Recommendations
Actions To Take The Following Years 2013 major initiatives: Recommendation #1 Model Home Development Begin development of the model home of the future (an 18-month process including fixtures and furnishings) Details include: Construct the most technologically advanced home in Canada as a showcase of the future. Locate the home on the two empty lots on Centre Street between the Trek Station and the railroad tracks. The lots are 125 ft. x 150 ft. each with a total of approximately 40,000 square feet. The land should be publicly purchased if funding is available for development of the model home. A secondary use would be for a new mid-price hotel, again if funding is available for development. The project would showcase all aspects of the home, not just interiors. The focus would be on new construction techniques and new emerging materials including recycled products, energy and waste systems, conservation, landscapes and the exterior. Everything would be tied to seasons. Vulcan, like much of interior Canada and central North America, has extreme seasonal changes so the model home can showcase its advantages by season. Recruit one of the province’s best-known architects to design the home pro bono. Then recruit one of the province’s largest builders to build it at cost. Then before it is built, recruit partners who will showcase their technologies in the home in exchange for promotion of the product and project. Partners might
include Corning, Sony, LG, Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, GE and numerous other companies. A video by Corning is an excellent example of what the model home of the future in Vulcan might look like (name/link). The home would be open to the public with interpretive signs throughout, a general descriptive brochure and then product placement/sponsor handouts in front of products where appropriate. The home would be a designated stop on the QR Code system with its own post. • Begin architectural and engineering for the Exhibition Centre. Construction could begin in the fall of 2013 if funding is in place. • Continuation of the mural program (four per year through 2014). • Begin major façade improvements along Main Street. • Develop the monthly “technology update” e-newsletter, which would go out the first of each month beginning in January.
Recommendation #2 Vulcan Technology Update Establish The Vulcan Technology Update, a monthly e-newsletter for posting information on the use of new technology by local business, government, organizations and associations. Every time new technology is used, the news would be forwarded to Economic Development/Vulcan Business Development Society for distribution to the community
on the e-newsletter, on blogs and using other communications resources. The primary focus of content would be on technologies for home, health, education, business, and the environment – the five “pillars” of the branding effort. The purpose of this communication is to heighten awareness of technology throughout all sectors of the community so others can see it and learn how these applications work. By making Vulcan the betasite for trying new ideas, the community will always be on the cutting edge of new methods, equipment and ideas. Distribution of the e-newsletter to target audiences outside of the community will also serve to reinforce the technology brand for the community and build interest in possible engagement, including partnerships and sponsorships.
Recommendation #3 Activities Guide Design, write and print “Engage! The Vulcan Activities Guide.” This is a 4” x 9” standard rack brochure. Print 10,000 copies to be distributed regionally at Visitor Information Centers throughout British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. This would also be available online. This activities guide should promote the new Vulcan brand and activities, focusing on the specific activities, events, shops, dining, lodging, and new features in Vulcan that make Vulcan a unique place to visit and spend time in. Include lots of professional photography. Vulcan, Alberta - October 2011
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