(BlackburnNews.com file photo)(BlackburnNews.com file photo)
Midwestern

Economic Development Plan A Key Piece Of Hanover's Future

Hanover is putting plans into action.

Council reviewed the new Economic Development Strategic Plan last night that runs from 2018 until 2022.

Economic Development Manager April Marshall says there are some key goals outlined in the plan.

"So we've identified five strategic directions that we would like to follow in the next few years," says Marshall. "One is growth, second is demographics, third is engagement with our businesses and community, fourth is arts and culture and fifth is tourism."

Marshall says tourism is always a key economic driver, and the municipality wants to focus on advertising their attractions and gaining new ones to drive visitors to the area. She also says there are a few things the municipality wants to do to try and achieve their goals.

"There are various actions laid throughout the plan, but examples of it are brokering, collaborative opportunities with our neighbouring municipalities, because we're aware that we're stronger when we work together," she says.

Marshall also notes that regarding tourism, it's important to reach out to the private sector to bring new local attractions in.

"We want them to know we're open for business, and we welcome them in Hanover, and we want to see how we can help them. But another key part of tourism is market readiness and product and experience development," says Marshall.

The municipality, Marshall says, wants to work with the existing attractions in the area and help them maximize and strengthen what's already available.

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