A strategic approach to municipal economic development: a case study of the Municipal District of Big Lakes, Alberta

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dc.contributor.advisorTsenkova, Sasha
dc.contributor.authorGauci, Joanne
dc.date.accessioned2005-08-16T16:59:04Z
dc.date.available2005-08-16T16:59:04Z
dc.date.issued2004
dc.descriptionBibliography: p. 183-192en
dc.descriptionSome pages are in colour.en
dc.description.abstractThis Master's Degree Project applies a strategic approach to municipal economic development in a rural Municipal District in Northern Alberta. It explores the distinct challenges facing rural communities in the current economic climate, and reviews past and current approaches to economic development in rural settings. It places an emphasis on the roles of local governments, strategic planning, and collaboration in successful local economic development, and attempts to develop practical short-term to mid-term solutions that will enable the local government to better position itself for economic development. A proactive and strategic approach based on key informant interviews and data analysis is employed. Objectives include: researching best practices; undertaking a local economic assessment (with an emphasis on understanding the role of key regional sectors); undertaking economic development opportunity identification; and providing recommendations on how the local government can facilitate long-term economic development. Findings reveal the need to continue down the path of further economic diversification and job creation. The study assumes that it is imperative for the emerging innovation and competitiveness agenda to extend beyond high technology industries to Canada's traditional industries, such as forestry and agriculture. Furthermore, the report concludes that it will not be one major economic opportunity but a combination of many small and varied economic opportunities that has the potential to improve the long-term economic base of the region. Recommendations are aimed at fostering local business growth, developing organizational capacity, undertaking marketing and promotion, and fostering partnership building with neighbouring local government. A variety of strategies for implementation are identified, ranging from modest initiatives, such as implementing a benchmarking framework and establishing a "one-stop shopping" information area, to joining a regional alliance and creating an economic development body or position.en
dc.format.extent192 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.en
dc.identifier.citationGauci, J. (2004). A strategic approach to municipal economic development: a case study of the Municipal District of Big Lakes, Alberta (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/16411en_US
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/16411
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1880/41527
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisher.facultyEnvironmental Design
dc.publisher.institutionUniversity of Calgaryen
dc.publisher.placeCalgaryen
dc.rightsUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
dc.titleA strategic approach to municipal economic development: a case study of the Municipal District of Big Lakes, Alberta
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of Calgary
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Environmental Design (MEDes)
ucalgary.item.requestcopytrue
ucalgary.thesis.accessionTheses Collection 58.002:Box 1502 520492019
ucalgary.thesis.notesUARCen
ucalgary.thesis.uarcreleaseyen
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