P a g e | 195 Economic Diversification:
Strategies: Promote growth of creativity and knowledge based businesses Unlock the full potential of road, rail and air transportation network Attract corporate head offices Build on existing strengths within the oil & gas sector Promote “green” technology companies Promote and expand agribusiness Focus Area: Economic Diversification
% indicating “high” + “medium” “high” priority priority 46% 93% 47%
89%
39% 39% 36% 41%
78% 84% 73% 86%
Rating Average 2.88
Rank 1 out of 6
Between 36% and 46% of respondents consider the six strategies to be of “high” priority. Although less than 50% of each of the individual strategies are indicated “high” priority, Economic Diversification had the strongest average rating out of the six strategy areas and was rated highly fairly consistent across all industry sectors. It is worth noting that these strategies complement Red Deer’s key industries and generally focus on attracting industries that would bring value in the way of high paying jobs and innovation to Red Deer. Effective Land Use:
Strategies: Monitor demand for commercial space and industrial land Ensure new housing is aligned with vision and guiding principles Explore retail options along Gaetz Avenue, especially downtown Continue to support downtown as the city’s primary office location Continue to ensure a sufficient supply of serviced industrial land Promote greater housing stock and diversity of housing Leverage brownfields for higher density infill developments Focus Area: Land Use
% indicating “high” + “medium” “high” priority priority 44% 91% 47%
84%
43%
74%
43%
76%
49%
89%
41% 33%
84% 70%
Rating Average 3.58
Rank 4 out of 6