Look who’s growing Despite the tough economic times, Bower Place continues to attract national and international tenants. “It is very clear that these businesses are investing in our community… and that’s exciting!” ~ Joelle Brown, Marketing Director, Bower Place Shopping Centre 20 THE CHILDREN’S PLACE T A K I N G C A R E O F B U S I N E S S T O G E T H E R
The <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Regional Economic Development Partnership RDRED Moving to <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> or know someone who is? RDRED has created a website to make the transition <strong>of</strong> moving to the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Region easier. The downward shift in the availability <strong>of</strong> labour, due to aging Baby Boomers and a decreasing Canadian birth rate, will be a significant issue for local businesses in the near future. In 2018, Alberta is expected to have a shortage <strong>of</strong> 93,000 workers. Currently, two thirds <strong>of</strong> Canada’s population growth is a result <strong>of</strong> immigration. In the next ten years, immigration is expected to account for 100% <strong>of</strong> population growth. This is the reason that RDRED focuses on labour attraction, with attention given to immigration attraction, settlement, and integration. The website, www.Movingto<strong>Red</strong><strong>Deer</strong>.ca, provides a one-stopshop for potential immigrants and newcomers to the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Region. Here they can obtain information on a variety <strong>of</strong> research topics including; housing, education, language services, healthcare, and the cost <strong>of</strong> living. MovingTo<strong>Red</strong><strong>Deer</strong>.ca is attuned to the language barriers that new immigrants might encounter. The site opens with a welcoming message in Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, French, Persian and English. On the home page <strong>of</strong> the website, video messages from people who have immigrated to <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> are playing. Each person gives a welcoming message in their home language regarding the positive experience they had when immigrating and why one should relocation to the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Region. In addition, there are testimonials, which allow newcomers to hear firsthand experiences from immigrants who have recently moved to the region or who have been established in the area for an extended period <strong>of</strong> time. Information on the website is presented in five sections; about the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> region, before you arrive, after you arrive, working in <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> and success stories. About the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Region has information on <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong>’s economy, government structure, climate, history, recreation and arts and culture as well as facts about Alberta and Canada. Before you Arrive explains how to immigrate, cost <strong>of</strong> living, health care, housing options and learning English programs. After you Arrive describes the cultural groups, educational facilities, childcare information, transportation, places <strong>of</strong> worship, and police and emergency services available in the <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> Region. Working in <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> outlines ways to find jobs locally, employment standards, setting up your own business and interview tips. The final section, Success Stories features recent and seasoned immigrants describing their move to <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Deer</strong> as well as the quality <strong>of</strong> life in the region. All <strong>of</strong> these website sections provide important information to ensure a smooth transition for newcomers into our beautiful Central Alberta communities. RDRED has worked diligently with CARE (Central Alberta Refugee Effort) to ensure that content on Movingto<strong>Red</strong><strong>Deer</strong>. ca is user-friendly. By partnering with CARE, RDRED was able to create an informative website attuned to viewers’ needs with an intuitive layout, large captions and a clean, uncluttered appearance, allowing for easy navigation. www.MovingTo<strong>Red</strong><strong>Deer</strong>.ca benefits a wide Central Alberta audience. The information on the website is current, accurate and easily obtainable and provides a welcoming venue for immigrates, newcomers and those researching the area. The increased attraction and retention <strong>of</strong> new labour into the region will help to subdue a critical labour shortage issue that is expected in years to come. Alberta’s Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook, 2008- 2018. Information obtained at http://employment.alberta.ca/ documents/LMI/LMI-LMF_occ_demand_supply.pdf, April 20, 2009. * Does not include aboriginal population growth. T A K I N G C A R E O F B U S I N E S S T O G E T H E R 21
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