Learn how the Town of Sidney positions their unique perspective on regional economic development for sustainable growth.
On this edition of the Economy Builders, we chat with Corey Newcomb, the Town of Sidney’s Director of Community Planning, on how Sidney cultivates regional economic prosperity. The keys to their success? Vibrant downtowns, resilient tax bases and essential services that are close to people’s neighbourhoods.
Sidney’s future-focused mindset envisions widespread regional economic growth. This includes attracting young families, leveraging Sidney’s proximity to travel hubs like the international airport and advancing reconciliation efforts.
Find out how this picturesque town on the sea is building momentum to a prosperous economic future while maintaining its small-town charm.
Q+A with Town of Sidney Director of Planning Corey Newcomb
Q1. Why did your organization become a member of South Island Prosperity Partnership?
The Town of Sidney was one of the founding members of the South Island Prosperity Partnership when it was formed in 2016. Our community’s own experience serving as a commercial and transportation hub for the Saanich Peninsula told us that a regional approach to economic development is critical. We were grateful the South Island Prosperity Partnership took that leadership role and we’ve been happy with the results of this partnership since then.
Q2. What do you see as key to growing a resilient, prosperous future for Greater Victoria?
I think we need to focus on working together as a region; enhancing connections between businesses, stakeholders, communities, and all levels of government is so important. Businesses need the spaces and environments in which to thrive, and we as local governments have a role in helping to build those spaces to ensure the economic success of not only individual businesses but our communities as well. Local governments are uniquely positioned to identify factors – including barriers – that contribute to the success of businesses due to our close connections with them and the communities in which they operate, and we need to leverage our knowledge of these factors to create the best possible environment for them to thrive.
I’m hopeful that the municipalities across Greater Victoria can contribute to a similar environment of “friendly competition” that will help businesses and communities alike to prosper.
Corey Newcomb, Director of Community Planning, Sidney
Q3. What is our region’s secret sauce when it comes to competing internationally to attract quality talent, businesses with household-sustaining jobs and investment?
Speaking locally, the Town of Sidney benefits from our proximity to an international airport, BC Ferries terminal, and highway. The world is at our doorstep but we remain a quaint seaside community with a lot of spirit and a vibrant downtown. It is the combination of these factors that attracts talent and businesses to Sidney.
As a municipality, we also strive to support our business community well. We have one of the lowest business tax rates in the region and a policy in place to bring business tax rates into closer alignment with residential tax rates. We also try to make our municipal business processes as efficient as possible. For example, Sidney has one-time business licence fees and free annual renewals.
Q4. What challenges are you most invested in helping our community overcome and why?
Two key challenges we are currently focused on include the creation of more attainable and affordable housing, especially for workers and young families; these are the demographics that form the backbone of our economy. We also need strong public transit options that make it convenient to reach businesses, employment hubs, services, schools, and amenities. We are actively working with partner organizations to pursue opportunities in both of these areas.
Q5. What are you most excited about in terms of your organization’s plans and potential?
The creation of Sidney’s first Economic Development Strategy is a big step for a small municipality like ours, and I think having this document and a clear set of action items is going to be key in advancing our economic development potential.
Because economic development is really about so much more than just business development, we’re excited to work on some of the related initiatives that will help to build not only our economy but also our community. Increasing the role of First Nations in economic development in the region and making the community safer and more attractive to families are just a few examples of this work. A new bicycle boulevard on Bowerbank Road will make it safer for youth to reach schools and parks, and in turn help a business owner and their family to decide to locate their new venture here in Sidney. Likewise, involving First Nations partners will not only advance our reconciliation efforts, but improve the quality of life for everyone involved as well.
Q6. Is there a specific quote, book, philosophy or idea that has inspired your passion for your work?
I really like the basic thesis in Niall Ferguson’s book Civilization: that an environment of competition, innovation, and a fair, level playing field can lead to an outburst of creativity and prosperity across a broader area. I think the ideas and circumstances he describes have applicability to any human society and time period. I’m hopeful that the municipalities across Greater Victoria can contribute to a similar environment of “friendly competition” that will help businesses and communities alike to prosper.
Q7. How do you envision Southern Vancouver Island 20 years from now, what will have changed? What does our future look like?
Southern Vancouver Island is an attractive place to live and is growing as a result, so I think our future will be characterized by increasing densification and intensification of land use. There are many great examples of cities that have done this well, and I’m confident that our region can take the best practices from these cities and forge our own livable and prosperous communities, even as we grow. Ideally, our investments in transit infrastructure, particularly around major transit corridors, will provide the most bang for the buck for a growing population that can get around easily, but also do so in extremely livable, green communities.
Over the next twenty years, I’d also like to think we will have made significant progress in putting homes within reach for younger families. Recent Provincial legislation has provided a strong foundation for communities to really deliver in this area; now it’s up to municipalities to ensure that not only is the housing itself realized, but all the amenities, infrastructure, and jobs that contribute to truly livable cities come along with that housing.
Locally here in Sidney, I see us really focusing on our employment strengths in our industrial and marine land use areas, and growing opportunities in these key employment centres. Sidney’s marine industry is positioned like no other in Canada, and this sector is being increasingly recognized with investment and capacity building from senior governments. Sidney’s recently adopted official community plan and economic development strategy both recognize the critical role the industrial and marine areas play as economic drivers of the community.
Find out more about the Towns of Sidney on their website.
