Erin will continue to push to be considered a “horse friendly community” after economic development officer Robyn Mulder updated council on the town’s efforts.
On June 5 Mulder presented a report to council on the Erin equine experience. The town received a $10,000 grant from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) rural economic development (RED) fund.
With the grant and a matching contribution from the town, Mulder said the municipality, with support from Bridget Ryan of Equine Erin, was able to determine rural economic retention, expansion and development opportunities in the equine sector.
The goals of the program were to:
– build upon the existing equine sector to create and retain jobs;
– identify equine assets through stakeholder engagement;
– create an Erin equine business directory;
– participate in local and regional equine events and trade shows; and
– improve equine education and engagement.
The town also produced a Horse and Country magazine.
“The town now also has sufficient equine data to explore as a possible component of the equine economic development strategy,” said Mulder.
Councillor Matt Sammut asked if staff have discussed the equine experience with other equine-focused communities, pointing to examples of other communities that have “walked away” from equine economic development.
“The whole point of this was to see how it’s going to help us attract business, equine business; Bridget (Ryan) and I are pretty sure we can do that,” said Mulder.
“You have to start somewhere; just because another community has failed at this, we need to be enthusiastic and optimistic. The infrastructure is here, and we have the data, and we now are collaborating; it’s a fantastic start.”
Councillor John Brennan said he hoped they would be able to make the equine community a “unique feature” in the town.
Councillor Jeff Duncan said equine economic development is more than just tourism. “When I have spoken to people about equine, they think that you’re coming at it from a tourism perspective, but the thing to realize is that in the town of Erin, equine isn’t a tourism-based business … you have to look at its own economic industry,” he said.
“I think we need to realize it is an economic driver here and that the town supports that. I think it just goes well with our economic activity or promotion for the whole town.”
Council supported continuing with efforts to market the town as a “horse friendly community” and encourage equine business attraction.
