By Greg Fry

Social planning a big part of North Shore BIA’s new strategic plan

Mar 26, 2018 | 4:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — The North Shore Business Improvement Association has completed a new strategic plan with a heavy focus on social responsiblity.

Executive Director Jeremy Heighton says the document will guide the organization for the next three years and relies on partnerships between community organizations, community associations and the city to create a vibrant business community.

“What we’ve seen this year already is you’ve seen us come out in favour of affordable housing strategies on the North Shore. Trying to deal with some of the gaps in the housing continuum,” he says.

“I think you will see us looking at opportunities to continue to beautify and develop the Tranquille corridor with a longterm vision of creating a funky Gastown sort of market place. I think you’re going to see that we are going to enhance Overlander’s Day community events into things that are much bigger and I think you’re going to see the North Shore BIA come out in front of a lot of issues in order to help facilitate responses and appropriate solutions that lead to creating a better community on the North Shore.”

Heighton says advocating for community safety enhancement is also a part of their plans.

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“It includes looking at things like street patrols, how we deal with needle exchange issues. We just had a policy recommendation that we made to the chamber last fall which has gone to the provincial level which will look at how needles are distributed through the province. As we all know, there’s some issues there,” he says.

“We look at oppportunities to engage with street level enforcement, work with first responders, on how we respond to community safety issues. Basically being a player at the table and ensuring the entire voice of the North Shore — not just the business community — is represented.”

Heighton says the North Shore BIA will be hosting input sessions with members of the community starting next month.