Mayor Lou Maieron believes economic development should be part of council’s new committee structure.
In discussion Nov. 15, Maieron said Wellington County is working toward the development of a county-wide economic development committee.
Maieron hopes with some assistance, it will be reach into to other municipalities.
“But, for some bizarre reason, the southern municipalities don’t do economic development as a council function,” he said.
Maieron added, “Centre Wellington not only does it as a council function, but has a full time economic development person.”
Minto, which has a smaller population than Erin, has a full time economic development person, he added.
“In the northern and central municipalities, economic development, growth, business expansion and retention, and everything else associated with attracting business to the community – is a committee of council.”
He noted such committees may include just council members or members of the public.
He believes should council decide to move to a committee of the whole structure, it should add an economic component.
“We’re competing with all these other municipalities who are putting a significant effort forward to attract and retain business.
“We’re really behind on this,” said.
Maieron recommended Erin move up the step a bit to catch up with everyone else.
He added if the county does proceed with an economic development committee, Erin should have something in place to run in stride or to complement that effort.
“I’ve always believed you should have more commercial and industrial growth, but I keep hearing a concern that Erin is a tough place to do business.”
Maieron believes an economic development committee “would help open the doors a bit.”
Councillor Barb Tocher said council had committed to discussing the structure of all its committees after a one year period.
She added that, too, needs to be dealt with.
Tocher said the committee reappointments generally happen in January, giving council a chance to think about the issue further.
