Greg Baeker

For many years economic development has acknowledged the contribution cultural assets and amenities make to local and regional economies. This article explores these contributions but argues that a more integrated understanding of the cultural economies of cities can leverage greater economic and wider community outcomes. It unpacks some of the confusion surrounding the “creative industries” as they relate to the cultural economy and cultural development. Finally, it argues for embracing a place-based definition of cultural resources and integrated cultural planning approaches I have written about previously in these pages and which is being embraced by a growing number of municipalities in Canada and internationally.

Recognizing the new economic realities facing them, a growing number of municipalities across Canada are turning to municipal cultural planning as a powerful tool to support economic development and community building. These represent municipalities of all sizes and circumstances – from large urban centres to mid-size cities to rural areas and small towns.

Examines the power of mapping community stories and the increasingly sophisticated social media tools, with strong cultural and heritage tourism applications to assist residents and visitors to access information about the defining feature of a community or region, and plan story- or theme-based itineraries based on these stories and narratives

Examines cultural planning and cultural mapping are increasingly recognized as essential planning and economic development tools in Canadian municipalities. A particular focus is the integration of cultural planning, cultural mapping and land use planning in municipalities