility, social equity and cultural vitality — and six strategic priorities, which are asset management, community building partnerships, taking responsibility, transportation and mobility, water, and waterfront enhancement.
Those values will be included in the city’s long-term vision and funded through upcoming five-year financial plans.
Terry Hartley, director of human resources and organizational planning, said the public can easily access the plan, track its progress and contact managers in charge of each section by visiting www.nanaimo.ca, clicking on the ‘municipal hall’ tab to find the strategic plan, then clicking on the strategic priority of interest.
“There will be an update on a quarterly basis so the community can see the progress being made,” she said.
The strategic plan, called Your Voice Our Nanaimo, is the result of a process that began in January with extensive public consultations including all of the city’s communities and demographics, followed by council workshops to consider all public and staff input.
Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said the process was tedious but that the end result will be worth it in the long term.
“A strategic plan doesn’t do any good if it sits on the shelf,” he said. “Council has created a clear picture of where we want to go and now it is up to staff to implement that direction. I am encouraged that the implementation plan takes into account existing commitments while focusing on our priorities.”
The plan was developed was developed at a cost if $121,400 in partnership with Ladysmith’s Rethink (West) Inc.
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