Input from Riverview residents is needed.

The Town is creating a new Community Economic Development Strategy.

Economic Development Manager Shanel Akerley says public consultations are planned on June 20th at 12 pm or 7 pm in Council Chambers at Riverview Town Hall.

“Essentially it shapes the future of the town. The community economic development strategy acts in parallel with the municipal plan review, but it serves a different purpose. It would focus on things like bringing in new businesses, supporting existing ones, advocating for better community services and amenities,” Akerley says.

“It also enhances public lifestyles through supporting the town’s cultural, recreational, artistic, tourist and natural assets, activating action plans that support housing development and then increasing our tax base that represents the pot from which all the municipal services pull from. So things like public and active transportation, parks, festivals, snow removal, all of those things.”

There’s also a public survey available on the Town of Riverview website.

“It’s open to everyone, all ages, all different demographics. We’re looking to get our different resident profiles in attendance at these sessions so that it’s the most informed and well-informed strategy that it can be. We’re looking at a ton of different initiative topics, ranging from housing, tourism, and business support, so there are really no bad ideas. We’re just looking to hear what everyone has to offer,” Akerley adds.

Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law open houses are also happening this week, on Wednesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm and again from 6 pm to 8 pm at Riverview Town Hall.

These will deal with planning future bylaws, and urban planning development. They’ll help dictate where houses go, where shops and parks will be built, what natural areas should be protected, infrastructure, roads and schools.