Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association

When parts of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia first went high speed five years ago, they had the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) to thank. After much hard work by CREDA staff and a committee of tireless volunteers, the Regional Development Authority (RDA) was one of 33 applicants from across the country selected by Industry Canada to implement broadband to First Nations, northern, and rural communities.

Dubbed "Connecting Cumberland," the project brought in over $1 million in support from federal, provincial, and municipal sources enabling nine previously unserved communities in the region to finally have access to the Internet.

It's a story that makes Rhonda Kelly smile. "We're very proud of this project and proud of the staff who worked on it," says CREDA's Executive Director. She adds that the success of the project was what eventually led to the province-wide roll out of high speed. "It wouldn't have been possible without the involvement of our communities," she says. "Community buy-in is essential to everything we do here at CREDA."

One of 13 RDAs in the province, CREDA has relatively strict criteria for involvement in community projects. "We want to make sure that the community will not only support CREDA projects but will work to take ownership of these projects," says Kelly. "It goes beyond supporting it – they need to be front line and centre in moving it forward and also show the ability to maintain the project in the long term."

Kelly, who has been with CREDA since its inception in 1995, calls her RDA "a facilitator of community economic development." The organization's mission is to create an environment which facilitates sustainable economic growth in the Cumberland region, in partnership with all municipal units. One of her favourite analogies is that CREDA steers the community economic development of the region, while communities do the rowing.

"We assist communities to identify their goals and develop realistic action plans to achieve them," says Kelly, who states that CREDA supports a community's ability to use their own resources and expertise. "The community grows and this in turn builds the community's capacity."

The recent and exciting World Heritage designation for the Joggins fossil cliffs are an excellent example of community empowerment. Community members working with CREDA joined forces with scientists, tourism organizations, and government to achieve this landmark success. “Joggins is a world-class site, with international significance,” says Kelly. “Now that World Heritage Site designation has been achieved, Joggins will receive the world-wide recognition and attention it so richly deserves.”

A key part of the attempt to have Joggins designated a World Heritage Site was building the new $9 million interpretive centre, which opened last April. The "green" building, which is the most energy efficient building east of Montreal, has garnered international praise and awards, including the Medal of Excellence in the Lieutenant Governor's Design Awards.

The thing that stands out for Rhonda Kelly is that all of the architectural and interpretative development of the site was done with community engagement. "More often than not, you hire someone who specializes in architecture and design, give them a few ideas, and have them come back to you with concepts," she says, noting that in this case, the consultative process was very hands-on and involved community members beyond CREDA's steering committee. "In terms of the end product, I think this process really shows there's a sense of community ownership and pride."
CREDA's good work doesn't stop there. The organization is involved in the operations of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park and its new day-use park in Eatonville. The new interpretative/visitor centre on site was built completely off the grid and is instead powered by solar energy.

These cutting edge projects suit a county that's expanding. The last census showed pockets of growth in the Amherst area and along the Northumberland Shore but CREDA isn't resting on its laurels. Kelly is quick to point out a lot of hard work is still necessary to keep youth in the region and attract young families. This explains why CREDA has hired a new Youth Retention and Attraction Program Coordinator. They're hoping to find ways to keep youth interested in staying and eventually working in Cumberland County.

Another current project is to assess the projected employment requirements in the areas of manufacturing and the public sector over the next few years. "If we're going to draw young families to the area, we need to match it up with good data," says Kelly, who hopes to be able to supply stats on the number of jobs available in a variety of fields and professions. "If you're looking at recruiting a young family, you need to show them the job opportunities, the housing costs, and the lifestyle perks."

Kelly understands this only too well. Originally from New Brunswick, she and her family intentionally chose Cumberland County as home. "My family spent years trying to move to this area. We were drawn to the size and central location of the region and all the amenities it had to offer," she says. "It's a great place to live and raise a family."

In fact, most of CREDA's staff are a combination of Cumberland natives, many of whom have returned home to work, and individuals who grew up elsewhere but have chosen the region as home.
According to Kelly, there are many reasons to move to Cumberland, not the least of which is the acceleration in business activity.

"There's been expansion in both large manufacturing and small business openings," says Kelly, who's quick to add that CREDA can't take all the credit because of the way work is shared in the region. The organization works closely with a variety of partners including Nova Scotia Business Inc., Nova Scotia Economic Development, and the local Community Business Development Corporation. "It's all a collaborative effort and everything is accomplished through a partnership model."

Kelly says she's blessed to not only live in a beautiful area and have fulfilling employment, but to have the opportunity to work with such great people. She cites exceptional staff members, supportive municipal units, and a group of strong volunteers. Kelly also makes special mention of her stellar Board of Directors, made up of 15 community and private sector members from the region.

"Our Board members have an amazing ability to take off whatever other hats they wear and really be there for the region," says Kelly. "When they walk through our doors, they automatically start thinking about what's good for the entire county rather than what's good for their own backyard. It's made a big difference in how the organization has grown and succeeded."
 

Feature story written by Renée Hartleib