HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-14-005 - Waterloo Region Economic Development Implementation Update Staff Report
ITC:HFI ? .R CA0 Office www.kitchenerca
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: February 3, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director Economic Development
(519-741-2200 ext 7506)
PREPARED BY: Brian Bennett, Manager Business Development
(519-741-2200 ext 7230)
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: January 10, 2014
REPORT NO.: CAO-14-005
SUBJECT: Waterloo Region Economic Development Implementation
Update
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the City of Kitchener take the following actions regarding Economic Development in
Waterloo Region:
THAT the Province of Ontario be requested to amend the Table in Section 11 of the Municipal
Act, 2001, as amended, to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the list of Upper-tier
Municipality(ies) that are assigned "non-exclusive" legislative authority to participate in the
assigned sphere of "Acquisition, development, and disposal of sites for industrial, commercial
and institutional uses";
BACKGROUND:
In 2012, the Region of Waterloo and all seven Area Municipalities commenced a study entitled
the "Waterloo Region Economic Development Study: Assessment of Economic Development
Services and the Provision of Employment Lands" to examine the municipal delivery of
economic development services and issues around the adequate supply of employment lands.
In May 2013, Report CAO-13-017 was tabled and Council agreed in principle "That the pursuit
of changes to the Municipal Act which would allow the Region to participate in strategic
employment land development be approved in principle subject to the development and
appropriate consideration of a more detailed report to each municipal Council about how this
could be accomplished".
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REPORT:
The Region's Report CA-13-005/P-13-121 is attached, which provides an update of the
Waterloo Region Economic Development Implementation.
Regional Participation in Employment Land Development
Currently, under Section 11 of the Municipal Act, the Region of Waterloo is not assigned in any
manner, exclusively or non-exclusively, an authority with respect to the sphere of jurisdiction
pertaining to the "Acquisition, development and disposal of sites for industrial, commercial and
institutional uses", prohibiting the Region from developing employment lands.
Accordingly, the Region does not have the ability to participate or partner with Area
Municipalities to develop employment lands, which is putting our Region at a disadvantage
relative to other Communities. A strategic designated inventory of serviced employment land
available for sale and immediate use with the diversity of location, size and price is essential to
attract new investment to the Region and retention of existing growing companies. The Region
has the scale to partner with Area Municipalities developing the East Side Lands, who may not
have the resources to develop these lands on their own.
In order to facilitate this, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing must amend the
Municipal Act to Upper Tier Municipality(ies) that are assigned non-exclusive legislative
authority to participate in the assigned sphere of "Acquisition, development, and disposal of
sites for industrial, commercial and institutional uses". Upper Tier Municipalities that have
benefited from amendments to the legislation include Durham and Halton Region, and Oxford
County.
Area Municipalities will still have the opportunity to independently develop their own
employment lands without partnering with the Region.
Creation of a Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy
The Steering Committee accepted a proposal submitted by Malone Given Parsons in
September 2013 to complete the next phase of a region-wide Economic Development Strategy
to strengthen and diversify our economic base and position the Region as competitive and
prosperous area for investment.
The process to be completed in draft by the second quarter of 2014 will consist of the following
four phases:
Phase One: Foundations, Facts &Analysis
Phase Two: Strategic Directions —Vision, Goals & Objectives
Phase Three: Actions, Plans & Implementation
Phase Four: Strategy Document and Approval — Formal Implementation
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ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Efficient and Effective Government is one of the strategic plan foundations. The
recommendations relating to comprehensive policy and strategy for regional economic
development are intended to improve accountability, governance and service delivery
regionally.
The recommendations on the provision of employment lands related to a number of community
priorities including Quality of Life and Development.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications to The City of Kitchener.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Economic development stakeholders were consulted as part of preparation of the original MGP
report. The Greater K/W and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce hosted a community event to
present the MGP report to the business community. An Advisory Committee of 15 Community
leaders with diverse perspectives on economic development issues is being established.
Stakeholder workshops will be established in 2014 focussing on various groups and sectors of
the economy. Input will be provided by the CTT Board of Directors.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer, CAO
Attachments
Region of Waterloo Report CA-13-005/P-13-121 dated December 3, 2013, Waterloo Region
Economic Development Implementation Update
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Report: CA-13-0051P-13-121
REGION OF WATERLOO
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
' PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
`e.P„oss '`y Commissioner's Office
TO: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Administration and Finance Committee
DATE: December 3, 2013 FILE CODE: D02-20
SUBJECT: WATERLOO REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION
UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions regarding Economic
Development in Waterloo Region:
AND THAT the Province of Ontario be requested to amend the Table in Section 11 of the
Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, to add the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the list of
Upper-tier Municipality(ies) that are assigned "non-exclusive" legislative authority to participate
in the assigned sphere of "Acquisition, development, and disposal of sites for industrial,
commercial and institutional uses";
AND THAT the Area Municipalities be encouraged to make similar requests to the Province of
Ontario;
AND FURTHER THAT the Region enter into a consulting services agreement with Malone
Given Parsons Ltd, to provide services for the preparation of a region-wide Economic
Development Strategy in partnership with the Area Municipalities in 2013 and 2014, at an upset
limit of $183,000 plus applicable taxes (Region's share $92,000 plus applicable taxes), as
described in Report No. CA-13-0051P-13-121, dated December 3, 2013.
SUMMARY:
In 2012, the Region of Waterloo and all seven Area Municipalities commenced a study entitled
the "Waterloo Region Economic Development Study: Assessment of Economic Development
Services and the Provision of Employment Lands" to examine both the municipal delivery of
economic development services and issues around the adequate supply of employment lands.
The results of this study were presented at an all Council meeting on May 2, 2013 and the
recommendations formally approved by Council, as described in staff report P-13-060/CA-13-
003 dated June 5, 2013 (attached as Attachment A). Similar recommendations were also
endorsed by each of the Area Municipal Councils following respective staff reports
This report provides an update on the implementation of the recommendations made at that
time and outlines key next steps related to:
• the preparation of a region-wide Economic Development Strategy in partnership with the
Area Municipalities, and involving a range of Economic Development stakeholders;
• the establishment of an Office of Economic Development at the Region of Waterloo; and
• the pursuit of changes to the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended (the Municipal Act),
which would allow the Region to participate in strategic employment land development.
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December 3 2013 CA-13-005IP-13-121
REPORT:
The Region of Waterloo and all seven Area Municipalities jointly commissioned a study in 2012
to look at economic development issues in Waterloo Region. Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (MGP)
was retained and completed the study Waterloo Region Economic Development Study:
Assessment of Economic Development Services and the Provision of Employment Lands in
April 2013. The results of this study were presented at an all Council meeting on May 2, 2013
and the recommendations formally approved by Council, as described in staff report P-13-
060/CA-13-003 dated June 5, 2013. Similar recommendations were also endorsed by each of
the Area Municipal Councils following respective staff reports
This report provides an update on the implementation of the recommendations made at that
time, most notably:
• the establishment of an Office of Economic Development at the Region of Waterloo;
• the pursuit of changes to the Municipal Act, allowing for Regional participation in strategic
employment land development;
• finalizing the Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) related to the East Side Lands;
• building on the results of the Waterioo Region Economic Development Study through the
initiation of a region-wide Economic Development Strategy;
• the development of an implementation plan for the creation of a Waterloo Region
Economic Development Corporation (WREDC); and.
• investigation of a Special Purpose Corporation to develop strategic employment lands in
Waterloo Region
Region of Waterloo - Office of Economic Development
In June 2013, it was recommended that an Office of Economic Development be created within
the Region of Waterloo. This new Office will be responsible for the development and
coordination of a regional approach to economic development, including several of the action
items noted in this report. Short-term deliverables will include:
• coordinating the development of a region-wide Economic Development Strategy, in
partnership with the Area Municipalities, CTT and economic development stakeholders;
• updating the current inventory of employment lands;
• producing an enhanced regional inventory of economic data and analysis
• evaluating the implications of a special purpose corporation to develop strategic
employment lands in Waterloo Region; and
• coordinating the development of an implementation plan for a new WREDC.
Two vacant permanent full time equivalent positions in the Planning, Housing and Community
Services Department have been repurposed on an interim basis to staff the office. A more
detailed Budget Issue Paper has been submitted as part of the 2014 Regional budget process.
The process to recruit a Manager of Economic Development on a 2-year contract/secondment
is well underway, with an announcement of the successful candidate expected shortly.
Regional Participation in Employment Land Development
The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, determines the role and responsibilities that shape our
local governance framework, including the relationship between the Region and Area
Municipalities. More specifically, Section 11 of the Municipal Act sets out in a Table certain
"spheres" of jurisdiction and assigns authority to carry out activities in these spheres of
jurisdiction to either the Regional Municipality or the Area Municipalities, either exclusively or
non-exclusively. Section 11 specifies that if the Table does not assign exclusive or non-
exclusive authority over a specific sphere of jurisdiction to the Regional Municipality then the
Regional Municipality does not have the power to pass by-laws or carry out any activities
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December 3. 2013 CA-13-005/P-13-121
pertaining, to that sphere of jurisdiction; only the Area Municipalities may pass by-laws and carry
out activities pertaining to such sphere of jurisdiction, Under Section 11 of the Municipal Act,
the Region of Waterloo is not assigned in any manner, exclusively or non-exclusively, any
authority with respect to the sphere of jurisdiction pertaining to the "Acquisition, development
and disposal of sites for industrial, commercial and institutional uses". This essentially refers to
the development of what are commonly referred to as "employment lands" (see excerpt of
Section 11 of the Municipal Act, the Table, attached as Attachment B to this Report).
While this approach has worked well to allow for the development of municipally owned
business parks and other employment areas in the past, the current framework does not allow
for the ability of the Region to partner with the Area Municipalities in the provision of strategic
employment land needs (such as large lots). Staff in several Area Municipalities have identified
this as a potential impediment to employment land development in specific situations over the
past several years. For these and other reasons, Malone Given Parsons, in their May 2013
report, recommended that "the Region and Area Municipalities should pursue appropriate
changes to the Municipal Act so that the Region of Waterloo can participate in strategic
employment land development". The recommendation approved by Regional and Area
Municipal Councils in June 2013 approved this "in principle", subject to the development and
appropriate consideration of a more detailed report about how this could be accomplished.
Regional staff has investigated this matter further, and the details requested are provided in the
following sections of this report
Regional staff, in consultation with Provincial staff, has investigated whether the "triple-majority"
provision in the Municipal Act could be used to make the necessary changes to allow for more
participation in this respect, However, upon review, staff has concluded that this is not an
appropriate mechanism as the statutory provisions of the Municipal Act pertaining to the triple
majority process do not permit a transfer of a sphere of jurisdiction, or a part of a sphere of
jurisdiction, that will create a shared or concurrent responsibility. Rather, the triple majority
provisions of the Municipal Act allow only for the transfer and divesting of a (full or partial)
sphere of a jurisdiction.
Thus,, in order to allow the Region to participate more collaboratively with respect to the
development of strategic employment land, it has been determined that an amendment of the
Municipal Act by the Province would be required to provide the Region of Waterloo "non-
exclusive assignment" of the sphere of jurisdiction pertaining to "acquisition, development and
disposal of sites for industrial, commercial and' institutional uses". This could be accomplished
simply by the addition of the Region of Waterloo in the Table listed in Section 11 — under the
heading "Upper Tier Municipality(jes) to which part of Sphere Assigned". If this amendment
were to be made, the Region of Waterloo would be listed in addition to the Region of Halton,
and Counties of Lambton, and Oxford, who also have non-exclusive assignment of this authority.
It should also be noted, that this amendment would in no way diminish or interfere with the
ability of the Area Municipalities to continue their role in the development and sale of
employment lands. Rather, it would provide additional opportunities for partnership between the
two levels of municipal government to achieve strategic and mutually beneficial objectives. For
example, it would allow the Region to work in partnership with one or more Area
Municipality(ids) to facilitate the development of strategic employment lands such as the "East
Side Lands" that will provide significant region-wide benefits.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) staff agree that the only way to effect the
desired change is through an amendment to the Municipal Act, as described above. They note
that for MMAH staff to recommend such an amendment, they will need to see clear support for
this change from the Region and from the Area Municipalities (i.e. they are willing to support a
change requested by the Region and Area Municipalities, but would not "impose" such a change
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December 3. 2013 CA-13-0051P-13-121
in the absence of demonstrated support from Regional Council and Area Municipal Councils.
Provincial staff also note that it may be a challenge to find an appropriate opportunity to seek
legislative approval of the proposed Municipal Act changes in the current session of the
Provincial legislature.
Thus it is recommended that Regional Council request the Province to amend the Municipal Act
to allow the Region to participate in strategic employment land development. It is also
requested that Regional Council encourage the Area Municipalities to endorse similar
resolutions, so that a joint message may be forwarded to the Province of Ontario in support of
this amendment.
East Side Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP)
The East Side Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) and Community Plan is nearing
completion. The Region, City of Cambridge and Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)
are working to resolve outstanding issues and to finalize the MESP. A comprehensive update
on the MESP and Community Plan will be provided to the Planning & Works Committee in early
2014.
Creation of a Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy
The Waterloo Region Economic Development Study (April 2013) was overseen by a Steering
Committee consisting of the Chief Administrative Officers from the Area Municipalities and
Region as well as representation from Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. As part of this work,
Malone Given Parsons (MGP) identified the lack of a region-wide economic development
strategy as one of the main impediments to the creation of a more comprehensive economic
development process in Waterloo Region. In response to this recommendation and as follow-up
to the previous work undertaken, the Steering Committee requested that MGP submit a
subsequent proposal related to the preparation of a region-wide Economic Development
Strategy.
The proposal, submitted by MGP in September 2013, was reviewed and accepted by the
Steering Committee with minor modificationstclarifications. It should be noted that the contract
for the first phase of this work was awarded to MGP through a competitive bidding process
issued by the City of Kitchener. As a result, it was determined that the extension of the original
contract to MGP for this next phase of work represented a benefit to the participating agencies
due to the extensive research and analysis already conducted, thus setting the stage for the
broader Economic Development Strategy. Under the Purchasing By-law, the Chief Purchasing
Officer may acquire any goods or service through negotiation where the extension of an existing
or previous contract would prove more cost effective or beneficial for the Region.
The proposal outlines the development of an economic strategy through a comprehensive
stakeholder engagement process that builds on and fosters the unique collaborative dynamic
that exists in Waterloo Region. The region-wide Economic Development Strategy would provide
the framework to help Waterloo Region capitalize on the many strengths and opportunities that
exist locally, strengthen and diversity the economic base and will position the area as a
competitive and prosperous location for private and public sector investment. The preparation of
the strategy includes four phases, each involving input from the Steering Committee, an
Advisory Committee and the CTT Inc. Board of Directors. Periodic updates will also be
provided to Regional and Area Municipal Councils through "All-Council meetings" or other
venues.
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December 3, 2013 CA-13-0051P-13-121
The phases are as follows:
Phase One: Foundations, Facts & Analysis
Phase Two: Strategic Directions— Vision, Goals & Objectives
Phase Three: Actions Plans & Implementation
Phase Four: Strategy Document and Approval— Formal Implementation
The proposed Advisory Committee will include approximately 15 -Community leaders
representing a diverse range of perspectives on economic development issues. They will inform
and assist in the process of preparing the strategy by: providing comments, interpretation, and
information on strategic directions and action plans; offering an external perspective on
opportunities for Waterloo Region within the global context; and giving strategic advice and
guidance to the consultant team and Steering Committee. In addition to the Advisory
Committee, input will be obtained through a series of facilitated stakeholder workshops in early
2014, targeting various sectors and groups within the Regional economy. Regular input will
also be sought from the CTT Board of Directors through the development of the strategy.
It is anticipated the draft strategy would be completed in the second quarter of 2014 (please see
Attachment C for more information).
It is recommended that the Region engage Malone Given Parsons and enter into a Consulting
Services Agreement to provide services for the preparation of a region-wide Economic
Development Strategy in partnership with the Area Municipalities. The upset limit for the
consulting work is $183,000 plus applicable taxes, which will be undertaken and billed in 2013
and 2014. The Region and Area Municipal CAOs have agreed on a cost-sharing approach in
which the Region pays 50% of the costs (from existing budgets) and the Area Municipalities split
the remaining 50% of costs.
Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
Staff in the Region's Office of Economic Development, together with partner organizations, will
continue to investigate the potential for the development of a Waterloo Region Economic
Development Corporation (WREDC). While it is anticipated that Area Municipalities would
continue their role and focus with respect to local economic development, a new WREDC could
be responsible for the following:
• implementing the region-wide economic development strategy;
• strategic branding and marketing of Waterloo Region
• foreign direct investment;
• business and talent attraction and development; and
• regional data collection, analysis and distribution (including maintaining an inventory of
available employment lands).
A detailed implementation plan will be developed in conjunction with the preparation of the
Economic Development Strategy, and in partnership with CTT Inc. and the Area Municipalities,
for consideration in 2014. The plan will outline the proposed structure, governance, and
transitional mechanisms for consideration as well as any financial implications.
Special Purpose Corporation
As part of the MGP study, it was also recommended that the creation of a Special Purpose
Corporation (SPC) be considered for the purchase, holding and sale of employment lands on
the east side, including those adjacent to the airport and other strategic lands within the region.
Staff in the Region's new Office of Economic Development will continue to investigate how the
SPC could be governed, how it would be financed, and how it would operate with respect to
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December 3, 2013 CA-13-0051P-13-121
property acquisitions and dispositions. It should be noted that this Special Purpose Corporation
for land development is separate and distinct from the proposed WREDC.
Area Municipal Cons ultation/Coord!nation
The ongoing collaboration related to Economic Development within Waterloo Region continues
in partnership with the Region, the Area Municipalities and Canada's Technology Triangle Inc.
The preparation of the Economic Development Strategy will be led by a Steering Committee
consisting of each of the Chief Administrative officers (Regional and Area Municipal) in Waterloo
Region as well as the CEO from Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. Further, all
recommendations resulting from the work will be forwarded to all Municipal Councils for
consideration.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report directly implements Action 2.3.3: Strengthen the coordination and implementation of
economic development activities by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Region, area
municipalities and other key stakeholders (e.g. Canada's Technology Triangle Inc.).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The funding required for the preparation of the Economic Development Strategy totals $183,000
plus applicable taxes, and will be cost-shared between the Region and Area Municipal Partners.
It is anticipated that the Region will contribute 50 per cent of the total project cost ($92,000 plus
applicable taxes) with the cities and the townships contributing the remaining 50 per cent. The
Region's portion of the costs can be accommodated within existing budgets in the Planning,
Housing and Community Services in 2013 and 2014 through funds allocated for externally
purchased services.
The initial costs to provide two staff to support the proposed Region of Waterloo Office of
Economic Development would be achieved by temporarily repurposing two existing and vacant
FTE positions. A budget issue paper has been submitted as part of Region Council's 2014
budget process to consider permanent positions.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:
This report has been reviewed with staff from Finance and Legal Services.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Implementation of Waterloo Regional Economic Development Study
(Report: P-13-0601CA-13-003)
Attachment B - Municipal Act, 2001: Section 11 "Spheres of Jurisdiction"
Attachment C - Economic Development Strategy Proposed Work Plan
PREPARED BY: Brooke Lambert, Principal Planner
APPROVED BY: Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer
Rob Horne, Commissioner, Planning, Housing and Community Services
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December 3 2013 CA-13-0051P-13-121
Attachment A- Implementation of Waterloo Regional Economic Development Study
(Report: P-13-0601CA-13-003)
REGION OF WATERLOO
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
INOSP PLANNING, HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Commissioner's Office
TO: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Economic Development and Promotion
Committee
DATE: June 5, 2013 FILE CODE: D02-20
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF WATERLOO REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
STUDY
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following actions regarding
Economic Development in Waterloo Region:
Receive for information the Waterloo Region Economic Development Study. Assessment of
Economic Development Services and the Provision of Employments Lands, prepared by
Malone Given Parsons Ltd., and dated April 2013;
Establish an Office of Economic Development at the Region of Waterloo, pursuant to the
parameters outlined in the memo from the Chief Administrative Officers, dated April 25, 2013,
and as further described in this report;
Approve in principle the creation of a Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
(WREDC) subject to the development and approval of a detailed implementation plan;
Approve in principle the pursuit of changes to the Municipal Act, which would allow the Region
to participate in strategic employment land development, subject to the development and
appropriate consideration of a more detailed report about how this could be accomplished;
Further investigate the creation of a Special Purpose Corporation to develop strategic
employment lands in Waterloo Region;
Continue to work with the City of Cambridge and East Side property owners to finalize the
Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) and associated approvals to expedite the short-
term development of the East Side Lands;
AND THAT staff be directed to include a Budget Issue Paper as part of the 2014 Regional
budget process to consider the creation of permanent staff positions to support the Region of
Waterloo's Office of Economic Development.
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SUMMARY:
In 2012, the Region of Waterloo and all seven Area Municipalities commenced a study to
examine how economic development services are delivered municipally, and what should be
done to ensure an adequate supply of employment lands. The study results were presented at
an all Council meeting on May 2, 2013. This report recommends the implementation of the first
stages of Regional involvement in a new approach to delivering municipal economic
development and employment land creation in Waterloo Region. Similar reports are also being
tabled with all seven Area Municipal Councils.
REPORT:
Overview
The Region of Waterloo and all seven Area Municipalities jointly commissioned a study in 2012
to look at economic development issues in Waterloo Region. Malone Given Parsons Ltd.
(MGP) was retained to address two key issues:
- Is the current approach to delivering economic development services in Waterloo Region
working as well as possible? Are there any significant gaps, overlaps and opportunities
for improvement?
- What should the Region and Area Municipalities be doing to ensure an adequate supply
of employment lands is available to support economic development? In particular,
should municipalities in Waterloo Region be involved in buying, developing and selling
employment lands and, if so, what is the best approach for doing that?
The study was guided by a Project Team consisting of staff from the Region, the Area
Municipalities and Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT), with overall direction provided by a
Steering Committee comprised of the Region and Area Municipal Chief Administrative Officers.
An Executive Summary memo, outlining the process, findings and recommendations, is
appended as Attachment 1 of this report. This memo was presented and discussed at the All
Council meeting on May 2, 2013.
Key Findings and Recommended Directions
The main conclusions of MGP were threefold. First, the Region's economy is growing and
performing well. Secondly, there are structural weaknesses in the existing economic
development framework. Thirdly, there is consensus among stakeholders that a more regional
approach to economic development is required.
The consultants at MGP consequently identified five options for delivering economic
development services, each of which was evaluated against a series of criteria. While the
detailed recommendation is described in Attachment 1 of this report, some of the key changes
proposed are:
- The creation of an Office of Economic Policy (Development) at the Region of Waterloo;
- The preparation of a Regional Economic Development Strategy and the maintenance of
an employment lands inventory;
- The creation of a new Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation;
- The continuation of Area Municipal local economic development roles; and
- The critical importance of the Region, the Area Municipalities and Canada's Technology
Triangle continuing to move forward collaboratively.
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Proposed Next Steps
Regional Staff and staff from the seven Area Municipalities are forwarding very similar
recommendations to their respective Councils. In the case of the Region of Waterloo, the next
immediate steps would be to:
Repurpose for a short period of time (approximately one to two years), two vacant
permanent full time equivalent positions. One position is in management (Project
Manager), and one position is unionized (communication position). Both positions reside
in Planning, Housing and Community Services. These positions would be repurposed to
establish a Regional Manager of Economic Development and an Economic
Development Planner position, and would constitute a minor temporary reorganization.
Formally establish the Regional Office of Economic Development;
Initiate the work on coordinating the preparation of a Regional Economic Development
Strategy, a current inventory of employment lands, and an enhanced regional economic
data and analysis inventory;
- Continue to examine the implications of a new Special Purpose Corporation to develop
strategic employment lands in Waterloo Region;
- Advance discussions on leg islativelregulatory changes that would permit the Region of
Waterloo to participate in the development of lands for employment purposes; and
- Continue to work with the City of Cambridge and East Side property owners to expedite
completion of the MESP, and development of the East Side Lands for employment
purposes.
Area Municipal Cons ultation/Coord!nation
The consultant's economic development report was overseen by all Chief Administrative officers
(Regional and Area Municipalities), and the recommendations are currently being forwarded to
all Municipal Councils for consideration. The findings were presented at an all Council meeting
on May 2, 2013 as well. Implementation would also be collaboratively overseen.
CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report directly implements Action 2.3.3: Strengthen the coordination and implementation of
economic development activities by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Region, area
municipalities and other key stakeholders (e.g. Canada's Technology Triangle).
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The initial costs to provide two staff to support the proposed Region of Waterloo Office of
Economic Development would be achieved by temporarily repurposing two existing and vacant
FTE positions. A budget issue paper is recommended to be submitted as part of Regional
Council's 2014 budget process to consider permanent positions.
OTHER DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIONS/CONCURRENCE:
This report has been reviewed with staff from Transportation and Environmental Services,
Finance, Human Resources and Legal Services.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 -- Memo for all Regional and Area Municipal CAOs to all Regional and Area
Municipal Councillors
PREPARED BY: Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services
APPROVED BY: Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer
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