June 22, 2023

Internal reorganization creates economic development lead within the Town of Sidney

Sidney, BC;

Following the approval of an Economic Development Plan by Council earlier this year, the Town of Sidney is positioning itself to move forward with the plan by expanding an existing role within the organization.

Corey Newcomb, the Town’s current Senior Manager of Long-Range Planning, has worked for the Town of Sidney for the past 12 years and recently led the update of Sidney’s Official Community Plan. He will be collaborating with community partners to advance key priorities in the Economic Development Plan while also maintaining a strong focus on other future-facing projects, in particular the review of Sidney’s Zoning Bylaw.

“This restructuring is the most effective and cost-efficient way the Town can go about having a highly skilled person on staff working toward the growth and resilience of Sidney’s economy,” said Acting Mayor Terri O’Keeffe. “Council called for the development of an Economic Development Plan as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of a diverse economy. Input from the business community during this process stressed that the availability of workforce housing is one of the greatest limiting factors faced by local businesses today. Mr. Newcomb’s experience as a planner will be instrumental in helping address this barrier and others related to land use, so community members have greater opportunities to live, work, and thrive here.”

The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society and the South Island Prosperity Partnership contributed to the Economic Development Plan and will work closely with the Town on implementation. The Economic Development Plan is available at www.www.sidney.ca.

Media Contact:

Acting Mayor Terri O’Keeffe
Town of Sidney
250-656-1139
tokeeffe@sidney.ca