Central Almaguin Economic Development Association

 

P.O. Box 1120  *  Sundridge  ON  *  P0A 1Z0

Phone (705) 384-5819     Fax (705) 384- 5892

 

Chair: Merlyn Snow:     Merlyn.snow@sympatico.ca        Vice Chair: Ron Bennison:     rbennison@vianet.ca

 

February 16, 2011

Machar Township Municipal Office

 

Present:            Strong- Merlyn Snow, John Newstead

                          Sundridge- Elgin Schneider, Barry Morris

                          South River- Jim Coleman, Les Mahon

                            Machar- Doug Maeck, Ron Bennison

                            Joly- Betty Barnes

 

Guest:             Tara Hamilton, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

 

Staff Present:  Caitlin Unger, Recording Secretary     

                         

 

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Merlyn Snow.

 

Guest Introductions – Tara Hamilton, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

 

Tara Hamilton was introduced as the new representative for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, taking Dominique Marleau’s place, until December. She shared that she has a rural background and cares about economic development in the area.

 

General Discussion

 

Discussion began with looking at the CAEDA Mission, as a spelling issue was brought up in a past meeting regarding the use of ensure instead of assure. The group agreed to accept the Mission with ‘ensure’ and also agreed it would need to be amended once Joly Township joined CAEDA.

 

Doug Maeck shared that he had spoke with Stephan Poulin, Director of Economic Development and Community Services for the Municipality of West Nipissing. He was interested in inviting him to the next meeting and Merlyn Snow agreed to invite him to speak.

 

Elgin Schneider passed around a few different Economic Development Officer  (EDO) job descriptions, and also a mock-up drawing of what a shared highway sign could look like (also including businesses). He also shared that the Community Business Board dictates what the size of the sign can be based on population. Maeck shared information that each Municipality would have to pay for everything in regards to having a sign, including an annual permit fee, construction, and the sign. Mikisew and Algonquin Park would not have to have signs made because they are provincial, along with the Airport. Snow included that he would like to see a larger sign for the Airport to increase visibility. Maeck suggested that Gord Rennie be contacted to speak to the group regarding signage policy, and when the highway will actually by-pass. Concern was also expressed on including various businesses whereas the sign may be too congested, and business owners feel left out due to the restrictions.

 

Merlyn asked the group their feelings towards the EDO job description and if they felt CAEDA should create their own. Schineider suggested that it would be a good idea to adopt an existing job description that best fits the needs of the committee and each municipality. Maeck  explained that the job description is something that Stephan Poulin could address if he attended the next meeting in terms of creating something realistic. Jim Coleman injected that he felt in was the EDO’s job to find and get grants for projects. Tara Hamilton  shared that West Nippising has three employees to balance the work-load and that she knows of a grant for an internship for recent graduates.  Snow brought up that having an intern alone is not an option for CAEDA due to lack of training and mentorship, but could be an option to help a part-time EDO and in the future take more responsibility. Hamilton reminded the group that new graduates have great energy and fresh ideas. Coleman raised interest in hearing someone speak to the group who is currently working as an EDO part-time, or another working full-time, in order to better create an appropriate job description. He also suggested that an EDO should not be hired without some sort of direction in terms of having a plan for what should be done and sharing information about the area. Maeck agreed and thought that CAEDA should create a three year plan to manage expectations of having this person hired to work in the area. Hamilton shared that she has some contacts which may be appropriate to come and speak about this position and agreed to work with the recording secretary to contact them to attend the next meeting. Betty Barnes posed a question to the group on what the EDO will do for each area specifically. Coleman suggested that each municipality should discuss what they want to happen moving forward such as creating specific jobs, using solar power, and so on. Maeck reminded that we do not want to have a very narrow plan for the EDO so they can come up with more ideas/options while they are learning about the area. Most specific plans can be created after the are familiarized. Schneider reminded that social planning should also be a focus for them because people cannot just live off minimum wage in the area and Maeck shared that internet/home businesses are popular in the area and to focus on more promotion of those services.

 

Correspondence:  None at this time.

 

Adoption of Minutes:

The minutes of the February 16, 2011 meeting were circulated.  It was

Moved by: John Newstead                                Seconded by: Elgin Schneider

That we accept the minutes of February 16, 2011 as presented.                                                                                              

Carried

 

New Business

 

Snow passed around a pamphlet for Solterra Housing, an assisted living option for older people who can own their a unit while still having assistance with cooking, cleaning and so-on. A representative from Solterra is making rounds to Council meetings to promote the service and are looking for houses/land to start some homes in the area. Snow shared that each person owns their own space, with a bedroom, living room and bathroom, with a common kitchen and that residents will have to make monthly payments for the service. Someone is there to assist forty hours a week for any needs. There is a model home in Bracebridge for anyone interested in seeing how they are constructed and more details of what is offered. Burks Falls is creating similar units. Coleman agreed that this is needed in the area and Snow expressed interest in touring the model home and may share the experience with the group. Maeck raised concern that it could be an issue to find quality homes in the area if they are not building new.

 

Snow shared that McSweeny and Associates, a firm looking into planning, contacted him to ask about information on CAEDA. The firm received the group’s name from the Ministry of Development of Mines (MDM), and wanted to hear about their model of grouped Municipalities to use as an example in their literature. The representative informed Snow that he would receive updates via mailing list on the use of the information provided on CAEDA projects such as the Strategic Plan, Airport and Highway signs. Some members were concerned about the validity of the firm and MDM so Hamilton agreed to look into them before providing them with more information.

 

Ron Bennison shared an update on Friends of Mikisew (FOM) with the group. In response to the February 2011 orientation meeting, they are moving forward and have created a new website: www.mikisewpark.ca. He encouraged the group to check it out to see the added links and connection to Facebook, but reminded it was not yet finished. He also shared that the next FOM meeting would tentatively be held April 20, 2011 at 7:00pm at the South River Arena. Some raised concern that it was too soon for a meeting but Bennison informed them that the driving forces wanted to get on with a meeting. Schneider shared that the FOM meeting was the same night as the Planning Board meeting, but they will try to change the meeting to accommodate. It was suggested that each representative share the website with their respective offices to add a link to the municipal websites, but Bennison said he would like to speak to Gary Radey before proceeding and would contact the group when it is completed. Bennison included that the Superintendent of Mikisew is going to speak at the meeting about the new park building to be built,  30x40 feet with an individual office for FOM, after labour day. He also included that the Superintendent will be donating money to the FOM from bottle collection over the summer months, which totals between $1000-$1200.

 

Barnes held the floor to share that Joly Township wanted to become an official member of CAEDA for one year to observe progress on various projects and to see what the group can offer Joly. Barnes requested that the recording secretary send an invoice to Joly Township for $500 and to give them a copy of the Strategic Plan. She also wanted to know how the EDO salary would be pro-rated when they are hired. Snow informed her that it has to be decided as a group and that CAEDA is always working together  to benefit all. Barnes also posed a question to Hamilton on what she will specifically be doing for the group. Hamilton responded that she will be helping the community to access funds, assist with applications such as the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and Summer Job Service, and assisting with the facilitation of community processes such as the vision and structure of the EDO position.

 

Resolution 08-2011

Moved by: John Newstead                Seconded by: Elgin Schneider

Be it resolved that this committee does hereby accept Joly Township as a member of CAEDA.

                                                                                                                                Carried

 

Maeck suggested that for the next meeting the agenda include a discussion on the Airport Plan.

 

Coleman and Maeck shared with the group their plan to stimulate interest in the business community in South River and Machar in terms of looking at opportunities to grow, and creating awareness of CAEDA. They decided to have a free breakfast meeting in hopes that business owners would be encouraged to attend before their workday begins to discuss ideas and network. They plan to discuss updates on the highway signs and the regulations. Donna Sedore from Employment North agreed to attend to give a presentation on business opportunities. Coleman also shared a questionnaire they plan to give to business owners to answer before attending which includes ideas on how often to meet/when to meet, potential guests, items of concern to bring to Council, and any ideas/suggestions. It is to be held April 12th and both will update CAEDA on how it goes at the next meeting.

 

Adjournment      

Moved by: Les Mahon      Seconded by: Doug Maeck                              

That we now adjourn at 10:50 a.m. until the next regular meeting April 20, 2011 or at the call of the chair @ 9:30 a.m. at the Village of Sundridge Municipal Office.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Carried.

 

 

………………………………..                                                                                          ……………………………..

Chairperson,  Merlyn Snow                                                                                 Recording Secretary,  Caitlin Unger