Page TOWN OF PENETANGUISHENE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA WEDNESDAY, June 9, 2010 8:30 A.M. - COMMITTEE ROOM, TOWNHALL 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3-8 i) THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 4. NEW BUSINESS ACTIVITY i) Remenyse Second Hand Store - 77 Main Street i iv) Froth Cafe - 102 Main Street Neptune's Locker - 31 Main Street Scotiabank - 135 Main Street v) Meridian Credit Union - 7 Poyntz Street vi) Marlynn's Buro Plus - 71 Main Street 5. SECTORAL UPDATES i) Industry - Larry Cascagnette i iv) Downtown - Erin Chapelle Marinas - Mike McKeown Finance - Paul Armer Page 1 of 16
Page Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Agenda 5. SECTORAL UPDATES 9-11 v) Tourism Updates Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference - Denise Hayes Georgian Bay Destination Development (Coastal Route) - Denise Hayes Simcoe County Tourism vi) Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Update - Lois Irvine 6. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION i) Penetanguishene Town Map 12-15 i iv) Main Street Revitalization - Streetscaping Facade Improvement Program Update Penetanguishene Tourist Information Centre v) Town of Penetanguishene Signage Program Update 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 16 i) Regional Activities and Next Steps a) Champlain Commemorations b) War of 1812 Bicentennial 8. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES i) Battle of Britain Air Show - July 16-17-18 i iv) Car Wash - Amie Gignac RTO Funding Announcement Aileen Carrol MPP Beautification Projects 9. NEXT MEETING 10. ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 16
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ROOM, TOWN OFFICE, APRIL 14, 2010, 8:30 a.m. MINUTES Present: Mayor Anita Dubeau Larry Cascagnette, Chair Erin Chapelle Peter Hominuk Also Present: C.A.O. Eleanor J. Rath Community Development Coordinator Wendy Cousineau Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Denise Hayes North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation, Lois Irvine Absent: Councillor Michel Mayotte Paul Armer Mike Gagnon, Vice Chair Mike McKeown 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 8:35 a.m. 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES i) Minutes from Economic Development Committee - February 10, 2010. Moved by Lois Irvine and Seconded by Erin Chapelle THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on February 10, 2010 be approved. CARRIED 3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES No items noted. 4. NEW BUSINESS ACTIVITY Page 1 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 3 of 16
Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Minutes i) Remenyse Second Hand Store - 77 Main Street The new store which opened in early April offers gently used clothing and furniture. The Ecology Garden - Fox Street The Community Garden is an opportunity for individuals or organizations rent garden plots and plant flowers, vegetables, etc. to enjoy gardening activities. Plots are available for $20 per season however limited space is available. The Community Garden contains a total of 12 plots 10 of which have be sold to date and additional plots are being developed. Community support has been very encouraging and a wide range of partners formed. 5. SECTORAL UPDATES i) Industry - Larry Cascagnette Larry provided an overview on the status of CCL, Techform and Georgian Bay Plastics. It was noted that David Dusome is constructing a new building (177 Robert St. E.) which could be customized for prospective tenants. Marina Update - Mike McKeown No update available. It is a very busy time of year for the marinas and an early boating season is anticipated. i Tourism Updates Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference - Denise Hayes Champlain Commemorations - Peter Hominuk Georgian Bay Destination Development (Coastal Route) - Denise Hayes War of 1812 - Denise Hayes Simcoe County Tourism Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference Denise advised that the conference has been scheduled for April 28th at the Brooklea Golf and Country Club. Bryan MacKell, Director of Planning, Development and Tourism for the County of Simcoe has agreed to MC the event. Sessions include Social Media and Customer Experience. Champlain Commemorations Page 2 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 4 of 16
Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Minutes Peter advised of the official launch of the Champlain Trail La Route Champlain. The trail includes total of 12 plaques installed along the trail from Wyevale through Penetanguishene and Midland over to Waubaushene. The project includes GPS coordinates for each plaque, a map, a brochure and a corresponding website. La Huronie- a historical documentary has been completed. There will be a public premiere on May 10 th at the Galaxy Theatre. Invitations to be forwarded. Wendat Nation have indicated an interest in the development of activities for the 400 th Champlain Anniversary. There is ongoing discussion regarding the Champlain Cross, including the ownership of the property and potential on site activities. Georgian Bay Destination Development Coastal Route Denise advised that the group is hosting a number of workshops in various areas for customer service and packaging. A workshop on how to develop packages will be offered in Wasaga Beach on April 19 at a cost of $30.00. The SGB Chamber has been submitted updates to refresh the selected website experiences for the upcoming tourism season. War of 1812 Denise advised there was no new information to report at this time. Discover Simcoe County Denise advised that Bob Rattan is no longer with Tourism Simcoe County and that the position of Tourism Manager has been posted. iv) Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Update - Lois Irvine Lois advised meetings are scheduled for 3 of the identified action teams: Workforce development - April 16 Transportation - April 20 Business Development and Support - April 30 v) Finance - Paul Armer No update available. 6. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION i) Georgian Bay Islands National Park - Infrastructure Funding Page 3 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 5 of 16
Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Minutes Georgian Bay Islands National Park has received 2.3 million from Infrastructure Stimulus Fund of Canada's Economic Action Plan. Infrastructure upgrades will include improvements to the Cedar Springs Campground, information centres, docks, trails, washrooms and construction of 3 rustic cabins to meet the needs of increasing customer base. Awenda Provincial Park - Canada and Ontario Infrastructure No additional information at this time. i Francophone Culture in Ontario - Canada Arts Presentation Fund La Cle d'la Baie received $263,031.00 which includes the combination of 3 grants - educational, social and artistic programs. Most of this funding is not new. iv) Canada Revenue Agency - HST Information Session The Canada Revenue Agency is offering a free information session on April 21st at Brian Orser Hall (English and French) to provide additional information on how businesses can prepare for the change over to the new program. 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION i) 2009 Annual Report - Community Development The Community Development Coordinator provided an update on 2009 activities including streetscaping projects, directional signage, municipal programs, Tourist Information Centre, regional tourism initiatives and development of a Town Map. Downtown Revitalization Report and 2010 Streetscaping Priorities The Community Development Coordinator provided an overview of electronic communication for participating businesses in the Downtown Improvement Area, vacant building listing and downtown beautification strategies. 8. QUESTIONS & INQUIRIES i) LED and Downtown Street Lights Page 4 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 6 of 16
Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Minutes There was general discussion regarding the volume of LED lighting currently used in the Town of Penetanguishene. It was noted that LED is the new Town standard and there are some funds left to install additional replacement lights at strategic locations. There are also five (5) additional street light brackets for the Downtown Improvement Area. Downtown Merchants Association Additional follow up with local businesses have indicated an interest in developing a merchant association or working group. A meeting will be scheduled in early summer for additional input. i Main Street Municipal Parking Lot Access Concern was noted regarding visibility for vehicles exiting the municipal parking lot adjacent to the French Centre onto Main St. The C.A.O. would follow-up with Public Works. iv) Midland Cultural Centre Complimentary feedback was received regarding the information provided by the Town of Penetanguishene for possible locations and options for the development of the Cultural Centre. While the Town of Penetanguishene is disappointed, it was agreed that this facility will be a great benefit to the region. v) High Speed Fibre Optic It was noted that local businesses may not be aware of the availability of high speed fibre optic service through Atria which is more effective (albeit more expensive) than regular high speed. vi) Francophone Day Care Funding has been approved for La Cle d'la Baie to operate a francophone day care location at St. Joseph School starting this fall. Permits are pending. v CFRH antenna The new radio antenna has been installed on the Town water tower. The installation has resulted in a stronger signal for CFRH (La Vague) which can be received throughout Simcoe County. vi Notification of Community Events/Launch Page 5 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 7 of 16
Town of Penetanguishene Economic Development Committee Minutes Distribution of community events or business openings to be forwarded electronically to the EDC members. ix) Circle of Honour Philanthropy Award A local resident has been selected for the Circle of Honour Philanthropy Award. A letter of congratulations would be sent by the Mayor once the award has been made public on May 29th, 2010. 9. NEXT MEETING The next EDC meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2010 at 8:30 a.m in the Committee Room at Townhall. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by the Chair at 9:59 a.m. RECORDING SECRETARY Page 6 of 6 THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee held on April 14, 2010 be approved. Page 8 of 16
County of Simcoe Local: (705) 726-8502 1151 Highway 26 West Toll Free: 1-800-487-6642 Minesing, ON L0L 1Y2 Fax: (705) 728-9130 Midhurst/ June 4, 2010 Announcing the new Tourism Simcoe County Manager The County of Simcoe is pleased to announce that Kathryn Stephenson will be joining the Tourism Simcoe County team on June 21 st as the new Tourism Manager. Kathryn brings years of tourism experience both in the public and private sectors. Kathryn looks forward to working with the industry as we move Tourism Simcoe County to the next level. - 30 - Tourism Updates Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference - Denise Hayes Georgian Bay Page 9 of 16
DISCOVER SIMCOE COUNTY MARCH MAY 2010 2010 A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION BY TOURISM SIMCOE COUNTY FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY PARNTERS Trails Update The County of Simcoe appreciates the immense potential for tourism in conjunction with the many benefits of healthy communities. In 2009, County Council began a new era of supporting trails and active transportation in the Simcoe region. The County granted $180,000 to local municipalities for trail construction and expansion projects through the County s Trails Connecting Communities Program. Showing our commitment to building a healthy County in the future, the County also partnered with Huronia Trails & Greenways and the National Trails Coalition to begin preparation of a Simcoe Trail Plan. With the assistance and input of area trail expert, Peter Dunbar, the Trail Plan will: highlight the history of transportation routes in Simcoe County and how they relate to the immense potential trails development today. The trail plan will review keys to success from various other jurisdictions similar to the Simcoe area, and finally, detail recommendations for the County, area municipalities and stakeholders working together to build a world-class trail system for residents and visitors to enjoy. As part of the Trail Plan project, a Trail Design & Maintenance Standards is also being prepared by the County. This document will provide municipalities and trail groups alike with a resource that contains best practices in trail development and maintenance. County Trail & Active Transportation design standards will ultimately provide consistency on the trail network throughout the County. The upcoming year will bring more County investment in area trails through the Trails Connecting Communities Program 2010. Furthermore, regional trail data will be collected over the summer months to ensure trails and their features (bridges, signs, crossings, views and vistas) are accurately mapped. Finally, we expect the Trail Plan and Design & Maintenance Standards documents to be finalized and released in early fall 2010. Beyond The City Lights Southern Georgian Bay Tourism was host in April to the 2010 Beyond The City Lights, Simcoe County Rural Tourism Conference. The conference was held at the Brooklea Golf & Country Club in Midland with more than 100 registrants in attendance to hear two incredible speakers. Sophie Andreou spoke on how to Harness the Power of Online Social Networking while Theresa Syer gave us a lesson on Creating the WOW Customer Experience. It was an excellent day and all the staff at the Brooklea Golf & Country Club wowed us with their smiles and attention to detail. With summer almost here, we have been getting out to the Ontario Travel Centres and other tourist information centres to deliver promotional material. Tourism Simcoe County welcomes two summer associates, Kelsey Deluca and Chantel Rosewell to our department, and they are both eager to be introduced to the many experiences here in Simcoe County. Discover.simcoe.ca Tourism Updates Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference - Denise Hayes Georgian Bay Page 10 of 16
DISCOVER SIMCOE COUNTY PAGE 2 MAY 2010 Tourism Inventory Did you Know... Tourism Simcoe County is compiling a database of the tourist assets in the county and we need your assistance. This database will be used to create an interactive map on our website, discover.simcoe.ca, and to better service visitors to the Information Centre. The list will not be used for solicitation of any kind, nor will it be shared with a third party. To help us build as complete an inventory as possible, please take a moment to e-mail the following information to victoria.martin@simcoe.ca; business name, location address, mailing address if different, phone number, website, main type of tourism activity and which of our seven experiences your organization best fits; o Spas & Romantic Getaways o Fabulous Golf o Shoreline Adventures o Winter Playground o Cultural Places & Spaces o Agriculture & Fine Dining o Trails & Trekking Thank you for your assistance, and thanks to everyone who s forwarded their information already! that Barrie s famous Golden Mile shopping district on Bayfield Street was once a lot greener and much quieter. Located in the former Vespra Township, this 1920 s view is taken on Bayfield Street looking south toward the intersection with Cundles Road. The Brown farmhouse visible on the right sat on land now occupied by the Kozlov Centre. ~ Simcoe County Archives New Experience brochure Fresh off the press, Tourism Simcoe County has developed a bilingual brochure highlighting a taste of the seven experiences that can be found in the County. The brochures will be included in our regular distribution. To have some sent to your office, please contact Tori Martin at victoria.martin@simcoe.ca. Discover.simcoe.ca Tourism Updates Beyond the City Lights Simcoe County Tourism Conference - Denise Hayes Georgian Bay Page 11 of 16
Downtown Improvement Area FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Guidelines Application for Approval To apply for incentives under the Façade Improvement Program, an applicant is required to fully complete and submit the required application form to the Community Development Coordinator. The application will not be accepted unless signed by the applicant. Where the applicant is not the owner of the property, the owner of the property must also sign. There is no cost to make an application under the Façade Improvement Program. Applications will be considered on a first come first serve basis. However, where there are more applications than funds available, the Planning & Development Section may elect to recommend those applications to Council it believes will produce the greatest benefits for the community. Objectives The following is a list of objectives that outline the purpose of the Façade Improvement Program as part of the Downtown Improvement Area Plan for the Town of Penetanguishene. The following list of objectives apply to all of the Downtown Improvement Area: 1. to encourage the continued vitality and economic vitality of the commercial core in all seasons; 2. to encourage consistency in urban design and signage while recognizing the importance of diversity and character of the existing built form; 3. to create an attractive image of the Town that reflects the historic character and heritage of the community; 4. to reinforce the commercial core as a focus for the community; and 5. to provide incentives for redevelopment of Main Street as an attractive entrance to the Town. Facade Improvement Program Update Page 12 of 16
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Eligibility and Conditions Location of Eligible Properties: Applications for the Town of Penetanguishene s Façade Improvement Program will only be accepted for properties in the Downtown Improvement Area (see attached map.) Who is Eligible to Apply: Building owners and tenants of buildings who operate a business in the Downtown Improvement Area may apply for grants under the Façade Improvement Program. Any applicant who does not own the property subject to the improvements must provide written authorization to proceed with the application from the owner. Grant Funding: Façade Improvement Program grants may be approved for 50% of the eligible works up to a maximum of $1000 per application. If a grant was approved in the previous calendar year, new applications for the same property will be processed after June 30 th of the current year if grant money is available. Eligibility Requirements: 1. Façade Improvement grants will be available for improvements to a building face such as paint, signage, lighting, brickwork etc. 2. Building façade grants will be approved based on a primary grant for the building façade that forms the primary entrance to the building, and a secondary grant for a building side that faces the street and/or a public parking lot. Where a building has more than two building faces abutting a street, the Town may consider a further secondary grant based on funding availability. 3. Properties and buildings with any tax arrears do not qualify. 4. Properties with outstanding work orders will only be considered if the work outlined in the application addresses the work order and the objectives of the Façade Improvement Program. 5. Any applicant may initiate or proceed with work or improvements at their own risk between filing the application and receiving final approval. Beginning work at your own risk does not in any way guarantee approval. Any work initiated before the Façade Improvement Application is received by the Town of Penetanguishene is not eligible for funding. Facade Improvement Program Update Page 13 of 16
Approval Process: 1. As part of the Capital Plan, Council will determine the allocation of funds to the Façade Improvement Program for the current year during budget preparation. The availability of grant money is limited by the total amount of funding that has been allocated to the Façade Improvement Program. The Town reserves full right to either approve or reject any application. 2. Application for grants under the Façade Improvement Plan shall be submitted to the Community Development Coordinator. 3. The application will be circulated to the Town s Building Department, Clerk s Department, Planning Department and Treasury Department to confirm that there are no tax arrears or outstanding work orders applicable to the subject property and the application meets the Town s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, Building Code, Sign By-law and other applicable Town By-laws. 4. Town staff may require a visual inspection of the subject property in order to fully assess the application. Note: If the application is deemed incomplete, the Community Development Coordinator may request more information. 5. The Community Development Coordinator will report to the Planning and Development Section with a recommendation to approve, approve with conditions or reject the application. 6. Council shall make the final decision for approving or rejecting the application and conditions. The Community Development Coordinator will advise the Economic Development Committee of approved applications. 7. Upon approval, the Community Development Coordinator will provide the Applicant (or the property owner if different than the applicant) the standard Letter of Agreement with an outline of the grant. The Letter of Agreement is to be signed and returned to the Town of Penetanguishene within 30 days. Where the agreement is between a business owner and the Town, the building owner must be a party to the agreement. Facade Improvement Program Update Page 14 of 16
Terms and Conditions: 1. The applicant shall apply for all necessary municipal permits. 2. All work completed by the applicant shall be in accordance with the Letter of Agreement and the requirements of the building permits and applications. 3. In the event that there is a breach of the above conditions or it comes to the attention of the Town of Penetanguishene that any of the statements made by the Applicant in the application form or any other information requested by the Town are false, the Town shall have the right to revoke funding approval. Payment Process: 1. Upon completion of the project, the applicant shall submit copies of all invoices (stamped paid) and/or receipts pertaining to the approved works to the Community Development Coordinator. The Building Department will inspect the completed project to ensure compliance with the building permits. The Community Development Coordinator may obtain assistance from any other Municipal Official involved in the application. 2. Upon completion of the construction and inspection by the CBO, the Applicant will be required to present all receipts pertaining to the project. After the receipts have been reviewed, the Town shall issue a cheque for the full grant amount. Note: if actual costs are less than provided for in the Letter of Agreement, the amount of the grant payments may be reduced; however, if the costs are higher, the grant payment shall not exceed that defined in the Letter of Agreement without the approval of Council. Facade Improvement Program Update Page 15 of 16
Regional Activities and Next Steps a) Champlain Commemorations b) War of 1812 Bicentennial Page 16 of 16