City of Kenora
City of Kenora Prepared by: Lake of the Woods Development Commission • June 2009 60 Fourteenth St. North • Kenora, ON P9N 4M9 • www.kenora.ca City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 1 City of Kenora Economic Development Plan C O N T E N T S 2 Message from the Chair 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 6 2.0 BACKGROUND 8 3.0 PRIME GOALS OF THE PLAN 11 4.0 3.1 Job Retention & Creation 3.2 Increased Assessment 3.2 Increased Population Growth STRATEGIC INITIATIVES 4.1 Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction 4.2 Tourism Development & Marketing 4.3 Downtown Revitalization 4.4 Education & Training 4.5 First Nation Partnerships 4.6 Health & Social Infrastructure 4.7 Economic & Tourism Infrastructure 4.8 Communication 21 5.0 GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 22 6.0 IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 2 Message from the Lake of the Woods Development Commission Chair The Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission has commenced Partnerships are with implementation of the tourism, business attraction and training and postsecondary plans developed over the past two years. We have tourism strategies critical to our underway, we are seeking new business investment and we are establishing additional opportunities for training and post-secondary education. Much progress has been made by the Commission, its working committees and partners. Partnerships are critical to our success as we move ahead. Whether it is working success as we move ahead ... the Commission with Grand Council Treaty #3 and area First Nations on the Tunnel Island project and business development, or developing and A Bold New Vision… implementing plans with the hospitality, retail sector and other governments in tourism, the Commission recognizes that the adage “in unity recognizes that the adage “in unity there is strength” holds true. there is strength” Getting the basics right has been fundamental to the Commission’s work. Good holds true. plans and strong partnerships are critical to success. Dennis Wallace, chair Kenora City Council has had the courage and commitment to fund economic infrastructure projects recommended by the Commission. These projects will provide the basis for the private sector to invest and create jobs. The Federal Government and Province of Ontario are responding favourably with additional funding. Kenora must be a tourist destination. To achieve this we need quality accommodation, a revitalized downtown and waterfront and attractions that make us stand out. We must also market ourselves across Canada and beyond. This is underway. Luckily, we are blessed with thousands of years of history and beautiful surroundings that only need to be rediscovered, interpreted respectfully and shared. Business development will be marked by more small to medium size business Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 3 investments than by the attraction of a large firm. We have a strategy to pursue identified opportunities and are in the process of doing so. The forest sector is transforming itself in a way that will benefit area First Nations and Kenora. We will capture these opportunities as they emerge further. The Commission’s successes are the In fact, our First Nations partners are becoming economic engines for the regional result of the efforts economy including Kenora. We are seeing new First Nation businesses of community appearing, including some in the city, that benefit us all. The economic infrastructure work needed for investment readiness is underway. Highway twinning begins next year. Paving of the highway coming into Kenora on volunteers from business labour both sides will begin shortly. Norman Park will have an important new role as a community park, transportation centre and tourism welcome point. Downtown and First Nations, revitalization will continue. All of these projects stimulate our economy now, create jobs and make our community more attractive to investors. There will be more to come shortly. City Council and senior The Commission’s successes are the result of the efforts of community volunteers governments. from business labour and First Nations, City Council and senior governments. We have excellent City staff and other partners that make ideas happen. We are positioned to diversify and build our economy, to make Kenora a better place to live and to give our children a chance to remain in the community that we love. Let’s keep up the pace. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 4 1.0 Introduction The first City of Kenora Economic Development Plan was adopted by Mayor and Council in August 2006. Since that time, many of the activities identified within that Plan have been completed. In addition, new information, plans and strategies have been developed by the Commission’s Committees. The current major global economic downturn is impacting government policy, trends and opportunities. The Commission recognized that the Plan needed to be updated to reflect this new The Economic Development Plan (2006) was developed as a environment. result of many The Economic Development Plan (2006) was developed as a result of many years years of hard work of hard work on a wide range of planning studies, economic development projects and research initiatives. This information was supplemented by an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process. on a wide range of planning studies, New information, plans and strategies have been developed by the Commission. This report builds on the results of the following reports and studies and synthe- economic development sizes all of the previous economic development work: projects and 1. Abitibi Action Plan dated July 27, 2005 2. The City of Kenora Strategic Plan, Vision 2009 (Oct 2005) 3. Kenora Economic Development Workshop, November 2005 4. The Downtown Revitalization Plan, September 2004 5. The Common Ground Report, March 15, 2006 6. The Performing Arts Centre Study, November 2002 7. Lake of the Woods District Property Owners’ Economic Impact Study, 2003 8. Performing Arts and Convention Centre and Downtown Opportunity research initiatives. Assessment, Grant Thornton, September 2007 9. Community Improvement Plan ( 2007) 10. Tourism Strategy (2008) 11. Economic Recovery and Diversification Strategy (2008) 12. Waterfront Development Guidelines (2009) 13. Business and Industry Strategic Market Analysis (2009) 14. The Kenora Community Strategy (April 2009) Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 5 The utilization of these previous development projects, reports and studies as a base for the development of an economic development plan builds on the work of many organizations, stakeholders and First Nations partners. It also takes advantage of the public consultation process that was a cornerstone of each of these initiatives, and ensures the opinions comments and views of the community-at-large are embedded in this plan. Further, on November 4 and 6, 2005, the community was invited to attend a community economic development planning workshop designed to discuss and debate the economic future of the community. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the community were recorded, and prioritized. More than sixty (60) community members attended each of the weekend community economic development planning sessions. The workshop results were incorporated into the formulation of the prime goals, and corresponding strategic initiatives, of the plan. In June, 2006, the Economic Development Committee participated in a planning session to review and prioritize all of the community economic development projects underway and synthesize them into a single comprehensive plan. The City of Kenora Economic Development Plan was adopted by Mayor and Council in The utilization of August 2006. these previous This updated plan now includes the work from the Tourism Strategy (2008) and the Economic Recovery & diversification Strategy. development projects, reports Since that time, the Economic Development Committee and, subsequently, the and studies as a Lake of the Woods Development Commission have used the Economic base for the Development Plan as their implementation strategy. development of an In 2008, the Commission adopted the Tourism Strategy which was developed by the Tourism Committee. The Tourism Strategy is a comprehensive plan which economic defines the necessary steps to turn the Kenora area into a world class tourism development plan destination. builds on the work In December 2008, the Lake of the Woods Development Commission adopted the of many Economic Recovery and Diversification Strategy, which identified the major tourism and economic development infrastructure projects which will complete Kenora’s transition from a pulp and paper mill town to a destination, lifestyle and tourist destination community. organizations, stakeholders and First Nations In April 2009, the Lake of the Woods Development Commission and members of partners. its three standing committees from Business Attraction, Tourism and Education & Training, attended a ½ day workshop to update the Economic Development Plan. This updated Plan now includes the work from the Tourism Strategy (2008) and the Economic Recovery & Diversification Strategy. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 6 2.0 Background In 2005, the City of Kenora faced the most significant economic challenge of this The City of Kenora generation. The local pulp and paper mill, which had been the stalwart of the Kenora economy for over 100 years, closed its doors. The mill closure resulted in the loss of 361 jobs, and a potential $61 million loss to the local economy. The City and the Lake of the Woods Development of Kenora alone lost over $2 million in property taxes and user fees. Commission have The City responded to this situation by hiring an Economic Development Officer now renewed the and creating an Economic Development Committee to create a plan to diversify and revitalize the local and area economy. In August 2006, City Council adopted the City of Kenora Economic Development Plan. Economic Development Plan to The Plan outlined a bold new vision for Kenora and the Lake of the Woods area reflect the current to build on the natural resources of the area, but take the City in a new direction. The Plan needed to build on the traditional strengths of the area such as forestry and tourism, while charting a course more in keeping with emerging demograph- economic and global realities. ic trends and the global economy. In more practical terms, the Plan communicated the future direction of the City in terms of its economic health and well being. The Economic Development Committee and, more recently, the Lake of the Woods Development Commission have used the Plan for the development of an annual work plan. The Plan became a blueprint for City Council to convey to the public how the municipality would pursue opportunities for growth and development and provided City Council with a policy document for making strategic decisions on the allocation of limited financial and human resources. The Plan has also been used to disseminate information about Kenora’s direction and priorities to potential investors and senior levels of government. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 7 The Economic Development Committee and, more recently, the Lake of the Woods Development Commission have used the Plan for the development of an annual work plan. The City of Kenora and the Lake of the Woods Development Commission have now renewed the Economic Development Plan to reflect the current economic and global realities. Many initiatives identified in the Plan of 2006 have now been completed. For these reasons, it was determined that the Economic Development Plan needed an update. GINA BELL Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 8 3.0 Prime Goals of the Plan The success of a good plan can be measured by the degree to which it achieves desired results. The loss of the paper mill in the community has resulted in the loss of jobs, a significant drop in property tax assessment and potential out-migration The prime goals of this plan are to of workers to find employment elsewhere. directly address the The prime goals of this plan are to directly address the negative impact of the mill negative impact of closure on the economy. New jobs need to be created to replace the jobs lost at the mill and the woodlands. New investment is required to make up for the decline in assessment, and corresponding lost tax revenue to the municipality. The popu- the mill closure on the economy. New lation base of the City needs to be retained, and increased, in order to support the existing municipal infrastructure and economic base required for a healthy and jobs need to be vibrant community. created to replace The following is an overview of the prime goals of the plan in terms of tracking the implementation of the plan, and monitoring the corresponding economic development program, in the years to come. the jobs lost at the mill and the woodlands. 3.1 Job Retention & Creation Kenora has lost more than 650 jobs in the forestry sector since 2005. These job losses have had a serious impact on the local economy. The losses began with the closure of Devlin Timber and Abitibi in 2005 and continued with layoffs at the i-Level Weyerhaeuser timberstrand plant in 2007 and the shut down of Kenora Forest Products sawmill operation in 2008. Finally, in July 2008, Abitibi Bowater announced that it would no longer be logging in the Kenora and Whiskey Jack Forests. It is hoped that many of these laid off workers will remain in Kenora. However, it Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 9 is clear that these full time, permanent, higher paid jobs will be eliminated from the Kenora economy and not be available to the future workforce. Exacerbating this situation is the fact that the Federal and Provincial governments Job creation in the industrial, have systematically reduced their workforce in the City of Kenora over the past decade. This has resulted in the loss of a significant number of professional positions in the community, which coupled with the job loss in the industrial sector, has created a smaller job pool in the community. retail/commercial, professional and public service is a It is one of the prime objectives of the City of Kenora to increase the number of jobs available, both in the short term and the long term. However, if the City is to prime objective of have a healthy local economy, it must make up for the net jobs lost in the industrial and government service sectors. Job creation in the industrial, retail/commercial, professional and public service is a prime objective of this plan in order to prevent any further economic decline, and eventually stimulate future growth and development. this plan in order to prevent any further economic decline, and eventually 3.2 Increased Assessment stimulate future With the closure of the Abitibi Consolidated Paper mill, the City of Kenora lost growth and 35% of the assessed value of the mill property due to vacancy rebates in 2006. This translated into approximately $1.2 million in lost tax revenue. development. The net impact was a 14% reduction in the City’s assessment base. This is particularly acute due to the fact that the assessed value of the mill property is taxed at the large industrial tax rate, which is the highest of the various tax classes in the City. As an example, its takes about three times the residential assessment to generate the same tax dollar as the large industrial rate. In addition, the lost utility revenues totaled an additional $625,000 in 2006. This has a direct impact on the City water and sewer and solid waste departments, as well as utilities such as the Kenora Municipal Telephone Service and Kenora Hydro. A prime objective of this plan is to attract investment in order to claw back the assessment lost due to the closure of the paper mill. This objective goes even further to include increasing the assessment base beyond the pre-Abitibi closure in order also to keep pace with inflation, and maintain the existing levels of services to residents of the City. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 10 3.3 Population Retention & Attraction It stands to reason that the loss of over 650 direct jobs in the forestry sector, and job loss in the public sector over the past decade, will eventually translate into a loss of population. Unless the City Kenora takes aggressive steps to address the job losses, and potential population decline, the local economy will weaken due to a reduction in economic activity and lack of investment. It is a prime objective of this plan to increase the population of the City of Kenora. This can be achieved through the creation of new jobs and new businesses as stated earlier, or by offering the opportunity for “lifestyle choices” for those individuals not tied to a specific job or career path. An example of this type of individual would be a retiree, or self employed business person. Individuals such as these WILLIAM MAJOR have the resources and flexibility to reside in a community of their choosing. The City has been identified as one of the best places to live in Canada and has many of the key attributes required for people to make this move on a permanent, or seasonal basis. It is a prime objective of this plan to increase the population of the City of Kenora. This can be achieved through the creation of new jobs and new businesses … or by offering the opportunity for “lifestyle choices”. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 11 4.0 Strategic Initiatives DONNA LEE STILES This section of the plan will outline the specific activities to be undertaken with respect to the diversification and revitalization of the local economy. Each strategic initiative is accompanied by a series of actions required for implementation. Project leads are also identified in order to assign responsibility for tracking and implementation. There are eight (8) key areas for the City of Kenora to strategically invest its financial and human resources in order to achieve the prime goals set out in the previous section. They are: 1. Business Investment & Attraction 2. Tourism Development & Marketing 3. Education & Training 4. Downtown Revitalization 5. First Nation Partnerships 6. Health & Social Infrastructure 7. Economic & Tourism Infrastructure 8. Communication Each of these initiatives has one or more projects or programs designed to accomplish the strategic objective. They are outlined below, along with the specific actions and leads required to monitor and evaluate plan implementation. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 12 4.1 Business Investment & Attraction 4.1.1 Destination Kenora Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract new residents to Kenora, such as business owners, early retirees and youth, based on Kenora’s attraction as a lifestyle, destination community. Develop and implement the key economic infrastructure projects identified in Kenora’s Economic Recovery & Diversification Strategy (2008) which will transition Kenora into a lifestyle, destination community. Actions: • Re-develop the Office @ the Lake campaign. • Rejuvenate the Choose Kenora youth attraction campaign. • Develop & implement a Retiree Attraction campaign. • Complete an asset inventory including quality of life amenities/infrastructure and services available and needed to attract & retain business and residents & develop a relocation guide based on this information. • Lobby governments to continue the Highway 17 west twinning project from the Manitoba border to Kenora. • develop and Work with the Kenora Airport Commission to maximize use and opportunities at the airport Workshop. Lead Committee: • Destination Kenora: implement marketing Business Attraction strategies to attract 4.1.2 Develop & Implement a Business/Industry/Government Attraction Strategy The purpose of this initiative is to develop and implement a strategy based on the recommendations in the Business and Industry Strategic Market Analysis (2009). The objective is to build business and industry networks from Manitoba and western Canada. new residents to Kenora ... based on Kenora’s attraction Actions: • Identify industry/business sectors specific businesses for a targeted marketing approach. • Develop a marketing package to attract targeted business/industry. • Complete an inventory of available lands and buildings for use in community marketing as a lifestyle, destination and prospectus development. • Update Community Profile & Business Directory. • Update Economic Development Website. • Use existing marketing materials and identify additional materials to be developed. community. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.3 Development of Value Added Forestry Businesses Actions: • Work with Kenora Forest Products to facilitate the re-opening and expansion of their operation, creating 40-60 new jobs. • Work with existing and emerging value added businesses to eliminate barriers to their growth and development. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 13 • Assist the private sector in obtaining funding subsidies as available. • Explore partnership opportunities between potential businesses and other local partners including First Nations. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.4 Retrain and support Kenora Forest Product workers Actions: • Support Lake of the Woods Labour Action Centre for affected workers. • Track movements of affected workers. • Work with community partners to ensure community support for affected workers is available. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.5 Fibre Allocation Actions: • Support fibre allocation alternatives which ensure that fibre is available for community economic development purposes. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.6 Mining Actions: • Identify mining opportunities in the surrounding area • Develop a strategy to maximize mining opportunities for Kenora Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.7 Local Business Retention & Expansion Strategy Local businesses create 80% business and job growth. These businesses must be supported in their growth and development. Actions:. • Develop a strategic B R & E program • Work in partnership with business support organizations. • Implement new business welcome project. • Implement Shop Local campaign. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.1.8 Mill Property Re-development Facilitate the adaptive re-use of the former mill site and other lands. Actions: • Work with purchaser to facilitate development plans for the sites. • Brownfield Re-Development regional workshop held in Kenora. • Work with City of Kenora to develop brownfield policies. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 14 4.1.9 Common Ground / Tunnel Island / First Nations Partnership This project is a partnership between three area First Nations, the City of Kenora and Grand Council Treaty #3 and has been developed to protect Tunnel Island, respect First Nation interests and history, illustrate European history and continue current community and First Nations’ use of the property. Stakeholders in the partnership have formed a corporation to manage the Tunnel Island property, undertake studies to seek historic site status, engage elders, and engage respective communities in guiding and shaping a shared land use plan. Actions: • Support the Rat Portage Common Ground Conservation Organization. • Assist the corporation in the development of a work plan. • Assist the corporation with funding applications. • Work with the Community University Research Alliance project team to develop research projects for the community. Lead Committee: • Business Attraction 4.2 Tourism Development & Marketing The Tourism Strategy will turn Kenora and the Lake of the Woods area into a world class tourist destination. The four goals within the strategy outline the steps that must be taken to become that destination. 4.2.1 Four Season Marketing Plan Increase the number of visitors to the Lake of the Woods area, including overnight stays, with a special emphasis during the shoulder and off seasons (October – May). Actions: • Analyze the Lake of the Woods area internal and external tourism environment. • Conduct market research. • Establish a tourism research program. • Develop a four season advertising plan including web based, print, radio and television media. • Create one detailed calendar of events and activities. • Create a cooperative advertising campaign. • Source & leverage marketing funding from senior levels of government. • Implement a media relations program. • Develop packages and itineraries for events, tournaments & conferences. • Create an up to date, high quality image and video library. • Increase internal communication between stakeholders and partners. • Determine appropriate location(s), hours of operation and service levels for Visitor Information Centre(s). • Support area First Nations Tourism Development Projects. • Encourage and Monitor use of the brand and logo. Lead Committee: • Tourism Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 15 4.2.2 Infrastructure & Product Development Strengthen and expand the Lake of the Woods area attractions and activities for leisure and business visitors, while continually investing in basic tourism infrastructure. Actions: • Assist with implementation of Kenora’s Downtown Revitalization Plan. • Develop an investment plan for trails. • Develop and promote public amenities for tourists and residents. • Encourage the development of a public arts space. • Support the development of First Nation tourism products. • Support the development of the heritage sector. • Identify current and potential magnet attractions. • Support the development and expansion of sports venues. • Encourage repairs to Coney Island infrastructure. • Support highway twinning. Lead Committee: • Tourism ... create a civic 4.2.3 Training & Hospitality Create a civic environment through education and training that welcomes, respects and shows environment gratitude towards visitors, summer residents and local residents. through education Actions: • Develop a customer service strategy. and training that • Create a program to develop an informed community. welcomes, respects • Develop a Home Town Tourism familiarization tour strategy. • Develop an Ambassador program. and shows • Coordinate, identify and fill gaps in visitor information materials. gratitude towards • Improve levels of visitor satisfaction. • Generate goodwill and understanding of tourism and its benefits. visitors, summer • Support an increased presence of tourism curriculum in high schools and college residents and local campuses. residents. Lead Committee: • Tourism 4.2.4 Events Unite the human and financial resources and stakeholders of the Lake of the Woods area to coordinate the development and expansion of events for residents and visitors. Actions: • Provide one-stop assistance to groups and organizations involved in community events, conferences and conventions. • Utilization of special events infrastructure. • Create “grab bags” for community organizations, events, conferences and conventions to encourage visitors to explore the community. • Work with hotels, resorts, attractions, recreation providers and restaurants to create packages and itineraries. Leads: • Tourism Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 16 4.3 Downtown Revitalization The goal of the downtown revitalization project is to turn Kenora’s harbourfront and downtown into a destination for residents, seasonal residents, and tourists. In the development of the Downtown Revitalization Plan, these key principles were agreed upon: The downtown will be: • interesting and stimulating • a good place to invest • attractive to locals, seasonal residents and visitors • memorable • easy to identify and find • clean and safe • universally accessible • engaged with the lake and authentically Kenora • as nice in winter as summer & a refuge on rainy days The Downtown Revitalization Plan was completed in September 2004. Phase I works will be completed during the summer of 2009. Applications have been submitted for Phase II works. 4.3.1 Implementation of the Downtown Revitalization Plan – Phases II-IV Actions: • Prepare funding applications. • Develop conceptual plans. • Complete design drawings & tender packages. • Construction. Lead: • City of Kenora 4.3.2 Façade Improvement Program and Sign Replacement Program Actions: • Market the Façade Improvement Program within the Community Improvement Plan to encourage private sector investment. Lead: • City of Kenora 4.3.3 Protect and enhance heritage buildings in the downtown Kenora’s downtown currently exhibits numerous examples of turn of the century commercial and civic structures, some of which remain very close to their original appearance and struc- Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 17 ture. However, there are also examples of buildings which have undergone numerous changes until very little of their original exterior remains. Actions: • Work with Heritage Kenora to identify heritage buildings and landscapes. • Work with Heritage Kenora to develop a set of guidelines to assist building owners and designers to make choices appropriate for the building/streetscape. • Work with Heritage Kenora to encourage the development of authentic rather than themed approaches to building improvements with consideration of prevailing patterns such as awnings, recessed entryways, full height/width glazing and front lit signage bands on the cornices dividing the first and second floors. • ROB CRANDALL Work with Heritage Kenora to develop and administer the Façade Improvement Program. Leads: • City of Kenora — Heritage Kenora Committee 4.3.4 Support the development of a Performing Arts Conference/Convention Centre Actions: • Identify a venue or site for a performing arts centre. • Develop a capital plan for the construction of the facility. • Develop a business pan for the development of the new facility. Lead: • City of Kenora — Performing Arts Centre Committee 4.3.5 Sign By-Law The City of Kenora is preparing a sign by-law which will include strict design guidelines for the heritage signage in the downtown core. VICTORIA LAMBERT Actions: • Revise sign by-law to include design provisions for CIP area. Leads: • City of Kenora 4.3.6 Enhanced Special Events Phase II Downtown Revitalization includes the development of semi-permanent events infrastructure to accommodate major events on the harbourfront. Phase II also includes the development of a smaller events venue. Enhanced special events infrastructure will help fulfill the Downtown Revitalization Plan’s goal of bringing more people to the harbourfront and downtown area. Enhanced events coordination and the addition of new events have also been identified within the Tourism Strategy. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 18 4.4 Education & Training Increase the presence of training and post secondary education institutions and opportunities in the Kenora area Actions: • Hire an Education and Training Analyst • Complete an Inventory and Opportunity Analysis • Identify key projects and partnerships Lead Committee: • Education and Training Commitee 4.5 First Nations Partnership Initiatives Work with area First Nation communities and Grand Council Treaty #3 to identify economic development and relationship based opportunities which will strengthen the area. Actions: • Support area First Nations’ Economic Development Projects. • Create a regional staff-based Economic Development Network. • Economic Development and Relationship Building Conference. • Support Casino Development with W.Onigum. • Identify joint infrastructure and venues to attract visitors. • Consider development of joint marketing strategy. Lead: • Lake of the Woods Development Commission Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 19 4.6 Health & Social Infrastructure Community economic development efforts do not occur in isolation of other sectors of society. It is well documented that Kenora, and Northern Ontario as a whole, experience a range of chronic social and health related problems at a higher rate than Ontario and Canada. It is recognized that more resources are required to adequately address social and health related issues, and the LOWDC will lend support and assistance as resources permit. Actions: • Work with the Making Kenora Home housing and programming committees. • More resources are required. • Lobby the Kenora District Services Board, and senior levels of government, for additional social housing units in Kenora. • Provide support to health care partners in enhancing health care services in the City of Kenora and surrounding region. Leads: • Lake of the Woods Development Commission It is well documented that Kenora, and 4.7 Economic Infrastructure Northern Ontario as There are a number of key economic and tourism infrastructure projects identified in the Economic Recovery & Diversification Strategy. These projects are also embedded within both the Business Attraction and Tourism Strategies. Without these major capital investments, the Economic Development Plan and Kenora’s plans for recovery and diversification will not succeed. Actions: • Downtown Revitalization and Waterfront Development • Hennepen Lane Heritage Project • Keewatin Waterfront Development • Beaches, Parks & Trails • Tunnel Island Legacy Project – Common Ground • Norman Park Heritage Transportation Centre • Snowmobiling • Performing Arts Centre • Training & Education Centre of Excellence • Industrial Park Servicing Upgrade • Twinning Trans-Canada Highway from Manitoba to Kenora • Golden Eagle Casino a whole, experience a range of chronic social and health related problems at a higher rate than Ontario and Canada. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 20 • Venue Attractions • Hotel Upgrades and Attractions • Abitibi Site Re-Development Lead: • Lake of the Woods Development Commission 4.8 Communication Strategy Develop a communication strategy to keep Mayor and Council, key stakeholder groups and organizations and the community at large informed. Gather feedback about the direction and initiatives within the Plan and revise and refresh the Plan. Actions: • Quarterly reporting to Mayor and Council • Stakeholder and partner meetings • Public and targeted speaking opportunities • Identify other methods for community information exchange Lead: • Lake of the Woods Development Commission Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 21 5.0 Governance & Management TAYLOR NICKLE The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is a not for profit community development corporation which was established by the City of Kenora pursuant to The Commission’s Section 203 of the Municipal Act. mandate is to: The Commission has a 12 member Board of Directors comprised of business and “Promote, facilitate industry leaders, appointed partner organization representatives and elected officials. The Board of Directors is appointed by City Council. and develop a The Commission’s mandate is to: “Promote, facilitate and develop a strong, unified strong, unified community economic development presence for the city of Kenora and the community surrounding Lake of the Woods Region.” Representatives from the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and partner agencies support the work of the Board in an ex-officio capacity. The work of the Board is supported by staff and financial resources from the City. Additional funding is provided by senior levels of government on a project by project basis. The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is wholly owned by the City of Kenora, but operates at arm’s length from the City. The Commission’s Board of Directors provides overall guidance and direction, with support from three standing committees. The Commission also utilizes the resources of the Northwest Business Centre in carrying out its mandate. The key functional areas of service delivery are: • Economic Development – Business Investment Committee • Tourism Development – Tourism Committee • Education & Training – Education and Training Committee • Business Development – Northwest Business Centre economic development presence for the city of Kenora and the surrounding Lake of the Woods Region.” The City of Kenora has set forth strong policy direction for the delivery of planning and development services in the Economic Development Plan, Tourism Strategy and Economic Recovery & Diversification Strategy. These policy documents, and associated tasks and activities, form the basis for the delivery of services by the Lake of the Woods Development Commission. Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 22 6.0 2009/2010 Priorities The scope of the Economic Development Plan for the City of Kenora as set out in Section 4 is extensive, and involves a wide range of projects and over 25 strategic The City will be seeking financial initiatives. assistance from The City is committed to the Plan, but has limited financial and human resources for the implementation of the Plan. The City will be seeking financial assistance from senior levels of government on a project by project basis in order to expedite plan implementation. The City and the Commission will be collaborating with multiple stakeholders and partners on these strategic initiatives. The City and senior levels of government on a project by project Commission will be lead on some initiatives, and play more of a support role in oth- basis in order to ers. Therefore, it is necessary for the City and the Commission to develop an annual list of priorities. The Lake of the Woods Development Commission and its standing expedite plan implementation. committees have identified the following project priorities for 2009/2010: Business Investment & Attraction: • Mill property redevelopment • Kenora Forest Products Start Up • Tunnel Island/Common Ground • Economic Development & Relationship Building Conference 2010 • New Web presence • Twinning Trans-Canada Highway Advocacy • Airport Opportunities • Performing Arts Conference/Convention Centre Lake of the Woods Development Commission City of Kenora Economic Development Plan • 23 Tourism Development & Marketing: • Marketing and Advertising Campaign: 2009/10 • New Web presence • Beaches Parks and Trails • Venue Development • Special Events Enhancement Within the context of the many strategic initiatives, the top priorities in Education & Training: • Identification of Education & Training Opportunities terms of human and Economic & Tourism Infrastructure: • Downtown Revitalization: Phase II • Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre financial resources will be targeted in these areas. Social Infrastructure and Partnership Initiatives: • MOU with Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls & Grand Council Treaty #3 • Homelessness/Vagrancy – Making Kenora Home These projects will be the focus of the efforts of the City and Lake of the Woods Development Commission for 2009/2010. Within the context of the many strategic initiatives, the top priorities in terms of human and financial resources will be targeted in these areas. Monitoring and reporting will occur on a monthly basis to the Lake of the Woods Development Commission to ensure adequate follow up and progress is being made in these areas. The Economic Development Plan (2009) will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Lake of the Woods Development Commission
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