Join us TODAY at 2:30 pm for our 'Meet the Candidates' Webinar!

Meet each of the EDCO Board Nominees, learn about them and hear their answers to the questions asked by our members! Get all the information before voting starts!

Our Board Nominees:

Abdul Razak Jendi

Rebecca Breedon

Karol Murillo Corrigan

Sean Columbus

Richard Allen

Kyra Knapp

Sean Dyke

Tyson McMann

Paul Pirri

Joani Gerber

Voting opens October 15th!

Last week EDCO attended EDAC Conference in Edmonton, Alberta

We connected with our Ontario reps learning and networking with our Canadian Colleagues.

Invest Ontario

County of Simcoe

Invest In Middlesex

St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation

Town of Minto

Niagara Region

Kingston Economic Development Corporation

Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association

Town of Ajax

We also had a chance to connect with Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) President Amanda Mercer and CEO Leann Hackman-Carty

EDCO Awards of Excellence SUBMISSIONS OPEN!

Our redesigned Awards of Excellence Website is now live and applications are being accepted!

Visit our website at www.edcoawardsofexcellence.ca and explore the award categories, judging criteria and more! Our redesigned Awards of Excellence has a brand new application process and submission portal.

Deadline to submit October 25, 2024

If you have questions, contact us at info@edco.on.ca. Click the link below to visit our Awards website.

Congratulations to our EDCO Member IEDC Award Winners 2024

Burlington Economic Development

• Silver Winner - Print Brochure -Burlington Economic Development Sales Booklet
• Gold Winner - Best Use of Federal Resources - Acceleration+ Program

City of Barrie

•  Bronze Winner - Talent Development and Retention - Sector Specific Job Fairs

City of Brampton

• Bronze Winner - Annual Report - City of Brampton Economic Development 2023 Annual Report
• Bronze Winner - Economic Development Organization of the Year - The City of Brampton, Economic Development Office

City of Hamilton

• Gold Winner - Innovation in Economic Development - Economic Development Week 2024
• Bronze Winner - Regional/ Cross Border Partnership - Invest Hamilton Niagara - Global Startups Bootcamp
• Gold Winner - Business Retention and Expansion - Harvesting

City of Vaughan

• Bronze Winner - Paid Advertising Campaign - Make Your Next Stop Vaughan
• Bronze Winner - Economic Equity and Inclusion - Better Your Business: Tourism Diversity Program (BYB)
• Silver Winner - Public-Private Partnership - Digital Billboard Revenue Project
• Gold Winner - Regional / Cross Border Partnership - OVIN Demonstration Zone

Dufferin County

• Gold Winner - Print Brochure - Explore Dufferin Guide
• Silver Winner - Special Purpose website - exploredufferincounty.ca

Region of Durham

• Bronze Winner - Special Event - Durham at Collision

Town of Caledon

• Bronze Winner - Real Estate Development and Reuse - Humber River Centre (HRC)

The EDCO 2025 Mentorship Program application window opens October 15th. We welcome Mentor and Mentee's to sign up!

The EDCO Mentorship Program aims to facilitate relationships between two people in economic development where an individual with experience, knowledge, and connections can pass along what they have learned to another individual.

Apply by November 15th, 2024 for next years program. More information and apply at the link below.

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario is requesting proposals from municipalities within the Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) to host a large urban professional development event. This event aims to bring together urban industry professionals to discuss and address critical issues facing our cities. The selected host community will have the opportunity to showcase its city while also providing relevant, engaging sessions and topics that are relevant to the urban professionals in Economic Development across Ontario.

Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to laura.demille@edco.on.ca by October 12^th, 2024.

For more information and RFP details please visit our website below.

Property listed for sale! Heavy Industrial Facility on ±13.89 Acres with Heavy Power, Large Fire Suppression Tank and Zoned for Waste Disposal and Highway Commercial.

• Between Ottawa & Montreal & +/- 40 km N of Cornwall & a border crossing to USA
• Zoned Waste Disposal exception 1 and Highway Commercial
• Serviced with drilled well, septic system, holding tank
• 3 separate transformers of 3,000 Amps each, Main Power is 44,000 volts stepped down to 13.2000 volts
• Combination of 13 buildings on the site totaling 74,774 SF +/-
• 371,000 usg holding tank for fire protection connected to a sprinkler system servicing much of the plant + dry chemical sprinkler services other areas of the facility

View Property Brochure Here

Marnie​​​​ 

Forstner

Transaction Manager, Sales Representative

Marnie.Forstner@colliers.com

Ontario Federation of Agriculture presents Cultivating Local Workshops

OFA’s Cultivating Local workshop series is offering 9 free online workshops to help current and future farmers to seize opportunities to sell to Ontarians. Share with your network and local farmers and provide an opportunity for them to access free learning opportunities!

Explore the topics and register today! https://ofa.on.ca/cultivating-local/

Unlocking Mexico; Essential Tips for Ontario Companies

November, 21, 2024

11:00am -12:00pm EST

Online

Mexico serves as a thriving industrial hub, encompassing automotive, aerospace, medical devices, technology, electronics, agriculture, and other sectors that demand innovation and expertise. These industries present numerous opportunities for Ontario companies.

The government of Ontario invites you to participate in a webinar aimed at enhancing your business prospects in the Mexican market. Topics will include:

advisory, human capital, labor practices, taxation, legal incorporation, among other key considerations crucial for expanding or entering the Mexican market successfully.

Presenter: Carlos Redfern, Managing Partner of RCG, and its leadership team. RCG specializes in guiding businesses through the intricacies of entering the Mexican market seamlessly.

Don't miss out on this valuable webinar that can help your company unlock the full potential of the Mexican market.

Register by November 20, 2024

Note: If you are a member of the Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government, please do not register via this link. Contact the event organizer directly to participate in the event.

Register Now

The City of Elliot Lake has an RFP for a Tourism Strategy

Proposals are now being accepted from qualified consultants/firms to assist with the development of an action oriented and innovative Tourism Strategy. This Strategy will provide a roadmap for the promotion of tourism in Elliot Lake and identify the core tourism areas for development for Council’s consideration. It will guide tourism activities and investment for the Municipality and include the steps required to achieve goals going forward.

View RFP details at https://elliotlake.bidsandtenders.ca

Below, you’ll find some of the upcoming events Ontario Trade and Investment Office plans to attend or are on our radar this quarter.

If you have any FDI and Trade (Buyer) leads or targets in the U.S. Northeast that could benefit from Ontario engagement around these events, please don’t hesitate to let us know – we are happy to collaborate with you.

Additionally, our Ontario team in New York is planning an Executive Ontario Alumni Reception on Wednesday, December 11^th, supported by Waterloo EDC.

We welcome the attendance of Ontario EDOs at this event. Please let us know if you or a colleague is interested.

Aaron, Charley, AnnaRose, and I thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to reach out with any suggestions or to discuss further.

Khoudia Diop,

Commercial Assistant | Ontario Trade & Investment Office in New York

Government of Ontario, Canada

Khoudia.Diop@international.gc.ca 

www.investontario.ca | www.sourcefromontario.com

Tourism is now part of the EcDev Portfolio – Join us at OTS24 and learn more how to work with tourism 

This year, while we attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, we learned from many of you that tourism now falls under the Economic Development portfolio within your municipality. Many of you stopped by and asked who to talk to and where to learn more about tourism.  

We would encourage you to register and join us for the Ontario Tourism Summit in Hamilton, Ontario. If you cannot join for the whole event, consider joining us for the Day of Programming that fits best with your municipality. 

Hamilton is nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario and is a historic port city.  The city is one of Canada’s most renowned and important industrial centers. While most of the city was centered by industries in the Hamilton Harbour area, the city is also home to outstanding natural beauty. Today, the city is a thriving location with a gorgeous waterfront, art communities, and historic towns. 

We will be welcoming tourism professionals from around the province to gather, share, and collaborate. This year continues the relentless pace, that has started to be understood as the norm, but new challenges continue to present the reality of needing to be aware, look at things differently, the importance of communication with colleagues and being better. Climate change, Safety concerns, Technology opportunities, are all part of daily decision making.     

This year's summit is about AWARENESS, COLLABORATION, and MAKING IT HAPPEN. Join us as we recognize the new realities that our industry is facing, whether technology, climate change, risk awareness, change in supports, that are all or individually impacting our industry, our decisions, establishing the awareness for our industry in Ontario to work together to build stability and fortitude to work together and make it happen.   

Why Your Team Should Attend OTS24! 

As an economic development and municipal leader, you know that the tourism industry's strength lies in collaboration and shared learning. OTS24 is designed to equip your team with the latest insights and strategies, addressing key challenges and opportunities across marketing, economic development, operations, and human resources. To maximize your team’s involvement, we are offering one-day rates, allowing everyone to benefit from targeted sessions that matter most to their area of responsibility and scope of work.  

Day One - October 22nd of our agenda will focus on areas of Workforce and Infrastructure – with key sessions appealing to human resources, economic development and planning regarding challenges | opportunities with Infrastructure across our province.  

Day Two – October 23rd of our agenda will recognize the importance of Data and Marketing. Our industry is ravenous for key current data to allow us to make critical decisions to move our business forward and attract desired markets into our destinations in Ontario. Are our destinations ready? Is the infrastructure in place? Is our workforce in place?   Let’s get ready. 

Unmatched Networking Opportunities 

Beyond insightful programming, OTS24 offers invaluable networking sessions, including a Welcome Reception, Networking Lunch, and Club Ontario after-party. Connect with industry peers, leaders, and potential collaborators in a dynamic setting that fosters both personal and professional growth.  

Whether you attend for one day or the entire event, OTS24 is an opportunity your organization cannot afford to miss. Register now and be part of the conversations that will drive Ontario’s tourism industry forward. 

Come...Join us… and Let's Make this Happen. 

Carol Greenwood(she | her | hers)

VP, Operations & Partnerships

207 Queen’s Quay West, Suite 405  

Toronto, ON M5J 1A7 

cgreenwood@tiaontario.ca 

North Atlantic Forum Research Summaries

Potential Titles

·      Mobilizing Knowledge from the 2024 North Atlantic Forum

·      Facilitating Knowledge Exchange - Research Summaries from the 2024 North Atlantic Forum

·      From Letterfrack to Rural Ontario: Sharing Ideas from the 2024 North Atlantic Forum

·      Research Summaries Emerging from the North Atlantic Forum

·      Rural Research Summaries from the North Atlantic Forum

·      Transferring Rural Research: From Letterfrack to Rural Ontario

Article

Researchers, policymakers and practitioners recently gathered in Letterfrack, Ireland for the 2024 North Atlantic Forum. The Forum focused on sustainable livelihoods and sought to engage new ideas in rural development, policy practice, and the social economy.

To facilitate knowledge mobilization a series of rural research summaries were created by graduate students on innovative approaches to sustainable livelihoods. The summaries provides a snapshot of research presented at the North Atlantic Forum and provide links to online resources. Topics covered in the summaries include economic development, food security, heritage conservation, housing, policy proofing and lenses, and solar power. Take a read of the summaries below:

·      A Case Study of Community-Led versus State-Led Solar Projects in NunatuKavut summarized by Christine Miller (University of Prince Edward Island)

·      From Colonial Challenges to Community Solutions: Transforming Food Insecurity in Ktaqmkuk summarized by Avery Velez (Grenfell Campus, Memorial University)

·      Heritage Tourism and Local Livelihoods in Inishbofin, Ireland summarized by Eliza MacLauchlan (University of Prince Edward Island)

·      Navigating Economic Development Challenges in an Island Context summarized by Damilola Oyewale (University of Guelph)

·      Rural Ireland Plagued by Housing Affordability summarized by Lucas Berek (University of Guelph)

·      SABRI: Reinvesting in the Region to Expand the Economic Base summarized by Natasha Pennell (Grenfell Campus, Memorial University)

·      Searching for Entrepreneurialism in Rural Newfoundland summarized by Lucas Berek (University of Guelph)

The rural research summaries from the 2024 North Atlantic Forum were by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph. 

The Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum (MAEDPF) is a great place to up-level your learning and connections in agriculture economic development and planning at this action-packed 2+ day event!

The 16th annual Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum will take place from October 22 to 24, 2024 at the Best Western Pembroke Inn and Conference Centre. The forum is co-hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and the County of Renfrew. The theme for this year’s event is Growing Together: Nurturing Agriculture for Rural Community Prosperity.

“We are excited to be hosting the Forum for the first time in Eastern Ontario and look forward to welcoming our municipal agriculture economic development and planning colleagues to Pembroke and Renfrew County this October 22-24. The forum is a great opportunity to learn, share and engage about how we can better support the vibrant agriculture sector in our rural communities. See you in October!” Melissa Marquardt , Manager of Economic Development, County of Renfrew.

Why should you attend this year’s forum:

1. The Forum is jam-packed with inspiring speakers, panel discussions and epic conversations. Topics range from the future of our food, agricultural systems, the strength of agricultural advisory committees, what’s new in in agriculture economic development planning, next generation farming, local case studies and an engaging Open Space discussion to round out the day!
2. Network face-to-face with people who are passionate about agriculture economic development and planning. The conversations will flow, new relationships will be forged, and problems will be solved!
3. The Forum is making its debut in Eastern Ontario and Renfrew County as the host plans to raise the bar high! Being Ontario’s largest county, encompassing 17 vibrant rural communities it’s known for its rich rural character and thrives on key sectors such as farming, forestry, and wood processing offering something of value to everyone.
4. Experience that famous Ottawa Valley Hospitality! The Ottawa Valley is home to a unique blend of shops, boutiques, studios and galleries that showcase the craftsmanship of local artisans, makers and producers. Experience local entertainment and indulge in local cuisine and culinary delights.
5. Savour locally sourced foods from amazing producers and processors from across Renfrew County at this event. You will have a chance to taste a variety of Renfrew County’s finest food and beverage offerings. On October 23 attendees will be treated to a remarkable bus tour of several farms and agri-tourism businesses culminating in a fresh and delicious farm-to-fork lunch at one of the stops.
6. 

Click here for more information and to register! We hope to see you there!

Melissa Marquardt, County of Renfrew and Karen Fischer, OMAFA, Co-Hosts

Ontario Investing in Transportation for Rural Communities

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $5 million annually to help smaller communities across the province build safe and reliable transit services. The funding is being delivered through the new Ontario Transit Investment Fund (OTIF).

“No matter where you live, Ontarians deserve reliable public transportation to access employment, visit friends and family and maintain healthy, independent lifestyles,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “The Ontario Transit Investment Fund is another targeted step our government is taking to make life easier for people living in the north, rural areas, or other communities with limited transportation options.”

Read more here.

Ontario Helping Kids Stay Active and Healthy

HAMILTON — The Ontario government is investing $15.3 million in more than 100 organizations that provide fun, safe and supervised activities for children and youth across the province through inclusive team sports and active recreation programs.

"Our government is proud to support opportunities for children and youth throughout Ontario to lead active and healthy lifestyles,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This funding will expand access to vital resources and enable partner organizations to continue delivering high-quality, tailored active recreation programming that aligns with the needs of local communities.”

Read more here

Current Job postings:

Tourism Niagara on the Lake - Director of Tourism Services

City of Vaughan - Economic Development Officer (Contract)

SEDA - Investment Ready Specialist

The Municipality of Red Lake - Economic Development Officer

Town of Caledon - Senior Officer, Economic Development

October 10, 2024 - EDCO Regional Eastern Event Kingston

October 16 - 18, 2024 - Rural Talks to Rural

October 22 - 24, 2024 - The Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum (MAEDPF)

October 23 - 24, 2024 - TIAO Ontario Tourism Summit

October 25, 2024 - Ontario West Municipal Conference

November 1, 2024 - Economic Development Fundamentals 101

November 14 - 15, 2024 - Business Retention and Expansion

November 20, 2024 - Rural Entrepreneurship 101

December 5, 2024 - Data's Role as a Catalyst for Equitable Economic Development

December 5 - 6, 2025 - Real Estate Development and Reuse

December 11 - 13, 2024 - Economic Development Credit Analysis

January 13, 2025 - Economic Development & Business Improvement

February 23 - 25, 2025 - IEDC Leadership Summit Washington

June 2 - July 5, 2025 - LED Applied Research

July 15, 2025 - August 30, 2025 - LED Capstone Project