Wellington County’s economic development committee has agreed to send its economic strategic plan to county council for consideration on Nov. 29.
The $75,000 study conducted by consulting firm Millier Dickinson Blais was presented to the committee on Nov. 20 by Lauren Millier.
It plots guidelines for the way the newly-formed county economic development committee will operate in its efforts to attract new business to Wellington and retain existing businesses.
The study comes after extensive consultation throughout the county with about “500 stakeholders.” The stakeholders were asked for their opinions on what economic development initiatives they consider essential to attracting business to their individual municipalities and at the county level.
The stakeholders included organizations involved in finding employment and studying business trends, as well as those involved in education, skills training and workforce development.
The consultation process also involved representatives from small, medium and large businesses, discussions with mayors, chief administrative officers, and economic development staff in some of the county’s seven municipalities with an economic development department.
The consulting firm also hosted five focus group sessions for input at different locations in Wellington, and conducted online consultations.
The study also looked at infrastructure available in the county and vacant industrial land owned by the individual municipalities.
Millier suggested upgrading of roads and bridges is something municipalities will have to look at as part of a total package offered potential new businesses.
The study also looked at the makeup of the workforce and potential for business growth. The study found the county has a growing, but shifting population, a skilled and stable resident workforce, a mobile workforce, a diverse and entrepreneurial business base and an increasing emphasis on creativity and culture.
Of concern is the low unemployment rate, five percent, in the county.
“This is a highly educated and highly skilled workforce,” Millier told committee member. “You have almost full employment and that makes it difficult for businesses to find new employees. Anywhere from three to five per cent is considered full employment.”
The consultant is recommending the county develop a website containing information found in the study that can be easily accessed by businesses looking to relocate. The directory would also provide businesses already operating here with information they might need, such as population trends and types of businesses in Wellington.
Millier agreed more has to be done to attract post-secondary institutes here as part of ongoing learning for people seeking work in specific fields in the county.
“We saw efforts to work with post-secondary, but there’s certainly much more that can be done,” she said.
The consultant added a county website would also have to include amenities available to workers willing to relocate to Wellington for jobs.
“If you talk about quality of place you’re better to represent who you are,” Millier said. “Every municipality has a community profile.”
The profile can include location of Carnegie libraries, parks and conservation areas and recreational opportunities. The information should also include types and cost of housing.
“Workers will go where they feel they have a quality of life they want,” she added. “Either they’re paid well, there’s affordable housing, or places to go.”
On the downside, the consultant said, the county lacks a regional business retention and expansion plan, lacks a community and regional profile, commuting and availability of labour force, and mandate and experience on regional collaboration.
“There’s a lot of communities trying to attract the same type of business,” Millier said.
Committee members agreed county efforts should not overshadow local economic development efforts. Puslinch Councillor Don McKay said he wants to ensure county efforts do “not step on” local efforts.
“There’s no intent to step on the efforts of the local municipalities,” the consultant said.
“You need to make sure everyone knows what can and can’t be done,” Wellington North Mayor Ray Tout said.
Warden Chris White said each municipality will have to hire someone involved in economic development. Currently Guelph-Eramosa and Erin don’t have a designated economic development officer.
“Its important every municipality appoint someone for economic development,” White said. “This is a long-term plan. We’re not going to hit everything in the first six months.”
The study is looking at a period close to two years to get the plan fully operational. The full study report will be considered by county council on Nov. 29.
