A Regional Growth Strategy for Labrador West

How does a community plan for tomorrow, when there are more questions than answers about its future? That was the issue facing Labrador West, a community of just over 10,000 people in the northwest corner of Newfoundland and Labrador. The town is part of a region prone to boom and bust cycles. Anticipating another round of economic growth, the town wanted to start planning in a sustainable and positive way.

In 2013, Labrador West invited us to join in the planning process. We were asked to consider every scenario possible–from no growth to extreme growth–and plan for those outcomes. Our research looked into population demographics, land sustainability and industry projections. 

We were also given the challenge of getting the community involved, which we accomplished with a very novel idea: spray painting the town’s snow banks with the project’s name: “Plan Big”. The effect was powerful and immediate; people started talking about it, and got involved in the discussion about their community’s future.

The result; no matter what the future brings, Labrador West can now plan for it, all the while managing its land and resources in a sustainable manner. 

Listen to CBC Mike Power’s interview with the mayors of Labrador City and Wabush.

Status

Completed 2013

Our Role

Planning

Client

Labrador West

Location

Labrador West, Newfoundland and Labrador