Bashaw Town council weighed how to proceed with a strategic planning process, with early discussion centred on keeping costs down while ensuring strong public involvement at their regular council meeting, Feb. 4.

Administration outlined options for developing a new strategic plan, ranging from a limited, internally focused approach to a broader process that could include rebranding, marketing strategies and economic development components. Council was asked to provide direction on how detailed the plan should be before the administration seeks formal quotes from consultants.

One option discussed was beginning the process with an initial public engagement session focused on a SWOT analysis, identifying the town’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. That information could then be used to guide future planning work and inform the scope of any professional consulting services.

Another suggestion raised during discussion was for the council to first meet internally to identify priority areas and community values before engaging the public. Those priorities could then be taken to an open public forum, allowing residents to provide feedback early in the process. Professional consultants would be brought in only after that groundwork is completed, giving clearer direction on what the town wants to achieve.

Council also discussed the value of involving a broad cross-section of the community, including representatives from different local groups and sectors, to ensure multiple perspectives are reflected. Members noted that early public involvement could help avoid unnecessary costs by narrowing the focus before external consultants are hired.

Administration indicated that public engagement could be kept informal to encourage participation and make residents feel actively involved in shaping the town’s future direction.

The discussion was framed as part of determining how elaborate the strategic plan should be, with the administration seeking clarity from council to guide the quoting process and identify appropriate funding sources from existing operating budgets.