(Image Source: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/alberta-locations-1986-carstairs/resource/692fad0a-61c7-4d61-a5e1-5f2408c2192a)

Part 1: Zoning for Commercial Development 

As a councillor, one area of influence is voting on land use. 

Here are the existing non-residential spaces which are set aside for commercial or mixed use in Carstairs as of 2023 (C1, C1A, C2, C3): https://carstairs.ca/Home/DownloadDocument?docId=277a9f4e-626d-47b2-b831-bee370dfed8a. 

Learning what is already "in the works" can help with sound decision making, my goal as an outsider is to learn as much as possible. I imagine zoning has been planned many years ago, before some council members have been in office. Carstairs was incorporated as a hamlet in 1903, and achieved town status in 1966. I imagine joining council (or any long-standing organization), is like getting into a train which is already headed in a certain direction. 

Business activity is essential to help pay rent, so in turn, the landowner (or property management company) can pay property taxes among others expenses.  Having commercial business helps the town because non-residential lands are taxed at a higher rate than residential. For example the 2025 non-residential tax mill rate is 8.313 where the residential rate is 5.3 (see the tax rate bylaw here). 

In my observation, usually residential development precedes, or is in conjunction with, commercial development. If not residential development, there may be another source of business/income, such as a school or nearby source of people. Developing commercial spaces in rural areas before​ residential can be a challenging hill to climb (although not impossible. Tourism may be an exception to this, for example, The Enchanted Forest in BC or the Bowden Sunmaze).

In some cases commercial businesses get placed too early before the residential activity grows enough, and the business may end up shutting down. 

Click on the "Area Structure Plans" here to see which residential developments have been planned for Carstairs: https://carstairs.ca/p/planning-and-development 

Possible Action(s) as a councillor: 

• support residential development & zoning to attract commercial business

• reserve lands for commercial development 

Part 2: Economic Development Departments

A few candidates have mentioned either a Economic Development Officer or Economic Development Office - I'd love to expand on this. Economic Development departments helps businesses one-on-one. Here's some research on what some surrounding municipalities are doing:

Olds - https://www.olds.ca/business-development/economic-development-and-investment/

Airdrie - https://www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=2077 

Sundre - https://sundre.com/p/economic-development 

Crossfield - https://crossfieldalberta.com/Home/DownloadDocument?docId=1038a072-b43f-437e-acab-cc8eb2c4a841 

Didsbury - https://www.didsbury.ca/p/economic-development 

What needs to be considered is the cost of staffing such an department. Something smaller in the form of a program may be more reasonable and within the Town of Carstairs budget. 

The Northern and Regional Economic Program may be able to provide a portion of costs, it is a 50% matching fund, see page 22 here for specific programs and projects which are covered by the grant. Examples include training, research and support programs. 

There are also several educative resources on the Alberta Municipalities website about Business Attraction which are worth learning about. 

Possible Action(s) as a councillor: 

• support the development an Economic Development plan or study

• support the development of a Economic Development program

Part 3: Tourism & Small Business

While residential development may attract larger businesses, focusing on small business is more in alignment with the "authentic small town" vision of Carstairs. One way to help small businesses is with a reasonable & sustainable level of tourism. Highlighting our businesses as an attraction or destination spot can help bring in business activity without the pressure of residential expansion. An example is the quaint town of Merrickville, ON which has a population of approximately 3100 in 2021 and a highly vibrant retail economy. 

Programs such as the Alberta Communities in Bloom, or the Rural Development and Promotion Fund can help provide more awareness of Carstairs to surrounding areas. You may have noticed as a "small town nicety" are my Google reviews of some businesses in town. Engaging town residents in "helping our community bloom" not only encourages tourism from outsiders, but also builds the insider community spirit and well-being of Carstairs.  

We have some wonderful festivals/events in Carstairs which can be promoted to tourists, such as Beef & Barley Days, the Heritage Festival & Parade of Kilts and Carstairs Crazy Christmas. 

The publication of a visitors guide which highlights the festivals and small businesses in Carstairs may be another method, which may be supported by the Rural Development & Promotion Fund by Travel Alberta. More tourism funding opportunities can be found on Travel Alberta. 

Possible Action(s) as a councillor: 

• support grant funding which may increase tourism in Carstairs

• support publications which highlight Carstairs small business

Part 4: Groups & Mentorship

The volunteer organization Carstairs Chamber helps bring awareness to Carstairs businesses. They also help with the candidates forum, as well as Carstairs Crazy Christmas. As a councillor, bringing awareness to the role of the Chamber, volunteering, or collaborating with the Chamber are all small actions which are possible.  

Investing in our younger generations may also help further commercial business in the future. This can be done by supporting or bringing awareness to entrepreneurship opportunities such as the Kid's Market at Melvin Hall, helping to connect the business community with the academy programs at Hugh Sutherland School, or highlighting organizations which encourage youth leadership such as the Carstairs 4-H Club.

Possible Action(s) as a councillor: 

• support volunteer organizations which help business in Carstairs

• support opportunities for the mentorship of youth in learning about business or entrepreneurship

Stay tuned for more:

Upcoming topics include: 

"What will you do to support and improve non-sporting services in town like the library and campground, dog park, etc.?"

"How will you support diversity in Carstairs?"