The District of Kitimat is set to conduct its ninth annual Business Walk on Oct. 16, continuing an established collaboration with the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce (KCC). The event has been instrumental since 2015 in gathering insights about the local business climate.
The primary goal of the Business Walk is to fine-tune economic initiatives and to advocate in areas pinpointed as crucial by the local business community.
“The information gathered from the Business Walk is invaluable and guides us towards creating a business-friendly community,” Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth said. “There are so many unique challenges to running a business and using local data we can provide real support.”
In recent efforts to bolster economic development, the District has initiated projects such as the Kitimat Business Bootcamp. This workshop series, in partnership with the Kitimat Chamber, touched on several business-focused themes including recruitment, housing for employees, and marketing strategies. The series culminated in a Business Builders Competition.
In a move to encourage urban development, the District also introduced the Commercial Centre Revitalization Tax Exemption bylaw. This provision allows for potential reductions in municipal property taxes, contingent on specified renovation activities on properties.
“The Chamber of Commerce hosts numerous community events throughout the year to connect businesses, families and stakeholders in a lot of different, fun ways,” Ashley Hinton, KCC president said. “What is great about the annual Business Walk is that we are coming to the business owners directly to ask how we can do better and see what we’re doing right. The face-to-face time is something we really look forward to.”
In the 2022 findings, the majority of businesses in Kitimat displayed growth or stability. The data highlighted business clientele and strategic location as primary attractions for conducting business in Kitimat. However, the survey also revealed challenges, with staffing emerging as a primary concern for local businesses, trailed by operational costs.