A strategic report has been released outlining what the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) will prioritize over the net few years.
The regional branch of local government - the block of land encompassing 14 First Nations, eight towns and seven rural districts - has chosen four strategic focus areas, each with a number of objectives that will help guide work plans and decision-making until 2026 when the next local government election is scheduled.
The four priority themes are:
- Relationships with First Nations communities and groups;
- Advocacy with the Province to ensure that the needs of the region are represented;
- Improving the housing supply within the region;
- Supporting and diversifying the local economy.
It is an eight-page report, with visual elements (graphics, photo) and open viewing spaces so it is easy for the reader to digest. It’s themes are laid out in logical sections.
“We are very pleased with the plan and the priorities we’ve chosen for the coming term,” said RDBN chair Mark Parker, on behalf of the director’s table. “We have managed to create simple, attainable goals that will focus our efforts on what the region needs most so that we can make positive, meaningful change in the years to come.”
You can get a copy at the RDBN office, or read it / print it from your own devices by going to the Regional District’s website: www.rdbn.bc.ca (click on the Administration tab, then the Strategic Plans And Reports tab).
The 2023-26 Strategic Plan is a companion piece to the 2022 Annual Report which is also available at the same place on the website. This is a comprehensive document, but loaded in visual elements that easily walks the reader through the year that was, in our region, and how that sets our local towns and districts up for the immediate future.
“We’re not mandated or legislated to have an annual report, but municipalities are,” said RDBN chief administrative officer Curtis Helgeson. The choice was made by the mayors and directors to nonetheless create such a document for the overall region anyway “as part of communication, transparency, and good governance.”
When that report was disclosed at the June 8 RDBN public meeting, it was met with a round of appreciation for its visual elements.
“The key is making it readable,” said Michael Riis-Christianson, the Burns Lake-Rural director, noting that if the public doesn’t connect with the document, it’s power is greatly weakened.
“From a marketing standpoint, good job,” agreed Fraser Lake mayor Sarrah Storey.
Granisle’s mayor, Linda McGuire, said, “I think staff did an exceptional job on this. It’s simple, really easy to read and follow; it’s a job well done.”