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This project aims to develop and sustain the local economy through business financing, counseling, and community economic development projects. It involves multiple partners and addresses key areas for improvement identified in the BR+E study.
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Working TogetherRegional BR+E Project, Ontario’s Lake Country
CDC Background • The CDC is a federally supported not-for-profit organization, working with community partners to develop and sustain the local economy through: • Business Financing • Business Counseling; and • Community economic development projects With the support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Regional Business Retention + Expansion study In Ontario’s lake country
Background • Orillia BR+E completed in 2010 • Four key areas for improvement identified and addressed • Regional BR+E • qualitative and quantitative data to be collected and analyzed • Municipal/area data vs. regional data • On-site data entry • Multiple Partners = Different Needs
Target Activity *Targets developed in consultation with OMAFRA, based on number of businesses in the area as of Dec 2014. **Attempt was made to gather responses from businesses that were representative of the region.
Project Partners • Orillia Area CDC • Township of Oro-Medonte • Township of Ramara • Township of Severn • City of Orillia • Chippewas of Rama First Nation • County of Simcoe • Province of Ontario, OMAFRA
Regional Relationships • History of Collaboration • Regional Economic Development Meetings • Role of the CDC vs. other community stakeholders • Community Opportunities Development Committee
Outcomes • SWOT – municipal/area and regional • Goals – 5 regional; plus 4 municipal/area specific • Actions – 10 priority actions
After the Final Report • Communication is key • www.lcbre.ca – data & reports • Stakeholder meetings • Identifying potential project leads • Municipal deputations • Regional Meetings
After the Final Report:Addressing the recommendations • Example #1: Municipal Economic Development Strategic Planning • Oro-Medonte Economic Development Strategic Plan • - incorporated addressing planning and development barriers • - improved infrastructure for internet services • - improve investment readiness • Ramara Economic Development Strategic Plan • - developed economic advisory committee • - incorporated addressing planning and development barriers • - improved infrastructure for internet services • - increased marketing for industrial park
After the Final Report:Addressing the recommendations • Example #2: Regional Investment Attraction Strategy • Regional focus on tourism • Tourism Asset Mapping & Best Bet Opportunities • - regional partnerships • - looking for opportunities; but is also a support tool • - Nordic Spa ($10M+ Investment; 40+ jobs) • Tourism Investment Opportunities: feasibility studies
After the Final Report:Addressing the recommendations • Example #3: Enhance existing & develop new training opportunities for local industry • Professional Development Program • Began 2010, reinforced 2016 • Multi-stakeholder collaboration • 15 to 20 workshops/year • Attendance grows every year (often sell out) • Over 125 workshops, 2000+ participants
After the Final Report:Addressing the recommendations • Additional results… • - Internet Service: assistance with relocation; Bell Fibre Network • - Youth retention/workforce: youth wage subsidy/job-ready • - Transportation: Continued discussion • - Succession planning: new business transition matching program
Questions? Contact Information: Wendy Timpano Orillia Area CDC Phone: 705.325.4903 www.orilliacdc.com wtimpano@orilliacdc.com
