Strategic Plan

November 2017

In partnership with Perry Township, the Municipality of , and the Township of McMurrich/Monteith

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Contents Strategic Plan

Executive Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………3

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………….………………..…………….4

Purpose of the Strategic Plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…4

The Process …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Vision Statement …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Mission statement …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..6

Public Consultation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

The Proposed Strategy

Goal #1 –Regional Collaboration ……………………………………………………………………………………………7

Goal #2 –Investment Attraction …………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Goal #3 – Tourism …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….9

Goal #4 – Business Development …………………………………………………………………………………………11

Goal #5 – Advocating for the Community …………………………………………………………………………….12

Goal #6 – Addressing Community Services ………………………………….……………………………………….13

Ongoing Review

Implementation and Monitoring …………………………………………………………………………………………15

Appendices

Appendix A – Community Profiles and Demographics …………………………………………………………16

Appendix B- Community Consultation Results …………………………………………………………………….18

Appendix C- Supporting Resolution from Committee …………………….…..……………………………….20

Appendix D- Supporting Resolutions from Councils ……………………………………………………………21

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Executive Summary EcoDev is a committee dedicated to economic development, formed in partnership between Perry Township, the Municipality of Magnetawan, and the Township of McMurrich/Monteith. The committee was formed initially to facilitate the implementation of the 2015-16 Almaguin Highland Chamber of Commerce Regional BR+E initiative. This is the first step in working towards a broader regional economic development program for the . EcoDev is working towards becoming regional leaders focused on growth and engagement in our communities, and are committed to enhancing prosperity and encouraging collaboration.

Overall, the population within the three communities have increased by 2.5% during the period 2011 to 2016 with Perry Township showing the highest percentage increase at 5.9%, followed by McMurrich/Monteith at 5.8%. Magnetawan however remains the highest in the # of dwellings at 1698. This is significant when comparing the percentage increase of 1.92% to that of the entire Almaguin Region.

Community 2016 Population 2011 Population Change % # of Dwellings Magnetawan 1390 1454 -64 -4.4% 1698 McMurrich/Monteith 824 779 45 5.8% 752 Perry 2454 2317 137 5.9% 1676 Total 4668 4550 118 2.5% 4126 Sources: Statistics , 2016 Census, Geosearch

According to the Emsi Q1 2017 Data Set available through OMAFRA’s Analyst Report, the number of jobs in the 3 municipalities for 2016 was 1,234, which was an increase of 26.6% from 2007. This increase is in line to the increase in population for the same time period. The same Analyst Report states that the median hourly wage for the 3 communities is $23.49/hour, compared to the national average of $23.97/hour. This statistic does not include self-employed positions. For more statistics, please review the Community Profile in Appendix A.

The economic position of each community has led them to partner and start to look towards the future of community and economic development. As a result, 6 goals have become the priority of this Strategic Plan.

- Goal #1- Regional Collaboration - Goal #2- Investment Attraction - Goal #3- Tourism - Goal #4- Business Development - Goal #5- Advocating for the Community - Goal #6 – Addressing Community Services

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Introduction Since January 2016, Perry Township, the Municipality of Magnetawan, and the Township of McMurrich/Monteith have been working collaboratively on community development initiatives within their respective communities, as well as in the greater Almaguin Highlands area. A joint committee, called PMM (Perry, Magnetawan, and McMurrich/Monteith) was formed as a partnership between these communities. This Committee, originally comprised of Councillors from each municipality, was the leader in economic development in Southern Almaguin.

In 2017, the Committee was renamed EcoDev, representing your Economic Development Committee for Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith. It was also decided that the Committee should have representation from the Almaguin Highlands Chamber of Commerce (AHCC), as well as community representation. As such, the committee is now comprised of 3 Councillors, 2 business/community representatives, and 1 Chamber representative.

EcoDev has been fortunate to be a participant of the 2016 Business Retention and Expansion Project (BR+E), and has used the results of this project to build initiatives such as:

- Partnering between the municipalities to hire a Community Development Officer (CDO) Intern through the Northern Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) youth internship program for 2 years. - The Local Love for the Villages of Almaguin Campaign (Shop Local -2016 & 2017) - Support for the Almaguin In Motion (AIM) Cycling Imitative (2016 & 2017) - The Villages of Almaguin Marketing Partnership (2016 & 2017) - Almaguin Careers and Trades Day (ACT-2017) - The 3R Volunteer Recruitment Campaign in partnership with Burk’s Falls and Area Community Economic Development (BACED) (2017) - Business Workshop Series in partnership with BACED (2017)

Today the committee continues to meet monthly to determine new ideas and initiatives that benefit the communities and the region. In May of 2017, the Committee decided that a Strategic Plan was necessary to guide future decisions around community and economic development.

Purpose of the Strategic Plan The Strategic Plan identifies the structure of EcoDev, as well the future direction, vision, goals, planned partnerships and initiatives for community development within the municipalities of Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith. This plan ensures that the goals are actively pursued through measureable actions. The plan is a living document that will continually evolve as the communities grow and develop.

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The Process The EcoDev Committee decided to utilize the strength, experience and knowledge of its members to develop the Strategic plan in-house. A sub-committee was appointed to take on the task of developing the Strategic Plan, and monthly reports were provided to EcoDev. The sub-committee was made up of a Councillor, a Clerk, a community/business representative, and the Community Development Officer.

The sub-committee, with the help of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) Carole Mantha, moved through the process of reviewing other strategic plans from surrounding communities, as well as Perry and Magnetawan’s existing economic development plans. The sub-committee developed a vision and mission statement that represented EcoDev, which was approved and accepted by the EcoDev Committee. The Committee then analysed the collective communities’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats by conducting a SWOT Analysis, which was used to identify where gaps may exist, and where potential opportunities for growth can occur. Several tools were used during the process of developing the Strategic Plan, including the SWOT Analysis completed by consultants for the BR+E report, as well as a community consultation survey that was available to the public from August until October. The Community Consultation Survey results are available in the Appendix.

Goals and objectives were then determined based on the BR+E and the SWOT Analysis. The goals were determined by reviewing common themes across the region, which were also outlined in the BR+E report. These other reports highlighted areas of focus and several goals were determined, which were later prioritized by the EcoDev Committee. The objectives that were developed followed the SMART guidelines- Simple and Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. The following areas were determined as the main goals for the communities of Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith:

- Regional Collaboration - Investment Attraction - Tourism Development - Business Development - Advocating for the Community - Addressing Community Services

Each of these goals led to developing specific action plans and performance measures as a way of tracking progress and success. Further, an implementation and monitoring process was also discussed to ensure the success of the Strategic Plan.

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Vision Statement The EcoDev Committee are regional leaders focused on innovation, growth and engagement within our communities.

Mission Statement We are committed to enhancing growth, prosperity and leveraging resources within the communities of Perry, McMurrich/Monteith and Magnetawan; encouraging collaboration and partnership between residents, visitors, and businesses.

Public Consultation A community consultation was conducted to make certain public opinion was heard. For the purpose of collecting information, we referenced the BR+E report, which included public opinions from 88 businesses within Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith, and 267 businesses from the entire Almaguin Highlands region. A public survey was also available to collect additional community input, which was available at each municipal office, on social media, and on the municipal websites.

Multiple opinions of individuals who are part of the EcoDev Committee were considered throughout the process. These individuals were:

Carole Mantha- Northern Development Officer, Margaret Ann MacPhail – Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Councillor, Perry Township

Tim Brunton- Councillor, Carol Armstrong – Councillor, Municipality of Magnetawan Township of McMurrich/Monteith Chair – EcoDev

Jason Tereszko- Board of Directors, Del Snyder – Business Owner Almaguin Highlands Chamber of Commerce D&L Snyder Enterprises – Business Owner- Northern Nerds Sprucedale

Andrew Farnsworth- Clerk, Beth Morton- Clerk, Municipality of Magnetawan Perry Township

Courtney Metcalf (Rizzo) – Louise Heintzman – Deputy Clerk Community Development Officer Township of McMurrich/Monteith Perry, Magnetawan, McMurrich/Monteith

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The Strategy As a result of the community consultation, BR+E report, and committee opinions, EcoDev prioritized 6 goals, and developed objectives, actions, and performance measures for each goal.

Goal #1 – To Promote Regional Collaboration Regional collaboration is an important factor when thinking about economic development. Projects and initiatives are strengthened when supported my multiple partners. Collaboration is the key to making initiatives more impactful and more affordable. The below objectives and actions outline how regional collaboration will be promoted.

Objectives:

1. Collaborate and partner with other Economic Development Committees, Municipalities, and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce to benefit the region.

Action - Collaborate on various projects, workshops, meetings, etc., such as the Community Guide. With each project or initiative that is pursued, always leave opportunities for partnerships that will strengthen the outcome. Action- Continually encourage new opportunities to network and build relationships in the region. Encourage the CEDO to attend meetings and workshops that will help develop new contacts.

2. Work with different levels of government, such as Provincial and Federal Organizations. Action – Direct the CEDO to continue bi-weekly/monthly communication with government representatives to share information and stay up-to-date on government programs. Action - Invite government representation to regular committee meetings for input and updates. This will help keep the lines of communication open, and will keep the committee updated on government programs that may be available.

Performance Indicators:

1. Attend 1 meeting per month that is regionally focused. 2. Establish 2 new partnerships within the region each year. 3. Continuously support and champion the regional concept leading up to the implementation of a new regional model for economic development.

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Goal # 2- Attract New Families, Businesses, and Visitors through Investment Attraction Investment attraction is an important aspect to economic development. By encouraging new businesses, residents and visitors to invest in our area, we are growing the community, while also building the reputation of the Almaguin Highlands. The below objectives and actions outline some initiatives to begin attracting investment opportunities.

Action- Complete a First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE). The FICE provides an opportunity for communities to gain a fresh perspective on how they are seen through the eyes of first-time visitors. A FICE program is offered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and provides a structured opportunity for communities to learn about the first impressions they convey to visitors. Action- Complete an Asset Inventory and Gap Analysis with funding from MNDM. This will help EcoDev and the region develop a plan on how to promote the regions assets, while also realizing the gaps and needs of the community. Objectives:

1. Attract new residents and families to the Almaguin Highlands, specifically the communities of Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith.

Action - Assist recreation committees in developing year-round recreational opportunities, such as children’s programing. This will help attract new families by providing sought-after programs, while also building community relationships. Action- Work with schools for programming that will benefit the community, which will help strengthen the relationships between the community and the school system.

2. Attract seasonal residents interested in cottages or retirement to the Almaguin Highlands.

Action - Develop a regional welcome package to inform seasonal and new residents on what is available in the area. This would include information about the municipality and council, how to get information about zoning and building permits, as well as details on local events, programs and community groups.

3. Attract new businesses and encourage commercial land purchases.

Action- Have an updated inventory of available commercial lots, store fronts, land, etc. Direct the CEDO to promote the available commercial properties to interested businesses and investment.

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Performance Indicators:

1. Complete the FICE within 1 year 2. Complete an Asset Inventory and Gap Analysis within 2 years 3. Contribute and collaborate on 2 new investment attraction projects per year (e.g. welcome package, working with recreation committees for family attraction).

Goal #3 - Develop Tourism Opportunities Throughout the 3 Communities and the Region of Almaguin Highlands. Tourism is the number one industry for the Almaguin Highlands. The business community depends on the tourism, and thrives in the summer. By determining new ways to support tourism, and expand the short season, we are working to support the local economy. The objectives and actions outline ways to promote and grow tourism in the Almaguin Highlands.

Objectives:

1. Market the area through the Villages of Almaguin Regional Marketing Partnership. This partnership was established in 2016, with 13 municipalities supporting the idea of working together to promote tourism in the Almaguin Highlands.

Action- Develop a regional marketing plan to guide decision makers on how to market and promote the Almaguin Highlands for tourism, business and residential interests. Leverage government funding for this initiative.

2. Promote the Almaguin Highlands as a destination during the off-season times of Fall, Winter and Spring by developing and promoting events.

Action - Work with Almaguin in Motion (AIM) for off-season cycling events. Cyclists are most active during the shoulder seasons of Fall and Spring, and would be an excellent opportunity to promote the great cycling in the Almaguin Highlands. Action - Work with the Almaguin Highlands Arts Council (AHAC) to promote their arts tour. The AHAC produces a guide book and a self-drive arts tour around Almaguin. Help promote art in the Almaguin Highlands by expanding and promoting the tour. Action - Continue development of the Park concept. The Magnetawan River is a great asset in the Almaguin Highlands that connects 5 of the Almaguin Highlands communities. By promoting recreation opportunities and business development along the river, we can begin to utilize this asset to our advantage.

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Action - Look and support other opportunities for new event development. New events help to bolster the economy for local businesses. Direct the CEDO to look for opportunities for new events, or existing event expansions.

3. Support new tourism businesses and products to grow the tourism industry in the Almaguin Highlands.

Action- Help businesses develop innovative tourism packages by encouraging partnerships with other businesses in the area. By partnering, businesses will mutually benefit, and the customers will have a variety of needs met within one valued experience. Action - Investigate new funding opportunities for tourism product and business development. Tourism is well supported by government organizations, and this support can be leveraged to build up the tourism of Almaguin.

Performance Indicators:

1. Continuously support and champion the Villages of Almaguin leading up to the implementation of a new regional model for economic development. 2. Create and implement a social media plan that will help promote the area within one year. This may involve content marketing, the creation of a new page or group, and how to encourage interest in the area. 3. Work with tourism partners such as Explorer’s Edge, the Villages of Almaguin, and Almaguin in Motion to create 3 content articles per year. 4. Develop 1 tourism event per year with a focus on regional recognition. This may involve the expansion of an existing event, or the creation of a new event.

Goal # 4 - Encourage Business Development through Support and Outreach Businesses are run by individuals who have seen enough value in your community to want to invest in it, and build their livelihoods within the Almaguin Highlands. By focusing on the businesses who have already invested, or wish to start a business, we are supporting those who support the community. Below are the objectives and actions that outline what can be done to support our local businesses.

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Objectives:

1. Support entrepreneurs and businesses with start-up and expansion projects.

Action - Hold regular seminars and workshops to educate businesses on a variety of topics related to the results of the BR&E project. Action - Help businesses with funding applications (review and suggestions) if requested.

2. Work towards aligning workforce, skills, education in the Almaguin Highlands, so that we can begin filling available positions with skilled workers and providing recent graduates with local jobs. This will help fill job vacancies, while also retaining youth and attracting new families.

Action – Host another Almaguin Careers and Trades Day, similar to the one hosted in 2017. The Job Fair allowed businesses to communicate the requirements needed to work in their field, while also educating students on the types of jobs available in the area and the education and training required for each position. Action – Keep an updated inventory of facts and figures with regards to employment and labour flows, by utilizing resources like the Labour Market Group and the Analyst tool.

3. Promote existing and new businesses in the Almaguin Highlands.

Action - Promote and support events such as the Chamber’s Festival of Almaguin Businesses (FAB), to showcase new businesses to local residents in Almaguin. Action – Keep each municipal business directory up-to-date.

4. Highlight the importance of succession planning for businesses.

Action - Host/support succession planning workshops to educate businesses on the importance of planning ahead Action - Visit local businesses on a monthly basis, to ensure that relationships are developed with the business community, and communication stays open.

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Performance Indicators:

1. Implement a Customer Relations Management tool within 2 years a. Keep track of how many start-ups and expansions are utilizing economic development support. b. Keep record of how many businesses are contacted for follow-up each month. c. Track attendees at workshops and business events. 2. Connect with 3 businesses per week, via email, phone call, or business visit. 3. Host/organize/participate in at least 4 business workshops per year.

Goal #5 - Be the Voice of Businesses, Visitors, and the Community Individual businesses are challenged when it comes to voicing concerns over larger issues. As a committee that represents multiple municipalities, and partners with other communities in the Almaguin Highlands, we are more likely to be heard as a collective voice. The BR&E highlighted concerns over the costs of electricity, lack of internet availability, and poor cellular connections. Other red-tape issues were also expressed on a large scale. As a Committee that works to support businesses and grow the community, communication should remain open to hearing the concerns of the community, while working towards addressing the challenges that are raised.

Objectives:

1. Express concerns over issues raised in the BR&E, such as the cost of electricity, internet, and cellular connectivity.

Action - Communicate to government representatives as issues arise. When survey’s or interviews are completed, and multiple businesses or communities members raise the same issues, the Committee will support raising these issues with higher levels of government. Action - Write letters of support for organizations that wish to tackle large issues will also be considered, as long as the end goal is to benefit the community, and the Committee agrees with the cause.

2. Advocate for change with regards to various issues that were raised in the BR&E and Community Consultation with regards to regulations and red-tape restrictions. Ministries like the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry often restrict or delay development. By communicating these challenges with the respective ministries, we can begin to advocate for change.

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Action - Take a regional stance to influence change. Communicate with other economic development committees and municipalities on issues that arise, so we can communicate the challenges as a larger body with a louder voice. Action - Host round-table discussions with government representatives, so that issues are heard and possible changes can be made.

3. Educate businesses on support that is available to them. Most businesses are not aware of the type of support and resources that are in our area. Educating them on what can be achieved through these resources can help with expansion and start-up projects, grant and funding applications, and other types of assistance.

Action – Conduct regular business visits and Business Retention and Expansion Visits, which is an ongoing process, to keep communication open. Action – Host funder’s forums, where all business support organizations are available at one location so businesses can ask questions and meet the representatives.

4. Enhance and facilitate communication and collaboration between municipalities and businesses. Action - Report back to Councils and Clerks on issues affecting businesses. If businesses communicate challenges about the municipalities that the Committee represents, the information must be communicated to the municipality in a confidential way so as not the break the trust of the business and/or the municipality.

Performance Indicators:

1. Host 1 round-table discussion with businesses and government representatives per year. 2. Develop bi-yearly newsletters for business education and information sharing 3. Advocate for change on 2 issues per year

Goal #6 - Address Various Challenges with Regards to Community Services Challenges with regards to aging populations, youth retention and volunteer recruitment is prevalent in small northern communities like those in the Almaguin Highlands. Working to address these challenges can help strengthen and grow the community. Below are objectives and actions that manage these challenges.

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Objectives:

1. Address aging population in the Almaguin Highlands. As the population ages, concerns over health care and accessibility become more important.

Action - Identify gaps in health care. Conduct surveys that allow the community to vocalize what is needed in the area to meet their health care necessities. This can also be an opportunity to educate the community on what is already available locally. Action - Look into health care opportunities and funding. Once the gaps are identified, look into solutions that are feasible. Action - Educate businesses on accessibility for an aging population. As the community ages, businesses do not always adapt to these changes. Stairs, heavy doors, and narrow isles can all limit or deter an elderly person from shopping at a business. Help businesses recognize the challenges that can be fixed through simple, affordable means.

2. Develop youth retention projects that work towards encouraging students to stay in the community or return after they have received education or work experience.

Action - Communicate youth entrepreneurship programs to the communities. Youth entrepreneurship programs are available through organizations like the YMCA or the Ontario government. It is important to let high school students and the general public know about these programs so that youth can recognize the opportunities to start their own business. Action - Encourage youth volunteerism in various organizations. This can lead to a renewed sense of community and pride of where they come from, while also helping the organizations that give back to the community. Action - Keep a database on youth leaving the area, and communicate with the Universities and Colleges on opportunities for employment and apprenticeships in order to bring students back to Almaguin.

3. Support volunteer organizations with recruitment and volunteer retention.

Action - Continue with the 3R Volunteer Program of 2017. The 3R program was aimed at building a foundation for volunteer organizations, so that they can build capacity in order to attracting new volunteers, and retaining interested individuals.

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Performance Indicators:

1. Survey the communities to identify healthcare gaps once every 2 years. 2. Establish 1 connection per year with a healthcare agency. 3. Survey youth community through schools to identify causes of youth outmigration once every 2 years. 4. Host/organize/participate in 1 youth focused event per year (i.e. job fair) 5. Host/organize/participate in 1 volunteer focused event per year (3R Volunteer Recruitment Campaign) a. Track number of organizations who participate

Implementation and Monitoring A strategy for how the strategic plan will be reviewed and implemented was determined by the Strategic Plan Sub-Committee. The final report was first approved by the EcoDev Committee, and then accepted by the Councils of Perry, Magnetawan and McMurrich/Monteith. Letters of Support are attached as Appendix C and D.

The report will be subject to review on an annual basis, but input from the community will be accepted at any time once displayed on the municipal websites. Feedback will always be welcomed, and interim reviews may be needed if changes in the community or municipal structure occur.

The CEDO and the EcoDev Committee will be responsible for working towards the goals and objectives. The performance measures will be reviewed on a quarterly basis to judge progress, and adjust the timeframes and deadlines if required. This creates accountability for the completion of specific measurable outcomes.

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Appendix A EcoDev Community Profile Perry, Magnetawan, and McMurrich/Monteith

Considered the most Southern Communities of Almaguin Highlands, and the gateway into Northern Ontario, EcoDev’s catchment area is in close proximity to larger urban areas, such as Huntsville and . It is also a perfect location because of it’s 2.5-hour distance from Toronto, making tourist travel time minimal. Population: The total combined population for the 3 municipalities is 4,668 taken from the 2016 Census. Jobs: Out of that total population, 1,234 employee jobs are available within the 3 municipalities. Average Income (2015): $37,566 Almaguin Highlands’ average earnings are $38,352, meaning that EcoDev has a lower average income than the region as a whole. Employment: The 3 largest employment sectors within this area are: Construction-164 jobs, and Public Administration- 84 jobs, and Manufacture-64 This is different than the regional employment. Almaguin Highlands top 3 largest employers are: Health care and Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade. Income: The top 3 paying industries are: Utilities- $75,847, Real estate and rental and leasing- $68,992, and Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction- $65,209

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Growth in Jobs: EcoDev has a 23.7% increase in jobs between 2010 and 2015. This increase is higher than the provincial and regional average.

Regional Trends

Region 2010 Jobs 2015 Jobs Change % Change

● Region- EcoDev 596 732 136 22.8% ● CAEDA 1,484 1,657 173 11.7% ● Almaguin Highlands 4,058 4,441 383 9.4% ● Ontario 5,764,005 6,182,578 418,573 7.3%

The employment and population trends indicate that Ecodev is showing continued growth and should maximize on this growth to ensure continued economic development progress.

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Appendix B Community Consultation Final Report

Survey Responses- Deadline October 4th, 2017

Question 1: Which option best 35.71% said Business Owner describes you? 64.29% said Permanent Resident 14.29% said Visitor

Question 2: In which municipality do 14.29% said Perry you live and work? 35.71% said Magnetawan 42.86% said McMurrich/Monteith 21.43% said other

Question 3: Please list 3 advantages Most Common Advantages: and 3 disadvantages of being in your - Friendly/safe community community. - Beautiful/nature/ lakes and trails - Privacy/peaceful/relaxing - Low taxes/ affordable land - Great quality of life - No traffic - Great tourism Most common Disadvantages: - Lack of infrastructure/transportation - Lack of affordable high speed internet - Isolated/far distance to amenities - Lack of businesses and activities - Hard to find full time work - Lack of support/ transparency from council and staff - Not a very welcoming community to newcomers - No local support for business

Question 4: Please rank your top 3 #1- Collaboration with other Economic Development Committees, priorities. Municipalities, and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce Goal # 1- To promote regional #2- Work with different levels of government- Federal and Provincial collaboration. levels #3- Encourage new opportunities to network

Question 5: Rank your top 3 #1- Attract new businesses by having an updated inventory of priorities. commercial lots, store fronts, land, etc. Goal #2- Attract new families, #2- Attract new families and residents through assisting recreation visitors, and businesses to the area committees in developing year-round recreational opportunities such through investment attraction. as children’s programming #3- Work with the schools to develop programming that benefit the community

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Question 6: Rank your top 3 #1- Encourage off-season tourism by supporting and developing new priorities. events outside of summer Goal #3- Develop tourism #2- Look and support other opportunities for new event development opportunities throughout the 3 by supporting new tourism businesses and products communities and the region of #3- Work on marketing opportunities through the Villages of Almaguin Highlands. Almaguin Regional Marketing Partnership

Question 7- Rank your top 3 #1- Keep up-to-date business directory in each municipality priorities. #2- promote existing and new businesses through business events Goal #4- Encourage business such as the Chamber’s Festival of Almaguin Businesses (FAB) development through support and #3- Help businesses with funding applications (review and outreach. suggestions)

Question 8 – Rank your top 3 #1- Voice concerns over hydro, internet and cellular issued by priorities. communicating to government representatives as issues arise Goal #5- Be the Voice of Businesses #2- Enhance/ facilitate communication and collaboration between Visitors and the Community municipalities and businesses by reporting back to Councils/Clerks on issues affecting businesses #3- Educate business on various support and opportunities through regular business visits/business retention and expansion visits

Question 9 – Rank your top 3 #1- Address aging population by looking into health care priorities. opportunities/funding Goal #6- Address various challenges #2- Communicate youth entrepreneurship programs to the with regards to community services. communities #3- Continue with 3R Volunteer Program- a program developed to build capacity in volunteer organizations, while also tackling issues such as volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition. Question 10 – Do you feel our goals 71.43% said YES, the challenges were addressed and objectives accurately address the 21.43% said NO challenges of your community that Most common responses: you listed in Question 3? If not, - Business development should be the number 1 priority out of please provide some suggestions of all these goals how we might do so. - Community services should also be a main focus - Shop local needs to be encouraged more - There is too much red tape and over-regulation at the municipal level, which discourages business start-up, relocation and expansions. It also discourages residential builds and improvements. There is little sense attracting business to the area of they are poorly treated when they arrive.

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Appendix C

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