Skip to content

City creates economic development position

PRREDS retains society status but loses manager

A new manager’s chair awaits Scott Randolph at city hall.

At the City of Powell River council meeting on Thursday, February 6, mayor and council agreed to the establishment of the municipal manager of economic development position.

Randolph is currently manager of Powell River Regional Economic Development Society (PRREDS).

The new position was created through in camera discussions held over the past two months relating to two reports of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Re-vitilization and the Arts and Culture Initiative. Mac Fraser, chief administrative officer, was tasked with providing council advice on how the reports’ recommendations could best be implemented.

Fraser explained for general information, that “This item was discussed in camera out of a courtesy to the affected personnel in PRREDS and as soon as that sensitivity was dealt with, people were briefed appropriately and council resolved to bring it into the open.”

The society has been supported through contributions by the city for its core operating expenses. Powell River Regional District also provides funding to PRREDS on a project-by-project basis if it is considered beneficial for the district.

Fraser concluded that in order to achieve the initiatives provided by the reports, a new select committee called the Economic Development Advocacy Committee should be created with the transference of Randolph into the new management position.

Discussions with PRREDS board has confirmed support for this approach, Fraser stated in his report.

Funding for the position is not anticipated to be in excess of funding already provided to PRREDS and existing city support staff.

Councillor Chris McNaughton moved that council direct the creation of the select committee and the establishment of the manager of economic development position. The motion was seconded by councillor Debbie Dee.

McNaughton added, “It is important to note that PRREDS will continue to operate with a non-profit society with a minimum contribution from the city. They will be able to access funding the city might not otherwise be able to access.”

The motion was passed unanimously.