Back to top

 

A Platform for Peak Performance

 

Jeremy Laurin, Vice President, Business Development and Commercialization, Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)

 

The global economy is undergoing a massive shift that is also picking up speed. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, autonomous vehicles, 5G digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies mean economic opportunities – and challenges. How can Ontario communities large and small ensure they are well positioned to drive the creation of high-quality jobs and economic growth? One new option is by unlocking the potential of the Advanced Technology Platform (ATP), a suite of programs delivered by Ontario Centres of Excellence on behalf of the Government of Ontario. The ATP includes four programs: the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN), ENCQOR 5G, Next Generation Network Program and the IBM Innovation Incubator. The ATP is ideal for up-and-coming, tech-driven companies that are the job creators of tomorrow. This presentation will focus on industry-academic collaboration, R&D partnerships, pre-commercial 5G and next generation network testbeds and use cases, rural connectivity and talent development.

Back to top

 

 

Effective and Meaningful Indigenous Engagement

 

Gary Pritchard, Environmental and Climate Change Sector Manager, Cambium Aboriginal Inc.

 

As in any municipal planning, we want to ensure that we provide meaningful opportunities for community input and engagement. As a result of the process of reconciliation, and a series of legal decisions, municipalities now have the opportunity to learn about and experience an entirely new and informative process of engagement with First Nation communities. This includes broadening our engagement skills, improving our understanding of Indigenous community perspectives and values, and learning about and understanding cultural values and experiences that can better inform our work. Through the duty to consult, there is an opportunity to share, learn and respect a rich heritage and culture. This workshop is designed to broaden ones skills on just how a visit should conduct themselves when engaging an Indigenous community.

Back to top

 

Leveraging Remote Monitoring Technology for Environmental & Water Management

 

Alaina Leslie, B.A.,Geomatics Specialist, BluMetric Environmental Inc.

 

Monitoring environmental parameters typically require site visits to measure water levels, chemistry parameters and water quality. Remote monitoring technology allows stakeholders to access live data to gain insight into trends and anticipate areas of action to better prepare for emergencies. Ontario, surrounded by the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay, is uniquely sensitive to rising water levels. Lake Superior, Erie and Ontario have all reached record breaking highs in the spring of 2019. Flooding on the Ottawa River in 2019 exceeded the previous all-time record set in 2017. As flooding increases, stakeholders need data to analyze trends and form new models to predict both flooding and drought conditions. As Ontario lakes and rivers are extensive, it can be difficult to monitor these areas. Many areas are without cell service so conventional technology is not feasible. Remote monitoring instrumentation can be used to measure water levels, water quality and deliver data in real time. Instruments can be installed in both surface water and groundwater. These instruments can be solar powered and deliver data through uplinks. A case study of a site installation of remote monitoring instruments (groundwater and surface water) in conjunction with analysis of hyperspectral imagery for land cover change detection to assess revegetation efforts will be presented.

Back to top

 

Parliamentary Business – Best Practices: Accountability and Transparency

 

Denise Labelle-Gélinas, PRP, CMO, Professional Registered Parliamentarian

 

Learning what to do and what not to do during Council meetings and as an Elected Member. Become more informed on rules and procedures as well as decorum and debate.

 

As an elected Member of Council, there are some do’s and dont’s that you must adhere to. Become informed and come ask questions from a Professional Registered Parliamentarian with 40 years experience within a municipal setting and as a retired municipal Clerk.

Back to top

 

Bill 68: Impacts and Interpretations of the Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act

 

Cristy Nurse, B.A. (HONS.), J.D., Associate, Templeman LLP

Jennifer Savini, B.Sc. (HONS.), J.D., Partner, Templeman LLP

 

The Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act, better known as Bill 68, introduced amendments to the Municipal Act and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with wide-ranging implications for municipal governance and administration. With many of the changes effective on March 1, 2019, join us for a discussion of the early decisions applying Bill 68, and learn what those decisions indicate about municipal responsibilities and liabilities going forward.

Back to top

 

Exploring Crossborder Opportunities between Outaouais and Eastern Ontario

 

Bruno Massé, M.Sc., Crossborder Development Researcher, Outaouais Development Observatory, Université du Québec en Outaouais

 

For decades now, Eastern Ontario and Quebec’s Outaouais region have developed in relative isolation from one another, in spite of geographical proximity. However, the last few years have seen a renewed interest from private and public sector leaders in bridging the border to explore economical, social and environmental opportunities for our two regions.

 

In this spirit of cooperation, the Outaouais Development Observatory (ODO) has been mandated to gather data and create spaces for discussion on the matter. In 2018, we organized the first ever Crossborder Opportunities Forum with emphasis on trade potential, agriculture, tourism, health services, education and sustainable mobility. Our work is overseen by an advisory committee of experts from public and private organizations from “both sides of the river”. By offering insightful research and relevant data, we empower decision makers and industry leaders to consider crossborder expansion, information sharing and policy change.

This session will submit the preliminary findings of the ODO from our upcoming 2019 Report on Crossborder Opportunities. By laying down a comparative framework with recent data, we hope to facilitate lasting development for the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario regions. The presentation will be followed by discussion.

Back to top

 

Grow Fish Grow!

 

Jeanette Johnston, Business Development Coordinator, Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre

Karen McDonald-Hurley, Lead Consultant, Opportunity Group

 

We have learned that in business we need to fish where the fish are. See how the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre has caught these fish and help the fish grow bigger, stronger and multiply. We are talking small businesses, of course! The backbone of Canadian economy! The presentation looks through an Economic Development lens to show how communities can build strong foundations through their small business. The LGSBEC has leveraged community resources, utilized innovative business planning and set small businesses up for long term success. Hear about these practices, the results they have garnered and see some of the resources they have developed. Meet and hear their business planning expert who will share why her business planning system has made such a huge difference. We will provide case studies, best practices and take-aways for the attendees to implement.

Back to top

 

Current Trends in (Re)Planning Places of Worship

 

Jaime Posen, MCIP RPP, Senior Planner, Fotenn Consultants

Stephanie Morris-Rashidpour, Senior Planner, Fotenn Consultants

Barbara Myers, Urban Planner, SvN

 

Communities in Eastern Ontario and across Canada feature active, legacy, or vacant places of worship in a variety of urban, suburban and rural contexts. In many cases, these buildings represent core elements of community character: defining skylines, preserving heritage resources, providing gathering spaces and day-to-day services, and creating places for reflection and spiritual fulfillment.

 

Religious communities across Ontario and Canada are experiencing seismic shifts in how their worship spaces are planned, used, and occupied. As a result of demographic changes, increasing diversity, rising land values, expanded mandates, declining congregations, and space requirements, communities are seeking new alternatives for retrofitting existing places of worship, and ensuring that the needs of modern congregations can be met within their land use policy and regulatory frameworks.

 

With clients including a range of congregations from several faiths, Fotenn Consultants and Svn have provided planning and design leadership for several new or redeveloped places of worship. This session will outline the drivers of change influencing religious buildings and explore best practices and case studies for innovative planning and design solutions for these important spaces and sites.

Back to top

 

Arena Safety

 

Jeff Pajot, Health and Safety Consultant & Ergonomist, Public Services Health & Safety Association

 

In light of the 2017 disaster in Fernie B.C. from an ammonia leak (3 people dead) and the upcoming changes to the Operators Engineers Regulation; arena safety is top of mind for Ontario municipalities. In addition to the ice-making plant, other health & safety concerns include; slips and falls, musculoskeletal disorders, working alone, violence & harassment, working at heights, chemicals, equipment hazards, carbon monoxide etc. This seminar will include both lecture and Q&A.

Back to top

 

Re-branding After A Decade – One Community’s Case Study

 

Cathy James, Co-owner and Content Manager, Cat’s Cove Communications

Toby James, Co-owner and VP of Common Sense, Cat’s Cove Communications

 

In 2018, The Town of Carleton Place undertook an exercise to evaluate their existing branding (and it’s effectiveness) which had been consistently used by multiple community organizations for 10 years. Extensive community consultation was undertaken which resulted in a shift away from the existing brand to something more modern and less specific. A marketing piece was developed to move the brand forward. A smaller piece specifically aimed at marketing our unique food and beverage options was also developed as a sub piece of the overall strategy. Hear first hand what our process was, what challenges we faced (and how we overcame them) and how we plan to implement the strategy now that it is finished.

Back to top

 

Legal Update

 

Tony Fleming, Partner, Cunningham Swan LLP

 

Municipal laws are constantly changing. Whether it is new legislation or recent decisions, municipalities need to understand the current state of the law and be prepared to respond. This session will focus on the latest changes to municipal legislation and the newest cases in areas of interest to municipal council and staff. Learn not just what new court and Tribunal decisions have been handed down, but why they are important to your municipality and how you can use them.

Back to top

 

Ombudsman 101: Working with Ontario’s Eastern Municipalities

 

Jean-Frédéric Hübsch, Counsel, Office of the Ontario Ombudsman

 

The Ontario Ombudsman takes and resolves complaints about more than 500 provincial ministries, agencies, crown corporations, as well as Ontario’s 444 municipalities. Our Office works with municipalities to resolve issues – including complaints about everything from by-law enforcement, to housing, to Ontario Works, to drainage. The Ombudsman also acts as closed meeting investigator for more than half of Ontario’s municipalities, investigating complaints about illegal closed meetings and providing helpful resources for municipal councillors and staff. As with all complaints we receive, we work to find a resolution at the lowest possible level. With municipalities, this means referring people to local officials to resolve their issues first.

 

At this session, we will explain our processes for both general and closed meeting complaint resolution, as well as walk attendees through some of the resources we provide for municipalities, such as our new searchable digital open-meeting case digest or our municipal tip cards. This presentation will offer best practices for complaint processes, discuss how to create a robust code of conduct, provide an overview of how we manage closed meeting complaints, and more.

Back to top

 

Zen and the Art of Business Retention + Expansion

 

Katie Nolan, Agriculture and Rural Economic Development Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

Olivier Berthiaume, Project Officer, Economic Development Department, Prescott and Russell

Stacie Lloyd , Regional Economic Development Officer, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation

Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager , United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

 

Business Retention + Expansion projects are not only valuable sources of primary information straight from businesses. They are also capacity-building activities that strengthen partnerships and improve communication. But only if they work. In this session, you will hear from people who have managed complex, multi-partner BR+E projects. Learn how they built the networks they needed, how they engaged partner organizations, how they attracted volunteers and how their projects, and business communities, benefited from this work.

 

You will also hear about the perils and pitfalls of these multi-stakeholder projects and lessons learned from the benefit of experience. Relationship management is central to much of economic development. BR+E is a great case study to demonstrate how it can be done well, and what kind of impact it can have on long-term goals.

Back to top

 

Local Food First Impression Community Exchange Program: Lessons from Pilot Community Projects

 

Heather Candler, Agriculture & Rural Economic Development Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

 

Elizabeth Edwards, Business Outreach Coordinator, Municipality of Port Hope

Annie Manion, Town of Greater Napanee

Anne Munro, Writer and Communications Strategist, Prince Edward County

 

In 2016 OMAFRA developed and piloted a new, focused First Impression Community Exchange (FICE) program that took a close look at the local food assets of each participating community. In this session, OMAFRA will introduce you to the new Local Food FICE program. Then participating communities will share their experiences and lessons learned from their experience being matched with another community interested in local food, during their visitation to the match community, and then as they received their report back from their match community. Communities developing or interested in developing their local food assets will want to attend this presentation.

Back to top

 

The Balance of Needs vs. Wants: Retrofitting Existing Corridors for Cycling Facilities

 

Will Rose, P.Eng., Morrison Hershfield

 

Retrofitting existing corridors to accommodate cycling facilities where they have not existed before poses challenges in providing the desired dimensions, alignments, and features versus the minimum criteria to ensure the new facilities are safe, can accommodate all users, and delivers the project within budget. This balance is applied in a give-and-take approach though extensive consultations with stakeholders to deliver the desired facility without extensive and costly relocations and reconstruction to deliver the needed facility. The principle of Complete Streets is used to drive the context sensitive approach of providing the desired facilities to improve different modal uses by ensuring minimum acceptable design criteria are applied.

 

Morrison Hershfield has successfully delivered projects within the City of Ottawa that have achieved these principles of retrofit without invasive construction to rebuild the roadway to accommodate these new modes of travel. One example will demonstrate the addition of protected bike lanes on McArthur Avenue that saw general purpose lanes re-purposed to provide space for the bike lanes, on street parking, and bus stops without reconstruction of the roadway. The second example is the addition of cycle tracks on Heron Road which will showcase how extensive coordination between stakeholders by accommodating their needs can provide trade-offs in reductions of desired criteria to eliminate costly reconstruction to retrofit the corridor.

Back to top

 

Our Economic Success: Collaborating to Prepare the Next Generation

 

Kathy Chaumont, Chef des services d’entrepreneuriat et communautaires, Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien (CSDCEO)

John McNutt, President and CEO, JA Peterborough, Lakeland and Muskoka

Louis Béland, Consultant, JA Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka

Martha Woods, Executive Director, Eastern Ontario Training Board

 

Understanding how we can work together to ensure the next generation is ready for their role in activating the economic opportunities ahead is key. This panel will examine the increased collaboration and focus on youth that is needed to prepare for the dynamic and changing needs of tomorrow’s world. Entrepreneurship is and will continue to be critical and will help strengthen the economic growth of Eastern Ontario. Local communities will need our youth to become strong leaders who have the skills, the knowledge, and the ability to drive the economy. This engaging panel will explore how different agencies can interact together to advance student entrepreneurship and, ultimately, increase employment and economic opportunities in all of Eastern Ontario and, in particular, rural areas. Showcasing the power of collaboration, each of these speakers will share insights on what can be done by working together, and they will share real life examples of activities and progress already underway to help support the next generation of leaders.

Back to top

 

Understanding and Managing Municipal Risk

 

Debra Murphy, CIP, R.I.B.(Ont.), Regional Manager, Eastern Ontario, Frank Cowan Company

 

Over the past few years, municipal claims have been impacted by a number of new factors. Some of these are increased damage awards, class action lawsuits, rising cost of future care and climate change. As the severity of awards increases so does the exposure on those who have deep pockets. Municipalities must concentrate their efforts to reduce both the frequency and severity of claims. This session will focus on new claims trends and the increasing duty of care placed on municipalities by Canadian courts. It will identify the root causes of claims and provide municipalities with ways to meet their statutory duty of care.

Back to top

 

Housing Models to Grow Communities

 

Jamie Shipley, C.E.T.,Knowledge Mobilization Consultant, CMHC

 

Housing plays a key role in attracting, integrating and retaining newcomers and seniors into communities. In this session, CMHC will share innovative housing models from rural settings that have helped communities across Ontario grow and create inclusive and diverse housing options. Topics we will cover include:

 

  • Affordable housing models
  • Building Conversions: churches, factories, hotels
  • Homesharing/Co-housing models and programs
  • Secondary Suites and Coach Housing

The session will also provide an overview of Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy and how the programs could provide financial assistance for development of new affordable housing projects and conversion & renewal of existing projects. CMHC will also highlight new surveys that will allow us to measure and better understand social inclusion and healthy communities.

Back to top

 

Protecting People and Property – A Collaborative Government and Non-Government Partnership

 

Sandra Mancini, P.Eng, Team Lead, Engineering, South Nation Conservation

Ronda Boutz, Team Lead, Special Projects, South Nation Conservation

 

The St. Lawrence River region has seen increased storm events and water levels fluctuations from historically high to low. Storm events, coupled with storm/wind surges, lead to increased flooding and erosion hazards. Identifying the flood risk area, and vulnerable dwellings/infrastructure, is critical for effective emergency management and proactive development review. Municipalities and other organizations currently rely on decades old Environment Canada flood elevation points, no delineated 100-year flood extent line available. Precise topographical remote sensing data is essential to map flood extent, however, acquiring LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to complete a risk assessment is often cost-prohibitive. A unique collaborative of twelve government and non-government agencies is undertaking a flood risk assessment along the St. Lawrence River (Augusta to South Stormont Township). With support from the National Disaster Mitigation Program, South Nation Conservation is partnering with all municipalities and both Upper-Tier Counties in this area, along with Ontario Power Generation, St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Raisin Region Conservation Authority, to acquire LiDAR to map the 100-year flood extent. The project will also yield a much-needed database of properties within the flood risk area.

Back to top

A Sweet Deal on Public Greenspace – Municipal/CA Partnerships at Work

 

Alison McDonald, South Nation Conservation

John Mesman, South Nation Conservation

Calvin Pol, Township of North Dundas

 

South Nation Conservation (SNC), the Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and the Township of North Dundas developed a unique partnership to acquire The Oschmann Forest and transform it into an innovative outdoor educational green space. The Oschmann Forest is a great example of collaboration between local municipality, County, SNC, and a local farmer. The result was a win-win opportunity for tourism, recreation, and environmental protection. Recently acquired through donation, this 18-acre forest located in the Village of Ormond enhances protects forest cover, educates local students on maple syrup production, and offers public interpretive walking trails. This presentation will bring together planning and communication staff from SNC and the Township to discuss the partnership, investments and grant funding, and will highlight the Oschmann Forest’s impact on public greenspace, economic development, recreation, tourism, and community engagement. SNC staff will also provide an overview of the Conservation Authority’s successful Land Securement Strategy and how SNC works with willing property owners, Municipalities, and partners to acquire land for conservation.

Back to top

Municipal Financial Statements 101

 

Veronica Mason, Baker Tilly KDN LLP

Duane Potter, Baker Tilly KDN LLP

Gloria Raybone, Baker Tilly KDN LLP

 

Have you ever sat through a presentation by your municipality’s treasurer or auditor and wished they could provide more detailed explanations of the concepts and terminology? If so, then this session is for you! We will walk you through a set of municipal financial statements and help you understand what it means. As part of the presentation we will discuss the key financial concepts for municipalities and their impact. After our session you will be armed with a list of items to look for in your financial statements and questions to ask your treasurer to help you better understand the financial activities of your municipality.

Back to top

Managing Water Assets in a Changing Climate

 

Roddy Bolivar, P.Eng., Bolivar≈Phillips

Sally McIntyre, GM, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

 

Eastern Ontario Conservation Authorities secured Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to enhance asset management capabilities to address the challenges of aging infrastructure in a changing climate. Municipal drinking water intakes, wastewater outfalls and storm water management systems depend on water bodies managed by CAs. Modeling carried out in Eastern Ontario indicates that low flows will drop by as much as 50% under future climate conditions. As temperature and precipitation trends change, the physical condition and operation of CA control structures and municipal storage and conveyance systems will become critical to the delivery of municipal services and the operation of recreational and hydro facilities. This presentation will outline the MAMP program developed for the Conservation Authorities, the connection between CA and municipal assets, the implications of climate change on both, and the need to implement Low Impact Developments (LIDs) as a mitigating strategy to high and low water conditions. The presentation will include climate change modeling results carried out in the Mississippi River watershed, discuss how municipalities and CAs can collaborate on asset management to mitigate these impacts, and highlight LIDs that should be implemented to protect municipal assets and service delivery.

Back to top

Creating an Eastern Ontario Bioeconomy for Seven Generations

 

Brian Barkley,RPF, OEWC, Barkleyvale Farms (Facilitator)

Joe Hendriks, P.Eng., Port of Johnstown Management Committee, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Sandra Lawn, BSc, MPA, OEWC Project Leader, Grenville Heritage Properties

Sandy Marshall, BASc, MASc, Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Jeff Passmore, CEO, BA, Passmore Group and Scaling Up

 

This session will bring some of Ontario’s top thinkers and activists together to address the potential and value of sustainable economic development in Eastern Ontario. The session will examine the context of the Eastern Ontario Bioeconomy within Canada and World markets. We will demonstrate why such economic activity, that is based on the production of next-generation products and energy from biomass is ideally suited for Eastern Ontario with our successful farm and forest enterprise, a deep-sea port and existing clusters of successful and growing bio-processing industries. Adherence to the principles of sustainability as illustrated by the Principles of the Naturalized Knowledge System as well as a deep concern about the advancing impact of climate change. We will demonstrate the synergies between making strategic investment in clean technology and protecting the environment, creating jobs, involving our talented young people, academia, business and energy, government at all three levels and strong communities. With well integrated supply chains, technology leadership and a large sustainable biomass supply, rural Eastern Ontario is right ready to kick-up and expand our many competitive advantages and build on our strengths. We will demonstrate the strong synergies that already exist and where new partnerships and integration are either underway or at the pilot or demonstration stage.

Back to top

Regulation of Proliferation of Short-Term Accommodations

 

Todd Davis, Acting Director of Community Development and Strategic Initiatives, The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward

 

The rise of tourism in Prince Edward County has brought great benefits but also challenges due to the rapid rise of Short-Term Accommodations (STA’s). The need has arisen to address the positive and negative impacts that come with having commercial-like uses within residential homes and neighborhoods. Learn how “The County” has used licensing provisions under The Municipal Act in order to regulate the operations of Short-Term Accommodations. The County has taken a holistic approach that reviews STAs in the context of the Official Plan, Zoning By-law and local licensing standards.

Back to top

Tourism Investment in Eastern Ontario and Partnerships in Economic Development

 

Cindy Cassidy, General Manager, Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance

Bonnie Ruddock, Executive Director, South Eastern Ontario Region, RTO 9

Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville

Nicole Whiting, Executive Director, Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization, RTO 11

Brenda Wood, Executive Director, Kawarthas Northumberland, RTO 8

 

In this session, you will hear from the Ontario Ministry Tourism, Culture and Sport about the economic importance of tourism in Eastern Ontario and how it can lead to increased visitation, job creation, and act as a catalyst to attract new investment. In a panel format, learn from the Executive Directors of the Regional Tourism Organizations in Eastern Ontario plus municipal and industry experts about the value of partnerships, best practices, trail developments, and future growth opportunities.

Back to top

The Evolution of Downtown Revitalization and CIP: From Planning through Infrastructure Renewal

 

Carlie Arbour, Economic Development Officer – Community, Development Services – Economic Development, City of Kawartha Lakes

Michael Wildman, MCIP, RPP, CET, CMO, Dipl. MM, President and Principal Consultant, Municipal Government Wayfinders Ltd. (retired CAO, Town of Arnprior)

Lindsay Wilson, Marketing and Economic Development Officer, Town of Arnprior

 

Evaluate how two Municipalities leveraged Downtown Revitalization programs to launch everything from community improvement projects to multi-million dollar infrastructure renewals.

Learn how the Town of Arnprior’s $12M Downtown Revitalization project combined infrastructure life cycle renewal and sewer separation initiatives with enhanced accessibility measures, Accessibility Improvement Grants, Community Improvement Grants, a Sunday Market, Leisure Services Programing, Concerts in the Park, Public Realm enhancements and more into one widely successful project.

While The City of Kawartha Lakes leveraged a multi-community Downtown Revitalization initiative that led to the launch of the “Million Dollar Makeover” with 1.1 million dollars in CIP funding. Economic Development re-defined their local program delivery and promotion in an effort to maximize its connection to local businesses through a multifaceted engagement strategy.

Back to top

The Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre in Action

 

Trissia Mellor, Agriculture Manager and Acting OAFVC Manager, Northumberland County

 

Supporting food entrepreneurs sounds and smells like a great idea, but it isn’t without it’s challenges. We will discuss the development of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre and some things to consider for communities keen to support food entrepreneurs. We’ll share some client stories and have time for Q&A.

Back to top

Ontario Ministries looking out for Workforce Development and Talent!

 

Jennifer Barton, Director, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

 

Meet representatives from various Ontario ministries involved in workforce development and talent attraction and retention! Hear about some successful projects being implemented and about what lies ahead as Ontario tools up to support municipalities and communities attract, retain and grow their workforce!

Back to top

Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade: Helping the Economic Development Community with Business Attraction, Retention and Growth!

 

Joanne Anderson, Director, Business Services Branch, Business Partnerships and Programs Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Lynne Groulx, Regional Manager, Business Services – Eastern Region, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Denis Lapierre, Senior Business Advisor , Business Services – Eastern Region, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

 

MEDJCT continues to offer valuable programs and services to support economic development and small business growth in Eastern Ontario. Representatives from MEDJCT have teamed up again this year to provide updates on their programs including: Regional Economic Development, funding programs such as the Eastern Ontario Development Fund and the Communities in Transition program,
the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, Investment Services, International Trade, Sector Strategies and Business Services. Success stories and best practices will also be shared.

Back to top

Planning Together for a Reliable Electricity System

 

Jessica Savage, Director, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

 

A reliable source of electricity is essential to supporting economic growth. Planning for the resiliency of electricity infrastructure is becoming especially crucial as we begin to understand how communities are taking energy planning into their own hands. The IESO works with municipalities and economic development offices across the province to explore community planning initiatives and develop electricity plans that support local development. Learn how economic development officers, municipal planners, local distribution companies and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) are working together to ensure there is an adequate electricity supply and infrastructure to meet the expected growth in communities.

Back to top

Navigating the Cannabis Industry in your Community

 

Jeremy Burke, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP

Tracey Snow, Economic Development Officer, County of Lennox and Addington

 

Join Jeremy Burke (Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP) and Tracey Snow (Economic Development Officer, County of Lennox and Addington) to learn what may be relevant when considering whether, and how, to pursue and offer cannabis business opportunities for your community.

What do the basics of the cannabis regulatory regime look like? What federal and provincial licensing requirements are relevant for cannabis production facilities and cannabis retail stores? What timelines are relevant to cannabis industry participants? What discretion do municipalities have in connection with production facilities and retail stores? What have other municipalities done?

How will this help municipalities become more aware and educated to this new and exciting industry, especially when you get the phone call from a potential business looking to be a licensed producer in your community?

Back to top

Tiny Houses for Affordable Youth Housing

 

Terrilee Kelford, Owner, Kelford Youth Services

 

Cornerstone Landing Youth Services is a registered non-profit charitable organization working to prevent, reduce and end youth homelessness in Lanark County, Ontario. Cornerstone supports approximately 75+ youth per year and has seen recent reductions of 65% + in youth homelessness across the County by adopting evidenced based approaches such as Housing First and By Name Lists. Cornerstone Landing is currently exploring innovative options for housing and in 2018 launched a partnership with Algonquin College in Perth, to build a tiny home prototype that can be used as a rural specific model for emergency housing. Terrilee Kelford, Chair of the Board for Cornerstone Landing will discuss this project along with their plans to use Tiny Homes for long term affordable housing as well.

Back to top

Intentional Leadership

 

Franklin Holtforster, P.Eng., PMP, ICD., President and CEO, Colliers Project Leaders

 

There are too few effective leaders.This workshop builds Intentional Leadership skills to improve managerial performance. You will learn how to create willing followers that are essential to your success as a leader.

This workshop will engage you to take responsibility to be an intentional leader. You will take away from this workshop new insights that permit you to inspire and motivate your workforce:

  • Understanding the expectations of today’s knowledge workers
  • Being a powerful public speaker and an effective advocate
  • Equipping yourself with a personal value proposition

Back to top

Overview of the Strategy and Next Steps in Implementation

 

Justin Bromberg, Communications and Policy Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

Ron Higgins, Warden, Frontenac County

Diane Therrien, Mayor, Peterborough

Kathryn Wood, Project Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

 

The Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC) has just completed a refresh of its 2014 Eastern Ontario Economic Development Strategy, reflecting recent economic considerations and new, more current data. The refreshed Strategy incorporates the EOLC’s existing regional work, while translating broad action steps into specific, prioritized projects for the next five years.This session sets the stage for more issue-specific sessions to follow later in the conference program.

Back to top

Workforce Development and Deployment

 

Craig Desjardins, Director, Office of Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships at the City of Kingston

Nayeeda Rao, Data Analyst, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

Kathryn Wood, Project Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

 

Identified as the #1 Priority for regional economic development, addressing workforce issues starts with understanding our labour market, how it has changed over the past several years, and how employers, job-seekers, trainers and educators, EDOs and agencies that connect them, can work together to develop, attract and engage talent in an extremely competitive labour market.

Back to top

Integrated, Intelligent Transportation System

 

Andrew Wallen, General Manager and CEO, Kawartha Lakes CFDC | Member, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

Kathryn Wood, Project Coordinator, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

 

Moving people and goods safely and effectively into, out of, and within the region is essential to a strong economy. Join us in a discussion about near-term plans to use integrated data and technology in support of this goal, This session will also cover the proposed VIA Rail ‘northern route’ and initiatives related to autonomous vehicles.

Back to top

Technology Integration and Innovation

 

Kelly Pender, CAO, County of Frontenac | Member, Eastern Ontario Leadership Council (EOLC)

Sheridan Graham, Director, Corporate Projects & Services, County of Peterborough

 

Join us for a discussion about a new approach to innovation about to be rolled out across the region; this new approach is designed to help our innovators move toward commercialization, encourage innovative companies to stay and grow in the region, AND help municipalities improve their cost-effectiveness and ability to serve our communities. Find out how our thinking has evolved since OEMC 2018 and the pivotal role to be played by municipal EDOs and service managers.

Back to top

Digital Infrastructure

 

David Fell, CEO of Eastern Ontario Regional Network Inc.

Lisa Severson, Communications/Stakeholder Relations Officer, Eastern Ontario Regional Network Inc.

 

With the Eastern Ontario Regional Network Inc. having now secured funding commitments from both provincial and federal governments, the Eastern Ontario Cell Gap Project is now ready to launch! Come hear about how the project will unfold, how this major investment will improve the business and economic development landscape across the region, and how EORN is connected to digitally-intensive initiatives being undertaken by the Working Groups.