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Chamber to host Successful Cities seminar

A forum later this month aims at helping define the qualities that would provide a framework to make Nanaimo a successful city.

A chamber of commerce forum later this month aims at helping define the qualities that would provide a framework to make Nanaimo a successful city.

As Nanaimo, with a regional population verging on 100,000, shifts from a resource-dependent economy, Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce representatives hope to bring residents and advocates from all sectors together to help define the city's future.

Wally Wells, chamber president, said a seminar planned by the organization for Jan. 19 at Vancouver Island University (Rm. 203, Bldg. 200 from 7-9 p.m.) will be a step in a lengthy process to improve Nanaimo's position.

"We're trying to establish a conversation around an idea that everybody can buy into irrespective of what sector they're in, business or otherwise," said Wells. "I've asked some of the social activists the question, 'Do you agree with business friendly?' and the answer is 'no'. So I say, 'OK, do you agree with a successful city?' and the answer is 'yes'.

"OK, well, we're both in the same building, not necessarily on the same floor. We have different agendas, but we want to achieve similar results. This seminar is the next part of the process of working together toward being a successful city."

Successful Cities is an idea implemented by other communities around the globe, using varying criteria to identify strengths and weaknesses.

In Nanaimo, the chamber has identified 11 factors it hopes will lead to future success, including education, quality of life, connectivity to move people and goods, and entrepreneurial governance.

David Witty, who spearheaded the Successful Cities project for the chamber, said many factors are converging that make now a good time to plan for the future.

"There are lots of different topics out there about cities, be it sustainable cities, healthy communities, competitive cities, and all of this stuff. In my view Successful Cities wraps it all together and has a more holistic view of what is required to really ensure we've got not just economic success but social, cultural and environmental success."

Witty is VIU's vice-president academic and provost and has spoken on urban design and planning internationally. He will give the presentation Jan. 19.

Wells said a report is being developed by the chamber to determine what factors will make Nanaimo a better place to work and live. That report is expected to be completed in March.

More on the chamber's Successful Cities initiative can be found at www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca.

There is no charge to attend the seminar, but the chamber is taking registration at 250-756-1191.

reporter2@nanaimobulletin.com