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Projects
Regional Economic Development Implementation (REDI)
The 2007 HG/QCI Community Viability Strategy document (Vol 1 & Vol 2) established the direction for the future of economic development on Haida Gwaii.
The REDI Plan is targeted at tracking the progress made on the identified priorities in the CVS, as well as revising the list of priorities to reflect our current situation. MIEDS is working toward completion and implementation of the project by its 2010/2011 fiscal year end.
The strategies, identified as part of the process, for achieving the Three Year Plan goals are summarized under the five main sections of Infrastructure, Sector Development, Community Marketing, Human Resources and Implementation.
Infrastructure
Increased Control, Ownership and Utilization of Local Resources
MIEDS has lobbied steadily at securing forest tenure for the islands communities and has maintained communication and developed a working relationship with the Province and the Council of the Haida Nation for the purpose of establishing a Community Forest. This effort reflects a prime example of shared local control, ownership and utilization of our local forest resources.
In January 2010, the Province offered the Haida Gwaii communities a tenure volume of 80,000 m3. We are currently working on a business model that will assist us in implementing a unified forest management unit with the Haida Nation.
As part of this endeavour, we continue to work collaboratively with the CHN on the development of a business plan to secure financing for the acquisition of additional forest tenure volume in an effort to achieve a single forest management unit of all the forest tenures on Haida Gwaii owned by the people of the Islands.
Strengthened Tourism Industry Through Industry and Product Development, Customer Service Training and Destination Marketing
MIEDS participated in the 2009 Community Tourism Foundation process to assist in the development of a tourism plan for Haida Gwaii. This resulted in MIEDS becoming the umbrella organization for tourism through the creation of the Haida Gwaii Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC). Representation on the local TAC includes MIEDS, Skidegate Band, Old Massett Economic Development, CHN, Haida Heritage Centre, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, and at-large representation from other tourism stakeholders.
The TAC has assumed a decision-making role with respect to identifying and agreeing upon tourism and marketing opportunities. It has prepared a list of priority projects for the 2010/2011 fiscal period and is seeking project funding from Northern BC Tourism.
Sector Development
Increased Value-Added to Wood Operations
In the 2009/2010 fiscal year, MIEDS established a Value-Added sub-committee, advertised for public involvement and feedback and held public meetings to identify existing products, marketing needs, product development, local resources and education. MIEDS is hoping to develop and host a symposium in the 2010/2011 fiscal period that will address these issues and facilitate discussions. MIEDS has received funding for a product development project through Invest Canada-Communities Initiatives. The project will assist in identifying local products and marketing opportunities.
Product Development and Marketing Opportunities
In a follow up to the CVS document, MIEDS met with representatives from Islands Food (a local grass roots food security movement with approximately 150 members islands-wide), the Graham Islands East Coast Farmers Institute and interested individuals in November 2009. This meeting resulted in the identification of the need for an agriculture strategy to provide direction to and development of agriculture on Haida Gwaii. As a result, MIEDS is in the process of acquiring the necessary funding to develop an Agriculture Strategy for Haida Gwaii.
The overall objective of the Agriculture Strategy is to stimulate the development of a viable agriculture industry on islands. As a result of the strategy, we anticipate an increase in agricultural productivity (farm produce, grain, animal feed) and sales of local agricultural products. We anticipate a significant increase in local sales at Farmers Markets and other venues within the first 5 years. This increase in sales translates to increased employment/self employment opportunities for local agricultural producers, and will ultimately assist Haida Gwaii in achieving greater local food security.
Community Marketing
Local Product Development and Marketing Opportunities
MIEDS has secured funding from Invest Canada Communities Initiative (ICCI) for the development of 2 local products and marketing opportunities for these products. In addition, the proposed Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy will provide for the identification, development and marketing of up to 5 local agriculture/mariculture/agro-forestry products.
The ICCI funding also provides for the development of a Community Investor Profile for attracting business to Haida Gwaii.
Export Opportunities Arising from Prince Rupert Container Port
MIEDS has commenced dialogue with the Prince Rupert Port Authority. A public presentation is tentatively scheduled for June in which the Port Authority will provide information on potential partnerships and obtain feedback from the public.
With respect to assessing the need for improved barge facilities, MIEDS has initiated discussion with the public. Currently, the Village of Port Clements is conducting a study of barge facilities for Port Clements. This information will provide direction for determining the need for further information on location and cost.
As part of the Agriculture Strategy, MIEDS is proposing to complete a freight opportunities analysis for the Islands.
Human Resources
Increased Employment Opportunities and a Trained Skilled Labour Force
In January and February 2010, MIEDS formed a working relationship with Haida Gwaii Community Futures, the Haida Gwaii Career Centre and the Hecate Strait Employment Society. MIEDS developed a survey tool to assess the employment needs of local businesses. The survey has provided these organizations with crucial information about the types of industry operating on the islands, number of employees and their training needs and educational requirements. The data will be utilized in planning educational/training opportunities for islands residents and employers, and seeking to link local suppliers with local buyers to help plug leaks in our local economy and enhance the multiplier effect of local purchasing.
In addition, MIEDS assisted the local School District #50 to access funding to provide additional skills training to 58 high school students. The 2009/2010 High School Job Readiness project included Level 1 First Aid, Food Safe, WHMIS, World Host, and Pleasure Craft Operato certificates. It is anticipated that these training opportunities will result in increased employability for the students in seeking future employment opportunities.
In addition, MIEDS hosted the Simon Fraser University – Community Economic Development Certificate for Professionals on Haida Gwaii in which four local people enrolled, including two MIEDS staff. This course will provide additional local expertise so we can better assist communities and organizations to develop new opportunities under these models.
