Making Available Community Information to Attract New Residents and Business

Generally speaking, most communities create and maintain up to date information on a community website to attract newcomers and help potential residents, businesses and/or professionals settle into the community.  Hard copy, glossy information packages are nice to have available but most communities can no longer afford the expense of keeping hard copies updated nor do they have the means for wide distribution.  The Internet has made every community’s information available to the world – communities just have to learn how to make the better use of this marketing tool.

Following is a list of various types of general community information that should be available on the community website:  (Don’t forget to use lots of pictures!)

  • Annual community events calendar (and/or online events calendar)
  • Banking
  • Childcare services or facilities
  • Climate
  • Community amenities
    • Beaches
    • Parks
    • Walking or bike trails
  • Community history
  • Community service organizations
  • Economic Profile of the community and/or region
    • Population/Demographics/Income levels
    • Business climate and support services
    • Business Directory
  • Education
    • Play schools
    • Public, Private and Separate Schools (K – 12), location, grades, contact information
    • Adult education facilities and opportunities
  • Emergency Services
    • Police
    • Fire
    • Ambulance
    • Crisis Centers
  • Employment Services
    • Major employers
  • Health and Wellnes Services
  • Housing
    • Senior housing
    • Assisted living
    • Rental Accommodations
    • Market housing (Realtors)
  • List of important websites
    • Community Website
    • Economic Development Sites
    • Chamber of Commerce
  • Immigrant and/or Newcomer Services
  • Maps
    • Street Map
    • Area Map
    • Recreation Area Map
  • Media
    • Newspapers
    • Radio
    • Cable or Satalite Services
    • Internet Services
  • Muncipal
    • Municipal contact information, hours of operation, etc.
    • Services (garbage pickup, etc.)
    • Recreation facilities
    • Library
    • Taxes, utility fees, licensing of dogs, etc.
    • Information on neighbourhoods
  • Places of Worship
  • Promotional brochures
  • Recreation Activities
    • Sporting Clubs or Groups
    • Parks
  • Shopping centres
  • Transportation
    • Roads
    • Distance to major centres
    • Air port(s)
    • Taxi service
    • Bussing
  • Youth groups

Don’t forget to customize some information specifically for attracting business, investment, skilled labour and professionals (such as doctors, teachers, engineers, etc.)