Information and Communication Technologies and Community Economic Development: Lessons for Governance at the Western Valley Development Agency

Abstract

The Western Valley Development Agency (WVDA) is seen by many third-party observers as a dynamic innovator in the world of community economic development. The WVDA was formed in 1994 through a partnership between seven local municipalities, the provincial and federal governments. It was the first of 13 “Regional Development Authorities” to be created in Nova Scotia. The agency is tasked with creating economic prosperity within the context of local socio-cultural and environmental values. The organization has been involved in supporting the formation of some 35 Community Access Program sites, the creation of 3 digital collections websites, the delivery of a VolNet program to support technology adoption in voluntary organizations, implementation of a Smart Community Demonstration Project, creation of a virtual community resource centre, and most recently the introduction of an e-business support program.