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STRATEGIC THEME 3 | Economic Development
Build vibrant and prosperous communities by providing supports to our partners to encourage economic development; and to our stakeholders to encourage community development.
Key Outcomes:
3.a Identify and lead opportunities with partner agencies to support economic development growth. 3.b Work with non-profits to build communities of choice.
3.c Develop greater flexibility in land use for economic development benefits.
3.d Consolidate and upgrade internal technology services to streamline and improve citizen services.
1 Review and update the County’s Growth and Economic Development Plan (GEDP). a. Re-define roles of the County and partner agencies in Economic
Development (ED). Director of Planning & Development Fall 2022
b. Provide ED orientation to Council and senior management with overview of the current GEDP. Director of Planning & Development Fall 2022
c. Align the GEDP and County Planning
Framework to encourage flexibility of lot sizes, and appropriate use of topography; remove ambiguity in language.
d. Develop a program to promote tax advantages of development within the County, aligning with the GEDP and MDP. Director of Planning & Development Summer 2025
Director of Planning & Development Fall 2023
e. Update marketing materials and
County’s public information databases (Middle of Everywhere; availability of infra, utilities, amenities, etc.).
f. Develop staff orientation materials regarding the County’s role in ED.
Every employee is the County’s ED ambassador. Director of Planning & Development Fall 2022
Director of Planning & Development Winter 2023
2 Review GEDP for synergies with the Regional Economic Development Strategy. a. Identify opportunities for regional partnerships through ongoing inter-municipal engagements.
b. Evaluate impacts and identify opportunities through Intermunicipal
Development Plans (IMDPs) and intermunicipal cooperation. Director of Planning & Development
Director of Planning & Development December 2022
Summer 2023
3 Continue business retention and expansion program and review results for potential implementation. a. Provide annual business visitation report to Council to identify gaps and potential solutions. Director of Planning & Development October 2022
b. Determine the County’s role in the provision of broadband services. Director of Planning & Development November 2022
4 Build stronger relationship with boards and agencies to ensure they are aware of Council’s priorities and can use that as a decision factor. a. Define roles of boards, agencies, and non-profits in ED. Offer ED orientation for boards, agencies, and non-profit. Director of Planning & Development Summer 2023
b. Conduct open houses for boards, agencies, developers, and realtors.
c. Conduct County planning framework orientation for public member appointees to Subdivision
Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
d. Evaluate Community Group Support
Coordinator role (Includes facilitation of governance and finance training for non-profits).
5 Improve customer experience. a. Develop a business case to improve customer experience (both residents and businesses), including evaluation of current systems, technology, and a Citizen Contact Centre. Director of Planning & Development
Director of Planning & Development
Director of Community Services
Director of Planning & Development December 2022
December 2022
Spring 2023
Fall 2024
b. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for staff to better respond to inquires and provide consistent direction. Director of Planning & Development Summer 2023
