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AGENDA - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20150409ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY,APRIL 9,2015 7 P.M. LEKSAND ROOM AURORA TOWN HALL PUBLIC RELEASE April 2,2015 TOWN OF AURORA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA DATE:Thursday,April 9,2015 TIME AND LOCATION:7 p.m.,Leksand Room,Aurora Town Hall 1.DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND GENERAL NATURE THEREOF 2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA RECOMMENDED: THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved. 3.ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES 4.DELEGATIONS (a)Stephen M.A.Huycke,Town Clerk Re:Advisory Committee Member Education and Training (b)Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning Re:Item 1 –Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning Re:Economic Development Program Overview 5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Page 2 of 2 6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning pg.1 Re:Economic Development Program Overview RECOMMENDED: THAT the memorandum regarding Economic Development Program Overview be received for information. 2.Pending List pg.14 RECOMMENDED: THAT the Pending List be received for information. 7.NEW BUSINESS 8.ADJOURNMENT MEMORANDUM DATE:April 9,2015 TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning RE:Economic Development Program Overview RECOMMENDATIONS That the memorandum regarding Economic Development Program Overview be received for information. BACKGROUND The Town of Aurora currently delivers services that address the key areas of economic development program delivery including investment attraction,business retention and expansion and tourism.The following provides a brief overview of the current economic development programs: Investment Attraction Investment attraction refers to economic development efforts aimed at attracting new commercial investment from foreign investors.The Town is participating in the Invest in York program,is a member of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA)and a participant in the GTMA’s advanced manufacturing investment attraction program.The Town also works with Federal and Provincial ministries on specific investment leads. As a result of these partnerships,the Town is able to access information related to interested investors and follow up with site selectors regarding potential sites in Aurora. In order to effectively respond to interested investors,the Town launched the businessaurora.ca website in 2009.The site was developed to provide up to date information related to site selection and will be refreshed in 2015/2016.In addition,staff regularly follow up with interested investors,produce a series of brochures/publications and deliver a Business Concierge program to service potential investors. Business Retention and Expansion The Town has historically focused its economic development program on business retention and expansion.In 2010,Council approved a Business Retention and Expansion Strategy that identified the following key actions: 100 John West Way Box 1000 Aurora,Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone:905-727-4742 Email:aierulo@aurora.ca www.aurora.ca Town of Aurora Planning &Development Services Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -1 -1 - April 9,2015 -2-Economic Development Program Overview 1.Undertaking a Full BR&E Survey 2.Better Use of Networking and the Chamber of Commerce 3.Providing Business and Innovation Support 4.Improving the Supply of Office and Incubation Space 5.Developing a Concierge Service In 2011,staff have prepared a Business Retention and Expansion workplan that includes the implementation of an ongoing Business Retention and Expansion program and Business Concierge program.The key objectives described in the workplan are outlined below: 1.Deliver a Business Concierge Service; 2.Establish a Business Retention and Expansion Program; 3.Regularly Communicate Business Support Initiatives through the Town Economic Development E-newsletter; 4.Enhance the Town’s Small Business Support Function;and, 5.Improve Access to available Non-residential Space through the Town’s Online Property Listing Tool. This work culminated into a comprehensive Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan that staff are currently implementing.The Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan has been attached to this report for information.The Town also produces a Community Profile,local business directory (online and downloadable)and an online business permits and licensing tool (bizpal). Tourism Local tourism is supported primarily through the promotion of community special events and cultural heritage events.The Town has also partnered with York Region and RTO6 to promote local tourism and is in the process of preparing a Tourism Strategy to guide future Tourism activities. Economic Development Action Plan In addition to the above mentioned activities,Council has also approved an economic Development Action Plan that outlines specific activities for staff to pursue.Staff have been advancing the items within the Plan and have attached a copy of the Plan for information. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 –Business Retention and Expansion Action Plan Attachment 2 –Economic Development Action Plan Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -2 -2 - TownofAuroraPlanningandDevelopmentServicesBusinessRetention&ExpansionActionPlanAttachment1Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -3 -3 - Tuesday,February18,2014-2-BusinessRetention&ExpansionActionPlanHowWeGrow:ContinuedSmart&SustainableGrowth,AvailabilityofAppropriateSpaceorLand,Retaining&AttractingBusinessesActionAccountabilityTimelinesIndicatorsRegularlymonitor&reportonpopulationandemploymentgrowth,includingbyindustrysectorEconomicDevelopmentAnnually,beginning2014Bi-annualReporttoCounciloutliningtrendsInvestigateopportunitiestopre-installhighcapacitybroadbandinnewdevelopmentareasEconomicDevelopment/PlanningQ12014Explorewithpotentialproviders&developersEvaluateopportunitiestofurtherstrengthenemploymentprotectionpoliciesinOfficialPlanEconomicDevelopment/PolicyPlanningQ32014ResearchcompletedtocontributedtoplannedOfficialPlanreviewin2015ExpandBusinessRetention&ExpansionprogramandbusinessvisitationsEconomicDevelopmentQ22014Completionof200BusinessVisitationsAnnually(ConditionalonthehiringofaBR&ESpecialist)BetterpromotionofavailablespaceandlandinTown,throughbusinessaurora.caEconomicDevelopment/GISmappingQ1-Q22014Creationofrevised/newwebmappingtooltopromoteavailablepropertyWorkwithpartnerstoattractaninnovationincubator/post-secondarypresence/skillscentretosupportlocalbusinessesandattractnewstart-upsEconomicDevelopmentOngoingApprovalofanewfacilityby2020Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -4 -4 - Tuesday,February18,2014-3-BusinessRetention&ExpansionActionPlanServicesforBusiness:MakingSenseofDevelopmentApprovals,ConnectingBusinesseswithResidents,BusinessNetworking&JointMarketingActionAccountabilityTimelinesIndicatorsWorkacrossdepartmentstostreamlinedevelopmentapprovalprocessandresolveconflictsEconomicDevelopment,withPlanning&BuildingQ12014FormallaunchofBusinessConciergeProgramin2013Conductinformationsessionsforbusinesses&landownersondevelopmentapprovalprocessPlanning&BuildingQ22014Thedeliveryofatleasttwoworkshopby2014Promote'HowTo'guidesonthedevelopmentapprovalprocessviabusinessaurora.caEconomicDevelopment/PlanningQ12014Materialspostedprominentlyonbusinessaurora.caandaurora.caInvestigateopportunitiestomonitorandhost,linkto,orconsolidatelocaljobopportunitiesthroughbusinessaurora.caEconomicDevelopment/GISmappingQ1-Q22014Creationofrevised/newwebmappingtooltopromotelocaljobopportunitiesInvestigateholdingajointjobfairincoordinationwithlocalserviceprovidersEconomicDevelopmentQ22014ReportoutliningopportunitiestopartnerwithlocalserviceprovidersonhostingajobfairEncourage&assistwithbusiness-driveninitiativessuchasshoptours&'shoplocal'promotionsEconomicDevelopment/ChamberofCommerceAsrequiredFormallaunchofBusinessConciergeProgramin2013ExploreopportunitiestoworkwithYorkRegiononsectoralclustermappinganalysis,tohelpinformnetworkingandlocalsupplychainopportunitiesEconomicDevelopmentQ3-Q42014Thedeliveryofatleasttwoworkshopsby2014PromoteChambereventsonnetworkingandjointmarketinginitiatives,andsupportmakingthemavailabletonon-membersEconomicDevelopment,ChamberofCommerceOngoingPromotionofatleast12eventsperyearEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -5 -5 - Tuesday,February18,2014-4-BusinessRetention&ExpansionActionPlanEnhancingExistingResources:RevitalizingDowntownAurora,ImprovingPublicTransit,IncreasedCommunications&SupportProgramsActionAccountabilityTimelinesIndicatorsEnsurecoordinationofdowntownrevitalizationeffortsexploredthroughvariousprocessesviaworkplanandregularreportingEconomicDevelopment/PlanningAnnually,beginning2013/14PreparationofannualAuroraPromenadeworkplantoclarifyandcoordinateworksrelatedtodowntownrevitalizationReviewEconomicDevelopmente-newsletterforreach(subscriptions)andcontentEconomicDevelopmentQ12014DeliverrevisedeconomicdevelopmentnewsletterquarterlyOffer&promotesupportservicesprovidedinpartnershipwithYorkRegion,AuroraChamberofCommerce,localserviceprovidersEconomicDevelopment/externalOngoingTrackinquiries&supportservicereferralsAdvocateYorkRegionforimprovedeast-westtransitserviceandservicetoemploymentareasEconomicDevelopment/Infrastructure&Env.Q12014Increasedtransitroutes/frequency/ridershipAdvocatetheProvinceforregulartwo-wayandweekendGOtrainserviceEconomicDevelopment/Infrastructure&Env.Q12014ReporttoCouncilrecommendingformalrequesttotheProvinceInvestigateopportunitiestoimprovedowntownaccessibilityforallmodesoftransportationEconomicDevelopment/Infrastructure&Env.Q42014PreparationofaTransportationStrategyfortheAuroraPromenadeSupportmeasurestoattractpedestrianactivitydowntowninsupportoflocalbusinesses:Self-guidedwalkingtours,withpotentiallymultiplethemesEconomicDevelopment/HeritagePlanningQ42014Atleastonebusiness-focusedtourcreatedTemporarysidewalkpatiopolicyorpilotprogramPolicyPlanning/EconomicDevelopmentQ12014Program/pilotinplacefor2014patioseasonImprovingpublicaccesstodigitalinfrastructureinthedowntowncoreEconomicDevelopmentQ2-Q32014ReportoutliningoptionsandpartnersEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -6 -6 - 1 Town of Aurora Economic Development Action Plan 2012-2014 Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -7 -7 - 2 What is Economic Development? Economic development refers to the sustained,concerted actions of policymakers and communities to improve the standard of living and economic health of an area.At the core of economic development is the creation of quality employment opportunities that enrich the lives of people.An enhanced quality of life for our residents includes opportunities for employment,recreation,retail and housing. Strategic Direction for Economic Development Action The Town of Aurora recently approved a new Strategic Plan that outlines a series of goals,objectives and actions that will help guide municipal decisions over the next two decades.This Action Plan is guided by the economic goals,objectives and actions outlined in the Strategic Plan.The goal of this Plan is to contribute to fulfillment of the goal and objectives described under the Economic Pillar of the Plan as outlined below: Economic Goal -Enabling a Diverse,Creative and Resilient Economy Objective 1:Promoting economic opportunities that facilitate the growth of Aurora as a desirable place to do business Short term Economic Development Specific Actions Leverage partnerships with local boards,chambers and business organizations to promote Aurora as a preferred location for business Develop plans to attract businesses that provide employment opportunities for our residents Assess the feasibility of a research and innovation centre to promote the commercialization of technology and business and employment growth Create,implement and regularly update an Economic Development Strategy Actively promote and support a plan to revitalize the downtown Assess the feasibility of establishing an entertainment district in the downtown area,a community square/gathering area/piazza and a permanent or scheduled outdoor pedestrian mall on Yonge Street in the Aurora Promenade Work with regional,provincial and national partners to promote Aurora as a preferred location for international investment Assess opportunities to partner with a college or university to establish a satellite facility in Aurora Objective 2:Supporting small business and encouraging a more sustainable business environment Short term Economic Development Specific Actions Explore opportunities to enhance the Town’s business support services such as a business concierge service for non-residential development approvals Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents Work with development community partners to establish a hotel and/or convention centre that meets the growing needs of our businesses and residents Continue to liaise with municipal,provincial and senior levels of government to investigate potential opportunities to attract economic investment Establish regular communication with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the business community to better understand and address local business needs and promote business retention/expansion Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -8 -8 - 3 Identify the roles that the Town can play to support small home based business in Aurora Recognize corporate social responsibility in the Aurora business community Attract new business that are green,clean and knowledge-based Investigate opportunities to encourage the creation and mobilization of knowledge in the local economy Economic Development Strategy In order to best leverage available resources,the Town of Aurora focuses its economic development efforts on maximizing customer satisfaction among our existing businesses. The Town is also focused on aggressively pursuing and supporting businesses who have expressed interest in locating to Aurora.This includes assisting with site selection, providing prompt information and coordinating with the client on securing the appropriate approvals.This approach relies on business networks,leveraging members of the Town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee,realtors and economic development partners to generate leads that are serviced by the municipality after interest has been established. Economic Development Mission The Town of Aurora’s economic development mission is to act as a business development enabler.This means supporting the growth of the existing business community,aggressively supporting business who have an interest in locating in Aurora and providing support for tourism related activities.The Town’s economic development mission statement is: To enable development of interested new businesses Economic Development Priorities 1)Bio-medical campus Description:The Town is committed to pursuing an enhanced bio-medical presence in Aurora to complement the existing business base and leverage the research and development plans of Southlake Regional Hospital.A bio-medical campus is defined as a cluster of bio-medical and pharmaceutical firms located within the Town of Aurora (approximately 10 square kilometers). Tasks: Review of available and appropriately zoned lands to facilitate growth in bio-medical industries Completion and implementation of a sector marketing study to determine optimal approach to attracting interested bio-medical firms Review of available incentives to attract bio-medical firms and there applicability to Aurora. Pursue discussions with Southlake Regional Hospital,the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, local bio-medical firms and other relevant parties to pursue interested new bio-medical firms to Aurora. Investigate opportunities to assist in establishing bio-medical business networks. Conduct an analysis of infrastructure that is required/available to support the initiative Develop an inventory of senior executives residing in Aurora Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -9 -9 - 4 Key Performance Indicators:Number of new bio-medical jobs in Aurora per year Percentage of existing bio-medical employment retained Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Leverage partnerships with local boards,chambers and business organizations to promote Aurora as a preferred location for business Develop plans to attract businesses that provide employment opportunities for our residents Work with regional,provincial and national partners to promote Aurora as a preferred location for international investment Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents Continue to liaise with municipal,provincial and senior levels of government to investigate potential opportunities to attract economic investment Attract new business that are green,clean and knowledge-based Investigate opportunities to encourage the creation and mobilization of knowledge in the local economy 2)Entertainment District Description:The Town would like to pursue the establishment of an entertainment district in Aurora (preferably in the Aurora Promenade)to enhance the quality of life in the area and meet the entertainment needs of the local community and the surrounding area.The district could feature a cluster of restaurants,music venues and art galleries and act as a centre of attraction for Aurora. Tasks: Review/confirm of available appropriately zoned sites that could facilitate an entertainment district preferably in the Aurora Promenade. Conduct a best practice review of successful entertainment districts including the Distillery District in Toronto and Broad Ripple Village in Indianapolis. Review available incentives to attract entertainment business to a designated geographic area. Key Performance Indicators:Establishment of designated Entertainment District in Aurora Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Actively promote and support a plan to revitalize the downtown Assess the feasibility of establishing an entertainment district in the downtown area,a community square/gathering area/piazza and a permanent or scheduled outdoor pedestrian mall on Yonge Street in the Aurora Promenade Work with regional,provincial and national partners to promote Aurora as a preferred location for international investment Work with development community partners to establish a hotel and/or convention centre that meets the growing needs of our businesses and residents Continue to liaise with municipal,provincial and senior levels of government to investigate potential opportunities to attract economic investment Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -10 -10 - 5 3)Innovation Incubator Description:The Town would like to pursue the creation of an Innovation Incubator in Aurora.The Incubator would enable the commercialization and mobilization of local knowledge and promote business development.The intent is to develop a venue for small businesses to develop products for commercial production,share ideas,receive business support and encourage the growth of innovative new businesses within the community. Tasks: Conduct a feasibility study of the suitability of Aurora as the potential location for an innovation incubator. Conduct a best practice review of successful innovation incubators including MaRS and the Market Convergence Centre. Investigate the establishment of a innovation roundtable to support the initiative Key Performance Indicators:Completion of feasibility study with implementation recommendations. Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Leverage partnerships with local boards,chambers and business organizations to promote Aurora as a preferred location for business Develop plans to attract businesses that provide employment opportunities for our residents Assess the feasibility of a research and innovation centre to promote the commercialization of technology and business and employment growth Actively promote and support a plan to revitalize the downtown Assess opportunities to partner with a college or university to establish a satellite facility in Aurora Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents Identify the roles that the Town can play to support small home based business in Aurora Recognize corporate social responsibility in the Aurora business community Attract new business that are green,clean and knowledge-based Investigate opportunities to encourage the creation and mobilization of knowledge in the local economy 4)Permanent Farmers’Market Description:The Town is interested in investigating the possibility of supporting a year round farmers marketing in Aurora.The would like to pursue the establishment of an entertainment district in Aurora (preferably in the Aurora Promenade)to enhance the quality of life in the area and meet the entertainment needs of the local community and the surrounding area.The district could feature a cluster of restaurants,music venues and art galleries and act as a centre of attraction for Aurora. Tasks: Pursue discussions with the Aurora Farmers Market,the Aurora Chamber of Commerce,the Aurora Cultural Centre and other relevant parties to determine the level of interest in a year round farmers market. Conduct a feasibility study of the suitability of Aurora as the potential location for an permanent farmers market. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -11 -11 - 6 Conduct a best practice review of successful permanent farmers markets including St Lawrence Market in Toronto and Faneuil Hall Market in Boston. Key Performance Indicators:Completion of feasibility study with implementation recommendations. Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Develop plans to attract businesses that provide employment opportunities for our residents Actively promote and support a plan to revitalize the downtown Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents 5)Post Secondary Presence Description:The Town has included lands as part of the 2C Secondary Plan to accommodate a potential Post Secondary Institution in Aurora.A potential university could attract additional business investment to Aurora and serve the education need of Northern York Region. Tasks: Engage Regional and Provincial levels of government to discuss support for a university in Aurora. Prepare a proposal for a post secondary institution in Aurora for consideration. Key Performance Indicators:Preparation of proposal for a post secondary institution in Aurora Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Develop plans to attract businesses that provide employment opportunities for our residents Assess the feasibility of a research and innovation centre to promote the commercialization of technology and business and employment growth Actively promote and support a plan to revitalize the downtown Assess opportunities to partner with a college or university to establish a satellite facility in Aurora Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents Continue to liaise with municipal,provincial and senior levels of government to investigate potential opportunities to attract economic investment Attract new business that are green,clean and knowledge-based Investigate opportunities to encourage the creation and mobilization of knowledge in the local economy 6)Enhanced Business Support Services Description:Business retention and expansion is a priority area in Aurora.This includes the continued implementation of the Town’s Business Retention and Expansion Strategy. Tasks: Implement a regular business visitation program Investigate opportunities to streamline the municipal approval process. Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -12 -12 - 7 Improve communication with the business community Key Performance Indicators:Number of business visited per year Average business satisfaction rating Link to Strategic Planning:The initiative will support a number of the actions outlined in the Strategic Plan including the following: Explore opportunities to enhance the Town’s business support services such as a business concierge service for non-residential development approvals Work with community partners to promote local employment practices/opportunities for local businesses and residents Work with development community partners to establish a hotel and/or convention centre that meets the growing needs of our businesses and residents Establish regular communication with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the business community to better understand and address local business needs and promote business retention/expansion Identify the roles that the Town can play to support small home based business in Aurora Recognize corporate social responsibility in the Aurora business community Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 1 Page -13 -13 - AdvisoryCommittee:ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTITEMNO.MEETINGDATEMEETINGSUBJECTACTIONACTIONDEPT.RESPONSEDATETYPEOFRESPONSEBOLD=UPDATESApril9,2015Page1of112013-10-10EDAC9.ReportdatedSeptember12,2013fromCorporateandStrategicPlanningfromRegionalCouncilMeetingofSeptember26,2013Re:EconomicDevelopmentActionPlanUpdate–YorkRegionBroadbandStrategyProgressTHATtheManagerofLongRangeandStrategicPlanningberequestedtoreportbacktotheCommitteeonbroadbandinthedowntowncore.PDSEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday,April 9,2015 Item 2 Page -1 -14 -