Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:00 – 12 noon
Present: Merv Mulligan, McMurrich/Monteith; Gilbert Lane, Ryerson; Brenda Scott, Village of South River, WORC; Dave & Karen, Almaguin Highlands Inc.: Morley Moore, Whitestone; John Dunn, Perry Twp.; Mary Anne Love, Perry Twp.; Kay Tod, MABA; Ron Begin, FedNor
Regrets: Chetna Sharma, MNDMF
Welcome
Moved by : Brenda Scott Seconded by : Gib Lane
Municipal Elections: Good Luck to all who are running for election. In January an invitation will be extended to all Councils to send a representative to AHED meetings as well as to businesses and interested persons.
Reports from Community and Resource Partners
7.1 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines & Forestry Sharma
7.2 NECO Lecour
7.3 FedNOR Begin
Discovery Routes has received their $200,000 funding for the Trails branding and signage project. AHED was very involved in championing the development of this project and its success. Congratulations to all. Trails are an economic benefit to the region and with Norm Miller’s private member’s bill, will keep the focus on trail development and create continued support for projects in the years to come. Jennifer McCourt will be invited to present update at a future AHED meeting.
REDAC – Regional Economic Development Committee for Parry Sound, hosted a Dragon’s Den event on October 15th that was very successful. Dragon investors, entrepreneurs/business owners and over 200 audience members participated.
7.4 WORC/South River Scott
The ROPE self-employment workshops in South River have 11 entrepreneurs and there are 3 in Emsdale. Carpool Almaguin continues to grow, 47 drivers and 10 parking lots. Perry has offered to host the parking lot at the former municipal centre, 90 Old Government Road, now that the new AHIC is open. It is quite exciting to drive by the various lots and see them in use.
7.5 Township of Chisholm Boyle
7.6 Ryerson, Armour, Burk’s Falls Lane
Nothing new to report at this time.
7.7 Municipality of Whitestone Moore
Six new solar powered compactors have been purchased. The Bunny Trail is still being upgraded. Accessibility renovations are nearing completion at the Community
Centre. The Municipality is sponsoring an after school program that will accommodate 10 children.
7.8 Powassan Economic Development Report Olajos
Ron Begin - Further discussion on the presentation made at the Annual Municipal Association meeting. MTO and the town are taking steps to soften the negative economic impact of the highway bypass. Land may be offered at market value or free to stimulate private sector investment in new hotel, restaurant or gas bar once the new south entrance is completed.
7.9 McMurrich/Monteith Mulligan
Windstorm three weeks ago caused a lot of damage with trees across roads and damage to the cell tower. Vianet was excellent in their response and completing the repairs. The road is now hard-surfaced all the way to Huntsville and will be of interest to cyclists and bike tours. The municipality is seeing a definite increase in cycle traffic this year. Bridge and deck on trail route is completed and we will be taking a walk on it following the meeting. Park 2 Park meeting was focused on ATV permits discussions and making the possibility of making them a universal permit such as snowmobile permits. The Community Centre is enclosed and heated and being used by Council and others. It also has a generator for backup power. This building will allow for more events and programs as it is closer to the centre of the community and can accommodate 200 – 300 people.
7.10 Kearney Economic Development Johnston
7.11 Central Almaguin Economic Development Association Mahon
Ron Begin – FedNor has accepted a letter of offer for a development plan for the South River Sundridge Airport. This will explore opportunities for industrial aviation park. MNR will also be approached to increase the airport’s land base. The municipalities are looking to see a return on their investment. Friends of Mikisew is another project being undertaken to increase the economic potential and increase community involvement at Mikisew Provincial Park.
7.12 Magnetawan Area Business Association Tod
The 6th Annual 5k/10k run was very successful although entrants were down a bit. The committee will discuss moving the date from September to earlier in August. New this year were pledges and in all $4,000 was raised for the Library expansion.
Community Centre renovations are underway. The Magnetawan River Watershed Association, spearheaded by Clint Brooks, has more than 20 cottage associations as members. AHED is encouraged to invite Clint to return and update on the new developments. The Discovery Routes Trail sponsored kiosk has more than 100 names on it. A Health Committee has bee formed to work with Health Force Ontario regarding the Whitestone nursing station. Magnetawan is currently advertising for the position of an Economic Development Officer.
7.13 Westwind Forest Services Munro
7.14 Citizenship & Immigration(Culture Health Promotion) Loiselle
7.15 Almaguin Highlands Inc. Stewart
Almaguin Highlands Inc. participated in the REDAC Dragon’s Den on Sept. 15th. They found it a benefit to create Logo awareness, promote their projects and create interest for their products, one of which is an ice measuring device that will make winter tourism safer. Dragon’s Den may be repeated in March 2011 for anyone interested in participating.
7.16 Municipality of Magnetawan Urbanski
7.17 Nipissing Negrinotti
7.18 Almaguin Highlands Council for the Arts Sohm
Brenda Scott – Attended the Powassan Art After Dark event, Friday, Oct. 15th. There was a capacity crowd enjoying the many musicians, art & crafts display and learning about the plans the council has for future development. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Wed. Nov. 3rd Art After Dark event in Burk’s Falls, 7 – 9 p.m.
7.19 Village of South River Coleman
Brenda Scott –
Tour of the new South River Power Generation Building was held for the Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, Sept. 23rd. Open House for the new library, town office, OPP sub station, planning board office was held Friday, Oct. 15th. Norm Miller, South River Mayor Coleman, Machar Councillor Lynda Carleton, Library Board Chair Richard Carleton, OPP representatives, architects, geothermal representatives as well as a local residents attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and tour. Refreshments were served from 3 – 7 p.m.
7.20 Perry Township Dunn/Love
John Dunn, informed that the grand opening for the AHIC will be held Saturday, Oct. 30th from 10:30 – 3 p.m. There will be refreshments and tour of the building showcasing the new council chambers, visitor center, geothermal heating, expanded parking, dark sky lighting, etc. The building architect, Greg Gordon, donated a plaque and defibrillator to the centre. Visitors are very complimentary. Tenders for the farmer’s market/gazebo structure have been released. Discussions will be held with the snowmobile club to determine parking and accessibility. Ron Begin commented that FedNor will continue to work with area economic development on this regional facility and applaud Perry Council for their vision and commitment to the project. Mary Ann Love is happy that their will be a Strategic Plan developed and they look forward to community involvement in that process.
7.21 OMAFRA
Information from OMAFRA continues to be circulated and members are encouraged to take note of the excellent programs they are offering that would be of economic benefit to our region.
7.22 Region 12 RTO
www.rto12.cacontinues to be developed. David Stewart and Brenda Scott reported on progress. 12 information sessions are being planned – 6 in Muskoka and 6 in Parry Sound. Loring, Magnetawan and Perry will be put forward their names as potential host sites to the RTO committee. These sessions will be for tourism operators and everyone is asked to spread the word to those they know attend.
8. Correspondence
9. In – Camera
Location: AHIC Centre
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