Title
APPOINTMENT - 10:30 a.m.
Economic Diversification Committee Report
John Gilchrist, Chairperson
Proposed Motion
That Council receive the Economic Diversification Committee Report for information.
Body
Administration Recommendation
That Council receive the Economic Diversification Committee Report for information.
Purpose
The purpose of this presentation is to provide Council with an update and report on the activities of the Economic Diversification Committee.
Summary
The Economic Diversification Committee was established by Council in 2017. The function of the Committee is to make recommendations to Council/Committee of the Whole that help achieve Council's annual strategic priorities. In 2017 the key objectives of the Committee centered around Council's Agriculture and Economic Diversity related strategic objectives. The Key Deliverables identified in the Committee's Work Plan were:
1. Review and provide committee comments on the "One Parkland / Customer Service project";
2. Evaluate and provide feedback based on the member's expertise on "Priority market segment areas";
3. Conduct a "gap analysis and advise on priorities plan for infrastructure network";
4. Identify and evaluate "renewable energy opportunities and advice";
5. Identify and evaluate "entrepreneurial opportunities to develop a Entrepreneurial Action Plan"; and
6. Review and verify "Committee metrics for success to develop advice and recommendations on Committee needs".
The Committee is comprised of 7 Public members, 2 Councillors, and Executive Administration sponsor from Development Services. The Committee selected Mr. John Gilchrist as the Chair.
In 2017 the Committee met 4 times beginning in July, shortly after the appointment of the members.
In 2017 the Committee successfully accomplished the following items on the Work Plan and items referred to them from Council and Administration. The Committee met to:
1. Review the Terms of Reference and the Committee Objectives;
2. Identify and discuss with Rural and Tourism Business Development staff identified key rural businesses and contacts, and business opportunities that may have potential in the County;
3. Further refine the list of business and industry opportunities and provided an expanded list of tourism opportunities based on the list of existing tourism operators;
4. Review the draft Tourism Action Plan and provided input and comments;
5. Review and provide comments on the One Parkland Service Excellence initiative as presented by staff; and
6. Review the list the potential business opportunities identified by the Committee.
In reviewing the list of identified business opportunities the Committee then selected the top 5 business opportunities in the follow priority and included:
1. Cannabis and Hemp production and value added products;
2. Year round farmers market and agricultural learning centre;
3. Driscoll Foods and the connection to specialized food production with Sungro;
4. Greenhouse opportunities in locations such as Keephills; and
5. Lake Eden for tourism recreation opportunities.
The Committee then selected the top three opportunities and prepared a Strengths|Weaknesses|Opportunities|Threats (SWOT) analysis. In 2018 the Committee will continue to refine the top 3 opportunities, as well as, complete the SWOT analysis for the remaining two opportunities. The Committee will assist the Economic Diversification Department in the pursuit of these opportunities through their expertise and connections in the community and industry.
In 2018 the Committee will send 2 public members of the Committee to the Economic Developers Alberta 2018 AGM and Conference March 21- 23, 2018.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Council's Strategic Plan:
Guiding Principle 1.2 "We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, and technology."
Guiding Principle 2.1 "We recognize and champion the importance of agriculture for its economic, environmental, and community contributions and are committed to ensuring its long-term viability in the County."
Guiding Principle 2.2 "We are a region that supports the local economy, including the agricultural, tourism, entrepreneurial, and industrial sectors."
Guiding Principle 2.3 "We effectively pursue and manage new opportunities to stimulate economic growth, increase investment, and diversify our long-term economic bases."
Guiding Principle 4.3 "We ensure streamlined and modernized municipal operations and services, with a focus on customer service."