Grey Highlands council is adopting a strategic framework for municipal economic development.
During a meeting on Aug. 3, council adopted a report as the foundational document in establishing priorities and undertakings related to economic development in the area.
This comes after the council-appointed economic development advisory group started meeting in March 2021, with the goal of providing strategic advice on long-term economic development.
The committee drew up a draft framework and held a council workshop in 2022, and also sought input from residents through presentations and meetings. The input was reviewed and considered as part of the overall framework.
The report says economic development in the municipality will be built on its strengths while encouraging economic activity in priority sectors.
These sectors include agriculture, downtown revitalization in primary settlement areas, tourism, health and wellness, and manufacturing.
The framework says to be successful, they would build on the successful {re}IMAGINE Grey Highlands initiative, a community engagement pilot project which aimed to support the development of a unique brand for the municipality, residents, visitors, and future investors.
Additionally, also ensuring the principles in the framework are considered in municipal policy development.
While there is no financial impact at this point, the report says any future economic development initiatives that require funding, would be submitted for consideration as part of the municipality’s annual budget process.
Staff will present annual work plans to the advisory committee, and will report on outcomes and milestones.
The committee will also provide market insights, industry expertise and feedback on community sentiment, to make sure the annual work plans fall in line with the principles included in the framework.
