CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LEEDS AND THE THOUSAND ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM Members Present: Chair George Horton Mayor Joe Baptista Councillor Leakey Terry Childs Katherine Graham Gerry Huck Susan Magalas Staff: Associate Planner, Melisa Blood Deputy Clerk, Kimberly Almeida Regrets: Councillor Jackson Kathrine Christensen Peter Christie Tom Lynch The Committee met in regular session on the evening of July 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM in the Lansdowne Council Chambers. 1 CALL TO ORDER 2 DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.
3 ADOPTION OF MINUTES - June 22, 2016 EDC Meeting Minutes Resolution #020-16 (Magalas, Huck) THAT the June 22, 2016 EDC Meeting Minutes be adopted as circulated. 4 PRESENTATIONS - Greg Stroud - Parks Canada - Thousand Islands Parkway Renewal Mr. Stroud presented a power point regarding the Thousand Islands National Park Renewal. The Committee inquired about expropriation and the potential impact on local businesses. The Committee spoke about the various initiatives put forward by Parks Canada, and the potential benefits to the Township. - Kim George - Lansdowne Agricultural Society - Community Garden Proposal Ms. George presented a power point regarding Community Garden initiative run by residents. She spoke about applying for grants in conjunction with the Township to secure funding to proceed with the project. The Committee spoke about the opportunity to produce food within the region benefiting the entire Township.
5 BUSINESS - Outdoor Activity Promotion Group The Committee spoke about resources necessary to move this initiative forward. There will be an update brought after the next Outdoor Activity Working Group meeting. - Investment Readiness Sub-Committee Update Ms. Graham provided an overview of the Report from the Investment Readiness Sub-committee meeting. She presented the recommendations brought forward from the sub-committee. The Committee discussed the recommendations. Resolution #021-16 (Graham, Childs) THAT the EDC requests that Council approve the Director of Public Works proceed with an RFP for a Project Manager/Economic Development Specialist to undertake the Investment Readiness Group's identified tasks; AND THAT EDC recommends that Council receives the Investment Readiness Sub-Committee report and allocate the requested funding for 2017. Agricultural Information Session Update Mayor Baptista provided further information regarding the anticipated process for the Agricultural Summit set for December 9, 2016. He spoke about gathering at least two priorities to identify by the end of the session to have tangible items to work on. The Committee spoke about adding members to the working group. Councillors Last and Leakey agreed to sit in on this working group as well as Terry Childs. The Committee spoke about potential speakers.
- Festivals Mayor Baptista provided an overview of some of the Festivals expected to come into the Township: * Rib Fest * Horse Festival * Blue Grass Festival The Committee discussed the benefits and drawback of purchasing a tent for festivals of this nature to have available for use in the Township. Resolution #022-16 (Childs, Magalas) THAT EDC recommends Council allocate $20,000 in event subsidies if required. Resolution #023-16 (Childs, Magalas) THAT the EDC recommends that Council direct staff to pursue Grants to assist with the purchase of a Township event tent. - Terms of Reference - Wording Staff Representative Melisa Blood provided the updated wording for the Terms of Reference relating to the Budget section - Council Update Mayor Baptista provided an update on Council matters including: * Building Permit Fees * 1 FTE CBO * CAO Hire Update * Public Works Restructuring
- Tour of the Township Mr. Huck recommended that the EDC take a tour of the Township to ensure the members are aware of the geography. The Committee discussed the idea of early September for the tour. - St. Lawrence Parks Commission Staff to contact the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to invite them to an EDC meeting. - Budget Discussions Forwarded to the next agenda. 6 ADJOURNMENT Resolution #024-16 (Huck, Magalas) THAT the EDC meeting adjourn Chair, George Horton Secretary, Kimberly Almeida