2017-2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan
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May 12, 2017 The Honourable Brad Du Minister of Econo · evelopment & Growth 900 Bay Str 8th F , earst Block oronto, ON M7A 2E1 RE: 2017- 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action The Regional Plan, "Durham Region: The Right Choice for a Bright Munlclpallty of Durham Future" (2017-COW-116) Our File· 002 Corporate Services Department - Leglslatlve Services Honourable Sir, the Committee of the Whole of Regional Council considered the above matter and at a meeting held on May 10, 2017, 605 ROSSLAND RD. E. P0 BOX623 Council adopted the following recommendations of the Committee: WHITBY ON L1N SA3 CANADA "A) That Council endorse the 2017 - 2021 Economic Development 905-668-7711 Strategy and Action Plan attached to Report #2017-COW-116 of 1-800-372-1102 the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development, dated Fax: 905-668-9963 May 3, 2017; and www.durham.ca 8) That a copy of Report #2017-COW-116 and the 2017 - 2021 Matthew L Gaskell Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan be forwarded to Commissioner of Corporate Services the Area Municipalities; all members of the Durham Economic Development Partnership; Durham's Boards ofTrade and Chambers of Commerce; Spark Centre; Business Advisory Centre Durham; Durham Workforce Authority; Durham Region Employment Network; Durham College; UOIT: Trent University; Queen's University; Centennial College; Lakeridge Health; the Ministries of Economic Development & Growth; Infrastructure; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; International Trade; Research, Innovation and Science; Children and Youth Services; Municipal Affairs; Housing; Tourism, Culture and Sport; and key stakeholders who participated in the preparation of this document." Please find enclosed a copy of Report#2017-COW-116 and the 2017 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, for your information. ~~~Regional Clerk/Director of Legis lative Services RW/tf If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact ·+· the Accesslbllity Co-ordinator at 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2009. -2 c: N. Wellsbury, Clerk, Town of Ajax T. Gettinby, CAO/Clerk, Township of Brock A. Greentree, Clerk, Municipality of Clarfngton A. BroU'~er, Cler~. Ctty of Oshawa D. Shields, Clerk, City of Pickering J.P. Newman, Clerk, Township of Scugog D. Leroux, Clerk, Township of Uxbridge C. Harris, Clerk, Town of Whitby The Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure The Honourable Jeff Leal, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs The Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade The Honourable Reza Moridi, Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science The Honourable Michael Coteau, Ministry ofChildren and Youth Services The Honourable Bill Mauro, Ministry of Municipal Affairs The Honourable Chris Ballard, Minister of Housing The Honourable Eleanor McMahon, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport C. Langille, Executive Director, Ajax/Pickering Board of Trade Beaverton District Chamber of Commerce S. Hall, Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade N. Shaw. CEO and General Manager, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce K. Kozak, Executive Director/GM, Scugog Chamber of Commerce K. Alexander, President, Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce N. Prychitko, Chief Executive Officer, Whitby Chamber of Commerce S. Colbourne, President & CEO, Spark Centre T. Shaver. Executive Director, Business Advisory Centre Durham H. McMillan, Executive Director, Durham Workforce Authority 0. McAllister, Executive Director, Durham Region Employment Network D. Lovisa, President, Durham College T. McTieman, President, UOIT L Groarke, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University D. Woolf, Principal and Vice-~hancellor, Queen's University A. Buller, President, Centennial College M. Anderson, President & CEO, Lakeridge Health Members of the Durham Economic Development Partners hfp Key stakeholders who participated in the preparation of the 2017 - 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan B. Bridgeman, Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development K. Weiss, Director of Economic Development and Tourism If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564 The Regional Municipality of Durham Report To: Committee of the Whole From: Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development Report: #2017-COW-116 Date: May 3, 2017 Subject: 2017 -2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, "Durham Region: The Right Choice for a Bright Future" Recommendations: That the Committee ofthe Whole recommends to Regional Council: A) That Council endorse the 2017 - 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan attached to this report, dated May 3, 2017; and B) That a copy of this report and the 2017 -2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan be forwarded to the Area Municipalities: all members of the Durham Economic Development Partnership; Durham's Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce; Spark Centre; Business Advisory Centre Durham; Durham Workforce Authority; Durham Region Employment Network; Durham College; UOIT; Trent University; Queen's University; Centennial College; Lakeridge Health; the Ministries of Economic Development & Growth; Infrastructure; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; International Trade; Research, Innovation and Science; Children and Youth Services; Municipal Affairs; Housing; Tourism. Culture and Sport: and key stakeholders who participated in the preparation ofthis document. Report: 1. Purpose 1.1 Durham Region's Official Plan directs Council, in consultation with the Area Municipalities, to review and update an Economic Development Strategy at feast every five years. Report #2017-COW-116 Page 2 of 9 1.2 In accordance with that direction, the purpose of this report is to present Committee of the Whole with the 2017 - 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan {the Strategy) that will guide the work of the Region's Economic Development and Tourism Division for the next five years. To capture the economic advantage and opportunities that Durham provides, the document is enthusiastically entitled, "Durham Region: The Right Choice for a Bright Future". 2. Background 2.1 In 2015, Terms of Reference for the Strategy were developed in collaboration with the Area Municipal economic development partners, known collectively as the Durham Economic Development Partnership (DEDP). The Terms of Reference identified goals, objectives and key priorities for Durham Region and its partners, in continuing to build and support a strong local economy. 2.2 The Terms of Reference was released to qualified consultants for proposals, and in February of 2016, Regional Council retained the services of Global Investment Attraction Group (GIAG) to assist in developing this five-year Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. 2.3 The consultant's work was undertaken in three phases: Phase I - Research and Analysis - Broader Setting for Economic Development - Sector and Labour Force Analysis - SWOT and Various other Analyses Phase II - Community and Stakeholder Consultation - Interviews with Key Businesses and Organizations - Community Round Table Forums - On-line Survey Phase Ill - Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan - Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives - Strategies and Actions 2.4 The consultant's final report was delivered in December of 2016. It provided the necessary background information and has served as a resource document for this 2017 - 2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan which was prepared by staff of the Economic Development and Tourism Division in consultation with Area Municipal economic development staff, community leaders and members of our business community. Report #2017-COW-116 Page 3 of 9 2.5 During the 2016 consultation process, 35 companies, 25 associations, business groups, realtors, and post-secondary institutions were engaged. Close to 50 one-on one interviews were completed to provide the Region with crucial insight from key partners and business leaders. Additionally, in each Area Municipality, community outreach took place in the form of Community Roundtable Sessions that supported community-based input and engagement. An on-line survey was also made available. The collective input has been synthesized and has been used to develop and inform this Strategy. 3. Overview ofthe 2017-2021 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles 3.1 Economic development plays a crucial role in advancing the corporate vision for Durham Region as articulated in Council's 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. In supporting Council's vision for a united group of vibrant, diverse and prosperous communities, the following Vision, Mission and Governing Principles have been prepared to guide the Region's economic development program: Vision - Durham Region will be the most prosperous and innovative region in North America. Mission - To work with others to build innovation. business growth and economic opportunities for Durham Region. Governing Principals - In carrying out our responsibilities, we will be guided by our corporate values of ethical leadership, accountability, service excellence, continuous learning and improvement and inclusion. We will be driven by a business service mindset, and we will ensure that our actions, at all times. leave a lasting and positive impression with existing and potential investors. Key Sectors 3.2 Durham Region's economic diversity is well known and the composition of the employment base by sector mirrors that of the Greater Toronto Area as a whole. Taking a multi-faceted lens,