AGENDA - Economic Development Advisory Committee - 20160512ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY,MAY 12,2016
7 P.M.
HOLLAND ROOM
AURORA TOWN HALL
PUBLIC RELEASE
May 5,2016
TOWN OF AURORA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
DATE:Thursday,May 12,2016
TIME AND LOCATION:7 p.m.,Holland 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.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of pg.1
March 10,2016
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March 10,
2016,be received for information.
4.DELEGATIONS
(a)Doug Lindeblom,Economic Strategy Office,Regional pg.5
Municipality of York
Re:Item 4 –Greater Toronto Investment Attraction Agency
–Toronto Global
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Page 2 of 3
5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.6
Re:Small Cell Technology with Bell Canada
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Small Cell Technology with Bell Canada be
received for information.
2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.8
Re:Aurora Employment &Industry Trends
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Aurora Employment &Industry Trends be
received for information.
3.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.12
Re:Activity Report
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
4.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.14
Re:Greater Toronto Investment Attraction Agency –Toronto Global
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Greater Toronto Investment Attraction
Agency –Toronto Global be received for information.
5.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning pg.24
Re:Development of an Attraction Strategy for the Hotel Industry
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Page 3 of 3
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the memorandum regarding Development of an Attraction Strategy for
the Hotel Industry be received for information.
6.Extract from Council Meeting of April 12,2016 pg.26
Re:Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of March 10,2016
RECOMMENDED:
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of April 12,2016,regarding the
Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March 10,
2016,be received for information.
7.NEW BUSINESS
8.ADJOURNMENT
TOWN OF AURORA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Date:Thursday,March 10,2016
Time and Location:7 p.m.,Leksand Room,Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members:Councillor Paul Pirri (Chair),Councillor John Abel (Vice Chair),
Marilee Harris,Javed Khan,Bruce Walkinshaw,and Mayor
Geoffrey Dawe (ex officio)(arrived 7:56 p.m.)
Member(s)Absent:Don Constable,Rosalyn Gonsalves
Other Attendees:Councillor Tom Mrakas,Doug Nadorozny,Chief Administrative
Officer,Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic
Planning,Michael Logue,Program Manager,Economic
Development,and Linda Bottos,Council/Committee Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
1.DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Bruce Walkinshaw
THAT the agenda as circulated by Legal and Legislative Services be approved.
CARRIED
3.RECEIPT OF THE MINUTES
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Minutes Page -1
-1 -
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,March 10,2016 Page 2 of 4
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 14,
2016
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January
14,2016,be received for information.
CARRIED
4.DELEGATIONS
None
5.MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
6.INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
1.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
Re:2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business Directory
Staff provided background to the memorandum and noted that the Business
Directory is available online at www.businessaurora.ca.Staff advised that a
report on the analysis of employment and business trends in Aurora would be
forthcoming.The Committee suggested that the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
should be more involved in the data collection and dissemination process of the
Business Directory.
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the memorandum regarding 2015-2016 Town of Aurora Business
Directory be received for information.
CARRIED
2.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
Re:Bell Canada Small Cell Technology
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Minutes Page -2
-2 -
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,March 10,2016 Page 3 of 4
Staff provided background to the memorandum and noted that the Town is
exploring an opportunity to partner with Bell Canada,and participate as a small
cell trial location,toward integration of small cell technology and the existing fibre
infrastructure and wireless networks.
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the memorandum regarding Bell Canada Small Cell Technology be
received for information.
CARRIED
3.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
Re:Economic Development Action Plan Update
Staff gave a brief overview of the memorandum regarding significant activities
which have occurred in respect to the Economic Development Action Plan.The
Committee and staff discussed aspects of the Business Ambassadors Program
and the potential opportunity for the involvement of the Aurora Chamber of
Commerce.Staff noted that marketing of this Program should begin within the
next few weeks.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the memorandum regarding Economic Development Action Plan Update
be received for information.
CARRIED
4.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
Re:Activity Report
Staff gave a brief overview of the memorandum regarding business inquiries,
openings,and upcoming events.
Moved by Marilee Harris
Seconded by Javed Khan
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
CARRIED
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Minutes Page -3
-3 -
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday,March 10,2016 Page 4 of 4
5.Memorandum from Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
Re:Medical Campus Update
Staff provided background to the memorandum and the Committee discussed
options for targeting and promoting the medical sector.
Moved by Councillor Abel
Seconded by Marilee Harris
THAT the memorandum regarding Medical Campus Update be received for
information.
CARRIED
6.Extract from Council Meeting of February 9,2016
Re:Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of
January 14,2016
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the Extract from Council Meeting of February 9,2016,regarding the
Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of January 14,
2016,be received for information.
CARRIED
7.NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Dawe provided an update regarding the matter of hotel development charges
and the Development Charges By-law review at the Regional level.The Mayor also
gave a brief update regarding potential hotel development in Aurora.
8.ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Bruce Walkinshaw
Seconded by Councillor Abel
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING ON THE TOWN UNLESS
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL AT A LATER MEETING.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Minutes Page -4
-4 -
DELEGATION REQUEST
This Delegation Request form and any written submissions or background information for
the following deadline:
4:30 P.M.ON THE BUSINESS DAY PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED MEETING DATE
COUNCIL/COMMITTEE/ADVISORY COMMITTEE DATE:Economic Development Advisory
Committee,Thursday May 12,2016
SUBJECT:GTA Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
NAME OF SPOKESPERSON:Doug Lindeblom
NAME OF GROUP OR PERSON(S)BEING REPRESENTED (if applicable):
Economic Strategy Office,Regional Municipality of York
BRIEF SUMMARY OF ISSUE OR PURPOSE OF DELEGATION:
Speaking to a memo on the agenda regarding new Toronto region marketing agency to replace
GTMA foreign investment function
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Have you been in contact with a Town staff or Council member
regarding your matter of interest?YES NO
IF YES,WITH WHOM?Michael Logue DATE:May 6,2016
I acknowledge that the Procedural By-law permits five (5)minutes for Delegations.
Legal and Legislative Services
905-727-3123
CSecretariat@aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
100 John West Way,Box 1000
Aurora,ON L4G 6J1
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Delegation (a)Page -1
-5 -
MEMORANDUM
DATE:May 12,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
RE:Small Cell Technology with Bell Canada
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding Small Cell Technology with Bell Canada be
received for information.
BACKGROUND
Responding to a call through York Region for pilot project participants,staff reported to
EDAC in March 2016 regarding the potential opportunity to improve broadband access
in Aurora via a partnership with Bell Canada,utilizing emerging technology known as
small cell or micro cell communications.
Bell describes a paradigm shift towards hyper-connectivity,where businesses,
individuals,governments and emergency services expect and demand high -speed,
high-bandwidth wireless connectivity around-the-clock.The provision of fibre,and small
cell technology is being positioned as the network of the future –eliminating or reducing
the need for new telecommunications towers.
ANALYSIS
Aurora’s economic development,planning and engineering staff met with Bell in early
April to discuss a potential pilot,and were encouraged to work towards identifying high
priority locations within Aurora,which might accommodate approximately 10-20 small
cell installations.
Small cell equipment could be mounted on existing utility poles or street lights,attached
to buildings or other infrastructure such as bus shelters.
Strong candidates include major gathering places such as in the historic core &Aurora
Promenade,recreation centres &arenas,and other town facilities.Bell and their
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora,Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742
Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 1 Page -1
-6 -
May 12,2016 -2-Small Cell Technology with Bell Canada
consultant are currently in the process of preparing detailed mapping and an agreement
for Aurora’s review.
Opportunities may also exist to connect major employers with in-building small cell
systems,as well as providing for wifi hotspots.
There is currently only one other municipality in Ontario with such an agreement in
place with Bell for small cell.Staff will continue due diligence in this regard and vet any
potential agreement,which would include compensation to the municipality for use of
our infrastructure.
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 1 Page -2
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DATE:May 12,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:Aurora Employment &Industry Trends
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the memorandum regarding Aurora Employment &Industry Trends be
received for information.
BACKGROUND
The 2015-2016 Business Directory was presented at the March 10,
2016 EDAC meeting.The Business Directory memo indicated a forthcoming memo
would be shared with the committee,analyzing the latest employment survey data for
Aurora,in terms of business and employment growth.
Historically,York Region has reported on the employment survey findings,including growth
-2015 marked the
first year that the Region did not included local municipal profiles in the Regional report.The
attached Aurora profile was prepared by York Region,and is included with this memo since
COMMENTS
The analysis in the attached Aurora profile excludes home-based businesses,and highlights
growth of just over 200 jobs,or a 1%increase,from 2014 to 2015.23,331 jobs were
captured through the survey (see Table 1).
Following a very strong one-year 2013-1014 growth increment,2014-2015 employment
growth in Aurora moderated at a reported 1%,slightly below the average for the Northern
Six municipalities of York Region (Aurora,East Gwillimbury,Georgina,King,Newmarket,
Whitchurch-Stouffville),and below the York regional average as well.
However,one-year jumps aside,the 10-year job figures 2005-2015 remain very strong in
Aurora,at 3.2%average annual growth.This rate outpaces both the Northern York average
and the overall Regional average.
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora,Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4324
Email:mlogue@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 2 Page -1
-8 -
May 12,2016 -2-Aurora Employment &Industry Trends
Table 1:2015 York Region Employment Survey Results
Aurora Northern 6 York Region
2015 surveyed employment 23,331 97,038 524,717
2014-2015 employment growth #201 1,548 13,173
%1.0%1.6%2.6%
2005-2015 avg annual emp growth 3.2%1.8%2.6%
2015 businesses surveyed 1,337 6,143 32,011
2005-2015 business growth 2.3%1.6%3.0%
In terms of number of business establishments in Aurora,the 2015 survey identified 1,337
businesses,excluding home-based enterprises.Growth in the number of business
establishments over the 10-year period has also been healthy at 2.3%-although slightly
below the job growth average,it still outpaces the Northern York average and is below the
Regional average of 3%.
imating total
employment -factoring in an estimate for non-participating businesses and home-based
jobs Aurora total 2015 employment as of mid-year is estimated to be approximately
27,000 jobs.
Sectorally,Aurora has seen a steady shift in employment by industry over the ten-year
period 2005 to 2015.Although manufacturing is the only significant sector to experience a
decline in employment 2005-2015,manufacturing remains the largest single employment
sector in Aurora with a share of jobs greater than that of the larger Region.
Maintaining its position as the second largest employment sector in 2015,as in 2005,growth
in Retail Trade is driven primarily by growth in local population.
The third,fourth,and fifth largest sectors in Aurora also among the fastest-growing 2005 to
2015,are Finance &Insurance,Educational Services,and Health Care &Social Assistance
These industries represent shifts towards a more service-based and knowledge-based
economy,and provide well-paying jobs.
Another notable growth industry,Public Administration,is driven primarily by the relocation
of the York Regional Police Headquarters during the 10-year period.
In conclusion,Aurora maintains a strong local concentration in manufacturing despite the
sector experiencing declines locally and in the larger economy.Meanwhile,knowledge-
based industries continue to grow and diversify the Aurora economy.Although the economy
still experienced job growth 2014 to 2015,the one-year rate (1%)was lower than the
healthier 10-year average of 3.2%.In terms of job and business growth in the recent term,
Aurora has performed well compared to York Region neighbours and the larger economy.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 Aurora 2015 employment survey results
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 2 Page -2
-9 -
5,000
7,000
9,000
11,000
13,000
15,000
17,000
19,000
21,000
23,000
25,000
Year
-
-
-
-
2015
surveyed
employment
23,331 jobs
2014-2015
employment
growth
201 jobs
or 1%
2005-2015
average
annual
employment
growth
3.2%
2015
businesses
surveyed
1,337
2005-2015
business
growth
2.3%
Attachment 1
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 2 Page -3
-10 -
--
-
Business Name/Developer Land Use Building Size (sq.ft.)
212-218 Earl Stewart Drive Industrial 33,500
229-239 Earl Stewart Drive Commercial 10,300
Michael-Angelo's Supermarket &Panera Bread,Bayview Ave Commercial 18,200
15955-15975 Bayview Avenue Commercial 3,900
95 Wellington Street East Commercial/Office 8,200
Projects Under Construction
Business Name/Developer Land Use Building Size (sq.ft.)
Reno-Depot &LCBO,Smart Centre Retail 120,000
288 Don Hillock Drive Industrial 57,000
LA Fitness &Symposium Café,Bayview Avenue Commercial 50,000
McDonalds,229 Earl Stewart Drive Food Service 5,113
Ka.ba.ba &Fluffy Puppies,15236 Yonge Street Commercial 3,700
Recently Opened Businesses/Completed Projects
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 2 Page -4
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:May 12,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range &Strategic Planning
RE:Activity Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding Activity Report be received for information.
BACKGROUND
Inquiries
The Economic Development Office received six investor inquiries between March 1,
2015 and April 25,2016.The nature of these inquiries were related to:
Four proposed industrial uses
Two proposed hotel uses
One proposed commercial use
Three proposed institutional uses
Three proposed office uses
Business Openings
The Town of Aurora’s Economic Development Office was advised of seven new
business openings between February 15,2016 and April 1,2016.Please join me in
welcoming the following businesses to Aurora:
o AURORA HALAL MEAT
14810 Yonge Street,Unit 3
(905)503-6328
o TABAN MINI MART
2 Allaure Blvd.,Unit 8
(905)503-5111
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora,Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742
Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 3 Page -1
-12 -
May 12,2016 -2-Activity Report
o McDONALD’S RESTAURANT
233 Earl Stewart Drive
(905)841-4363
www.mcdonalds.ca
o PANERA BREAD
15610 Bayview Ave
(905)713-0965
www.panerabread.com
o BULLDOG NUTRITION
15620 Bayview Ave
www.bulldognutrition.com
o BODY MINDFULNESS SPA
53 Wellington Street East
(905)503-5354
http://bodymindfulness-spa.ca
o 33 1/3 RECORD STORE
150 Hollidge Blvd,Unit C5
Upcoming Events
YSBEC:Fire Up Your Presence &Activity on LinkedIn,Aurora Library,May 10
Educational Seminar:Standout Subject Lines,Newmarket Library,May 12
HR Workshop:Retaining Your Best &Brightest,Aurora Chamber,May 17
1st Annual Regional Chair’s Luncheon,The Manor,Kettleby,May 30
YSBEC:Services &Programs for Small Businesses,Stouffville,May 31
YSBEC Seminar:Looking Great in the Inbox,East Gwillimbury,June 2
Aurora Chamber Street Festival,Yonge Street,June 5
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 3 Page -2
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:May 12,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
RE:Greater Toronto Investment Attraction Agency –Toronto Global
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum and attachment regarding Greater Toronto Investment
Attraction Agency –Toronto Global be received for information.
BACKGROUND
Since 1998,York Region had been a funding partner of the Greater Toronto Marketing
Alliance (GTMA),to undertake joint international promotion activities.
A new model for collaborative foreign direct investment attraction is now being proposed
in the Greater Toronto Area.
ANALYSIS
As outlined in the attached Regional report of March 24,2016,York Region intends to
fund $329,389 to Toronto Global,representing 4.4%of the proposed $7.5 million
budget,subject to funding commitments from federal and provincial levels.
Local municipalities in York Region (e.g.Aurora)were not direct funders of the GTMA,
and the agreement with Toronto Global does not contemplate adding new municipal
funders at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 -Regional Municipality of York,Council Report:GTA Region Investment
Attraction Agency (Toronto Global),March 24,2016.
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora,Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742
Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -1
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Clause 4 in Report No.5 of Committee of the Whole was adopted,without amendment,
by the Council of The Regional Municipality of York at its meeting held on March 24,
2016.
4
GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
Committee of the Whole recommends adoption of the following recommendations,as
amended,in the report dated February 26,2016 from the Commissioner of Corporate
Services and the Chief Planner:
1.The CAO and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with the recently
incorporated corporation known as the “GTA Region Investment Attraction"
(Toronto Global)to undertake global investment attraction on behalf of
municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area for a term of three years in the amount of
up to $330,000 per year.
2.The agreement be executed once confirmation of funding commitments from the
federal and provincial governments are received.
3.Newco (Toronto Global)attend Regional Council on an annual basis to outline its
strategy and business plan.
4.Staff report back in two and a half years on progress and benefits of the Agency to
York Region.
Report dated February 26,2016 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the
Chief Planner now follows:
1. Recommendations
It is recommended that:
1.The CAO and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement with the
recently incorporated corporation known as the "GTA Region Investment
Attraction"(Toronto Global)to undertake global investment attraction on
behalf of municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area for a term of three years
in the amount of up to $330,000 per year.
Committee of the Whole 1
Planning and Economic Development
March 10,2015
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -2
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
2.The agreement be executed once confirmation of funding commitments from
the federal and provincial governments are received.
2.Purpose
This report provides an update on the status of the formation of a new Greater
Toronto Area foreign investment attraction agency,referred to in previous reports
as “Newco”.This report also recommends entering into the necessary
agreements with the organization now transitioning to be known as “Toronto
Global”subject to conditions.
3.Background
A new model for collaborative foreign direct investment
attraction is under development in the Greater Toronto Area
Foreign investment attraction to any part of the Toronto region is an important
component of developing and maintaining a strong regional economy.York
Region has been working with municipalities across the GTA since the early
1990’s and more formally with public and private partners through the Greater
Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA)since 1998,to undertake joint international
promotion activities.The focus of these efforts is to attract global businesses to
set up operations or expand here,which results in job growth.
As reported to Committee of the Whole in a report entitled New Greater Toronto
Region Global Investment Attraction (”Newco”),dated November 5,2015,a
review is underway to change the way foreign investment attraction is
undertaken jointly in the Greater Toronto Area.The concept of “regionalism”and
the creation of Toronto Global as an arms-length regional agency will serve to
promote the attraction of foreign direct investment to the entire Toronto region.
Regional Council endorsed in principle the Region’s participation
in Toronto Global in November,2015 subject to several
conditions
In November of 2015,Council endorsed in principle the Region’s participation in
the recently incorporated corporation known as the GTA Region Investment
Attraction Agency to further the Region’s foreign investment attraction efforts.
The Region’s participation was made conditional on:
Committee of the Whole 2
Planning and Economic Development
March 10,2015
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -3
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
Details being provided regarding governance and operating structure
including the Region’s role and participation
The funding commitments from provincial,federal and municipal partners
over the next three years being confirmed
Progress has been made on the governance structure and on branding the new
organization.Municipalities are being asked to prepare for launch early in Q2 of
2016.Preparations include entering into an agreement with Toronto Global prior
to April 1,2016.
4.Analysis and Options
An organizational structure for Toronto Global that addresses
political representation from funding municipalities including
York Region has been developed
As reported previously,an interim Board of Directors has been appointed to
guide the creation of Toronto Global.Members of the interim Board include
Mayor Tory of Toronto,Mayor Ryan of Pickering and Mayor Crombie of
Mississauga,Chair Emmerson of the York Region,Janet Ecker (President and
CEO of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance),and Pat Horgan (Vice
President,IBM Canada).Toby Lennox,the interim CEO,is also a Board
member and chair of the Board.
The interim Toronto Global Board has approved an organizational structure as
illustrated in Figure 1.The structure includes municipal participation at both the
strategic and operational levels.The organizational structure is outlined in the
corporations’general by-law and the relationships are defined in a Unanimous
Member Agreement.
Committee of the Whole 3
Planning and Economic Development
March 10,2015
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -4
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
Figure 1
Toronto Global Organizational Structure
The Mayors and Chairs Strategy Group will be comprised of
funding municipalities while the organization will be managed by
a private sector Board of Directors
The Mayors and Chairs Strategy Group is to be comprised of the heads of the
Councils of the seven funding municipalities including York Region,Halton
Region,Durham Region,the City of Toronto,the City of Mississauga,the City of
Brampton and the Town of Caledon.The seven funding municipalities also
constitute the “members”of the organization.
The operation of Toronto Global will be managed by a private sector Board of
Directors made up of representatives of businesses and organizations from
across the Greater Toronto Area.The Board of Directors will be responsible for
the hiring and oversight of Toronto Global staff and on-going operations and will,
along with Toronto Global’s management,make recommendations to the Mayors
and Chairs Strategy Group on a strategic plan and annual business plan/budget.
Committee of the Whole 4
Planning and Economic Development
March 10,2015
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -5
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
Members of the Board of Directors are to be selected by a
nominating committee made up of the Mayors and Chairs
Strategy Group
The articles of the Corporation allow for a minimum/maximum of 10/20 directors,
and twelve members are expected to be set initially.The only restriction on
representation on the Board is that two of the twelve directors must reside in the
City of Toronto,a concession that recognizes the significant financial contribution
Toronto is making relative to the other municipal funders.The remaining 8 to 18
directors can reside anywhere in the GTA including the City of Toronto.
The organization structure authorizes the Mayors and Chairs Strategy Group to
approve the strategic plan,approve of the annual budget,and recommend
appointments to the Board of Directors through a nominating committee.York
Region will have one vote at the Mayors and Chairs Strategy Group,along with
the other municipal funders and have a direct say in these matters.This level of
municipal approval will help ensure the strategic directional needs of
municipalities are addressed through the oversight of the organization.
The organizational structure recognizes the role of municipal
economic development staff in guiding and supporting Toronto
Global operations
An Economic Development Officers Management Council is included in the new
structure.This group will be comprised of senior economic development staff
from the seven funding municipalities.This group will meet regularly with Toronto
Global staff and discuss business plan development and address issues and
opportunities that arise through Toronto Global’s operations.This group will help
ensure that Toronto Global staff is informed about and has access to assets
within the GTA that are of importance to international clients looking to invest.
Members of the Economic Development Officers Management Council will also
be responsible for assisting Toronto Global with keeping non-funding constituent
local municipal partners informed and engaged.
The relationship between Toronto Global and the municipal
funders is defined in a Unanimous Member Agreement
It is proposed that all seven municipal funders sign one agreement with Toronto
Global.A preliminary draft Unanimous Member Agreement has been prepared
by Toronto Global for consideration by municipalities.While the specific
provisions of the agreement will be negotiated and ratified through ongoing
discussions,it is anticipated that some of its terms will include:
Committee of the Whole 5
Planning and Economic Development
March 10,2015
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 4 Page -6
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
The seven funding municipalities are identified as members of the new
organization
The term is three years;there is no provision for exiting the agreement by any
of the parties during the first three years
Funding from municipalities in the amount of $2,000,000 per year,with
funding shares allocated on a per capita basis;York Region's share is
$330,000 per year and details regarding the funding are provided later in the
Financial Implications section of this report
It is expected that anticipated federal and provincial funding and participation in
the organization will be articulated in separate agreements directly with Toronto
Global.
The new organization has been branded Toronto Global
Following an extensive exercise conducted by a recognized brand consultant
with various stakeholders including York Region staff,the interim Board has
approved a branding program for the new organization.Under the operating
name Toronto Global the new organization will be in a strong position to promote
the internationally recognized "Toronto"brand while selling the assets that are
attractive to investors from across the Greater Toronto Area.Regionalism will be
embedded in the hiring,training and evaluation of Toronto Global staff as well as
through the various marketing channels developed for the international investor
audience to ensure the broader regional message is delivered.
Discussions regarding senior government funding continue
The interim President and CEO of Toronto Global has advised that positive
discussions continue with both the federal and provincial governments regarding
their funding commitments.The federal contribution of $2,500,000 per year for
three years is the subject of an application recently submitted by Toronto Global
to FedDev,the federal agency established to provide financial support to
economic development initiatives.While a decision on that funding is expected
in the near term,it is not clear when the Region can expect to hear confirmation
of federal funding.
The provincial contribution of $2,500,000 per year for three years is expected to
be formally confirmed prior to the end of March 2016.
The creation of a proper international investment attraction agency with global
reach requires contributions from both levels of senior government,in addition to
the additional contributions proposed from the municipal funders.Staff is
recommending that finalization of any agreement with Toronto Global occur when
the federal and provincial government contributions are confirmed to Toronto
Global in writing.
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
The performance of Toronto Global will be monitored and
evaluated
With the assistance of municipalities,Toronto Global is establishing a set of
performance metrics based on activities,investment results and economic
impact.Toronto Global will undertake reporting of its activities and results to
municipal staff on a regular basis and annually to Regional Council.Toronto
Global’s performance will be monitored to evaluate the Regions participation
beyond the three year term of the agreement.
Link to key Council-approved plans
Initiatives around investment attraction and job creation directly support the
objectives in the strategic priority of Strengthening the Regional Economy in the
2015 -2019 Strategic Plan.Global investment attraction is also a key component
of developing a diverse and resilient economy which is an important element of
both the York Region Official Plan,2010 and Vision 2051.
5.Financial Implications
The funding shares of the seven municipal funders,senior levels of government
and the private sector to support Toronto Global annually are summarized in
Table 1.
Table 1
Toronto Global Proposed Funding Shares by Stakeholder
GTA Regional Investment Attraction
BUDGET
Annual Core Funding
Request
Funding
Request
Breakdown
Government of Canada $2,500,000 33%
Government of Ontario $2,500,000 33%
Invest Toronto $890,412
27%
Regional Municipality of York $329,389
The Corporation of the City of Mississauga $227,598
The Regional Municipality of Durham $206,397
The Corporation of the City of Brampton $167,135
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
GTA Regional Investment Attraction
BUDGET
Annual Core Funding
Request
Funding
Request
Breakdown
The Regional Municipality of Halton $160,039
The Corporation of the Town of Caledon $19,030
Private sector corporations and academia $500,000 7%
TOTAL $7,500,000 100%
York Region currently budgets $100,000 annually to support the Greater Toronto
Marketing Alliance,and this amount is reflected in the approved Planning and
Economic Development Branch budget.The agreement with Toronto Global
increases that amount to just under $330,000 annually,creating an additional
obligation of approximately $230,000 each year through 2018.
As part of the development of the 2016 budget,a provision for expected costs
associated with the initiative was budgeted corporately pending the development
of additional details included in this report.Staff is recommending that upon
approval of this report,and when conditions regarding senior government funding
are met,the Commissioner of Finance be authorized to utilize the corporate
provision of up to $230,000 per year for 2016 –2018.
6.Local Municipal Impact
The local municipalities in York Region were not direct funders of the Greater
Toronto Marketing Alliance,and the agreement with Toronto Global does not
contemplate adding new municipal funders at this time.The agreement does not
preclude future additional members being added,subject to the approval of
current funding municipal members.
A number of the local municipalities in York Region have their own international
business development programs,some aspects of which have a foreign
investment attraction component.These activities and the international
relationships that have been developed can serve as valuable assets in the
overall effort to attract investment to the GTA and the Region.Local
municipalities that are not directly funding Toronto Global are not expected to
discontinue their international business development efforts.It is anticipated that
over time,once Toronto Global is fully operational local municipalities will see the
benefit of delivering their programs through or in partnership with Toronto Global.
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GTA Region Investment Attraction Agency (Toronto Global)
7.Conclusion
There is value in undertaking coordinated global investment attraction efforts
under the internationally recognized “Toronto”brand.A new,larger foreign direct
investment attraction agency is being created that will replace current formal
dedicated foreign investment attraction agencies in the GTA to the benefit the
entire region.
An organizational structure has been established for Toronto Global that provides
municipal funders with strategic planning direction,budgeting,and appointments
to the Board of Directors.The structure also recognizes the necessary role that
economic development staff must play in helping to support the Toronto Global
business plan development and operations.
For more information on this report,please contact Doug Lindeblom,Director,
Economic Strategy at ext.71503.
The Senior Management Group has reviewed this report.
February 26,2015
#6602761
Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request
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DATE:May 12,2016
TO:Economic Development Advisory Committee Members
FROM:Anthony Ierullo,Manager of Long Range and Strategic Planning
RE:Development of an Attraction Strategy for the Hotel Industry
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT the memorandum regarding Development of an Attraction Strategy for the
Hotel Industry be received for information.
BACKGROUND
On April 26,2016,Council approved the attached motion directing the Economic
Development Advisory Committee (EDAC)and staff to proceed with the development of
an attraction strategy for the hotel industry.Staff would like to initiate the discussion at
this time and follow up at the next EDAC meeting with a workplan for the project that
incorporates any comments.
100 John West Way
Box 1000
Aurora,Ontario
L4G 6J1
Phone:905-727-3123 ext.4742
Email:AIerullo@aurora.ca
www.aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Planning &Development Services
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 5 Page -1
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Page 1 of 1
10.NOTICES OF MOTION/MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
(ii)Motions for Which Notice Has Been Given
(a)Councillor Thompson
Re:Development of an Attraction Strategy for the Hotel Industry
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Mrakas
and/or convention centre that meets the growing needs of our businesses and
residents as a key objective;and
Plan,and Sport Plan all reference the need for a hotel;and
WHEREAS the Mayor and Members of Council have expressed the
importance of attracting a hotel to Aurora and identified it as a key priority this
Term;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED THAT the Economic
Development Advisory Committee and staff be directed to develop a strategy
and comprehensive action pla
secure a hotel;and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff report back to Council prior to the
approval of the 2017 Budget.
CARRIED
EXTRACT FROM
COUNCIL MEETING OF
TUESDAY,APRIL 26,2016
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 5 Page -2
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Page 1 of 1
9.CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS REQUIRING SEPARATE DISCUSSION
1.General Committee Meeting Report of April 5,2016
(9)Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of March 10,
2016
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Councillor Thom
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting minutes of March
10,2016,be received for information.
CARRIED
EXTRACT FROM
COUNCIL MEETING OF
TUESDAY,APRIL 12,2016
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda
Thursday,May 12,2016 Item 6 Page -1
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