Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) is pleased to introduce a new addition to the team, Chloe Boyle. Chloe joins EDC as Economic Development Analyst for Sub-Regional Support on a 12-month part-time term. In her role, Chloe is responsible for economic development support in sub-regions, villages, and towns in the Cowichan region, including assisting with village core strategies and community-based initiatives.
“Cowichan’s village and town core health is critical to ensuring we have a thriving regional economy,” says Barry O’Riordan, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan. “COVID-19 has brought challenges and revealed opportunities that are unique to different sub-regions in Cowichan. I am delighted that, through Chloe, EDC has the opportunity to help build the capacity of community-led groups to advance recovery initiatives that meet their local-level needs.” As part of this support, Chloe will be looking to guide recovery initiatives that also build resiliency, respond to climate change, and support economic reconciliation with Indigenous people.
Chloe’s background is in rural community planning and environmental science, with a particular focus on sustainable development, community engagement, and environmental conservation and restoration. Her undergraduate degree in Earth Systems Science and employment in terrestrial ecology led her to obtain a Master’s degree in the Planning-accredited Resource and Environmental Management program at Simon Fraser University. While studying, Chloe became passionate about local community planning and has since worked as a Planner in the fields of ecological restoration, watershed management, solid waste management, and local land-use planning. She brings to Economic Development Cowichan her diverse experience in ecology, planning, and policy development in the sectors of non-profit, academia, and regional government.
“I’m excited to be part of the EDC team, and focus my attention on local-level projects that support recovery while developing dynamic and complete communities,” Chloe says. “Cowichan’s unique towns and villages are key to forming the character of the region, and while the effects of COVID-19 are visible, there are motivated leaders actively working towards stronger and more resilient communities. I look forward to working with these leaders, organizations, and small businesses on economic recovery initiatives.”
Chloe can be reached by email at chloe.boyle@cvrd.bc.ca or by phone at 250.252.6579.
We are extremely grateful to Island Coastal Economic Trust for their support of this new position through the Rural Business and Community Recovery Program.
