2023 Economic Development & Tourism Strategy
With a path to a fresh start, Dryden can move in a positive direction. Dryden is a thriving northern city with a diverse economy that includes resource sectors, service businesses and a strong retail base. The city offers a high quality of life with access to outdoor experiences, affordable living, a strong sense of community and a love of sport.
The recommendations in this report are grounded in the unique circumstances of Dryden, using stakeholder feedback, data, the consulting team’s expert knowledge and a consideration of best practices to chart a direction to diversify and strengthen the local economy. Relationship building with communities, organizations and people within the city and the surrounding region are foundational to Dryden’s success, and Dryden’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy builds on the groundwork developed by Dryden and its partners.
Shifting priorities, trends, and changing economic impacts specific to the City of Dryden are explored in this new strategy. Attracting and housing new residents and workers is an important goal to support small businesses and major employers. Increased visitor spending is another important opportunity – because it represents new revenue into the community. Looking into the next decade, Dryden may be managing the impacts of regional resource development opportunities. Capturing potential benefits requires preparation and investment, making community and economic development capacity building a critical task.
Through data analysis, engagement, and discussions, three strategic directions were established to provide a framework for Dryden’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. They are:
- Double Down on Delivery
- Differentiate Dryden
- Revive Resilience
Doubling down on delivery means that the City focus its capacity to deliver economic development and tourism programs. Incentives for development are to be clarified, provided direction, and strengthened. A tangible focal point needs to be created for tourism and local business on the highway corridor and activity encouraged at the nexus of the downtown and the waterfront – two critical locations to strengthen first impressions and connect tourists and investors with Lake Wabigoon and local business.
Differentiating Dryden means that the City leverage its unique features, diversify the existing business mix, and identify visitor target markets and personas for effective tourism marketing efforts. Communicating a unique value proposition depends on Dryden’s capacity to be prepared, to develop plans, and to execute tactics effectively, consistently, and with stamina for the long haul.
Reviving resilience means that the City must revitalize its key community spaces, specifically the downtown core and the waterfront. It must play an important role as a catalyst to expand the supply and diversity of housing and the availability and skill of its workforce. Resilience means preparing the local ecosystem with information and tools to weather economic and social upturns and downturns. Knowing potential risks and planning to mitigate them is of paramount concern.
Dryden’s new Economic Development and Tourism Strategy provides a roadmap for a fresh look for the community. It highlights desired outcomes and sketches out tactics that will help the City achieve them.
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