Ze COW: lic Gt he Ofeetromnapa GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAI DISTRICT 2294 WEST 1O™m AVENUE, VANCOUVER, GRITISH COLUMBIA von 249 TELEPHONE 7V-uss File no. UO 33 February 13, 1981 Mayor George Laking City of Port Coquitlam 2272 McAllister Avenue Port Coquitlam, 8.C. V3C 2A8 Dear George: Recently you and your Council received a memorandum from W. TT, Lane, Commissioner of Regional Development, bringing you up to date on the proposal to establish a regional economic development agency. I would appreciate your personal assistance in resolving this issue. I believe that it is possibie to establish a regional economic development agency which will] “earn its keep" by facilitating more and better types of economic activity in this region without intruding on the autonomy of municipalities. The Task Force which recommended this agency laid particular stress on the need to establish Clear objectives in an annual marketing plan which could be used to measure the, department's performance. From my experience as a former Chairman of the Greater Vancouver Industrial Development Board, I know that such a body can onty be successful df it enjoys wide support and commitment. It is clear that such support exists, for the most part, among the business community. Municipal support is also strong, but the GYRD Board is reluctant to proceed without the backing of Port Coquitlam and the other municipalities which have indicated they are unwilling to participate in the function. The revised proposal which is under consideration by the Planning Committee would place a “sunset clause" jn the resolution or letters patent establishing the economic development department, requiring that its continuation after three years would have to have the support of 2/3 of the member councils, as well as 2/3 of the members of the Board having 2/3 of the votes. We believe that this proposal provides an adequate safeguard to ensure that the agency is effective and responsive to the wishes and needs of local government. I know the proposal has your personal support, and I hope your colleaques will be able to see the advantages which would accrue to your residents as a result of the additional employment and tax revenue which the econonic development function could stimulate.