The MD of Greenview is larger than the country of Belgium, but with a population of less than 5,300. It’s looking to raise its profile to attract more business and tourism to the area. Economic development officer Kevin Kellar says he didn’t know much about the area until he started working for the MD 10 months ago.
“We have attractive business rates and great outdoor travel scene. You can get the national park experience without going to the national parks; you can get the flatland experience without going to Saskatoon; you can kayak on a river and just do it an hour from Grande Prairie, it’s that close.”
Back in April, council chose to reduce its industrial mill rate for 2016 by 0.65. Kellar says they recognize that their major tax base is industry, and it’s important to keep business active in the region.
The rebranding will include a new logo and marketing tools, including a mobile-friendly website. The MD is also looking to attend more public events to raise its profile. Kellar says it’s been a long time coming.
“We realize that up until now we’ve been receiving business and receiving tourists without actually guiding them anywhere specific. As the economy’s slowed down, it’s how do we attract these people and these businesses to us and realize that our tools from 10, 15 years ago just aren’t right.”
The MD has found a contractor, but they still need to be approved by council. Once that happens, the site is expect to roll out in the first quarter of 2017, followed by the rest over the next several months.