July 16, 2005

To help local businesses in the Township, a Business Directory will be made. It will be a free listing on the web at http://www.township.mckellar.on.ca/

A letter about the Business Directory will be mailed out with the tax bills. - Jury

Youth Internship Initiative, FedNor will contribute up to 90% of the cost of the internship to a maximum of $27,500 (the FedNor contribution) for a period of up to 12 months or 52 weeks. The other 10% will be funded by the McKellar Township.

Purchase of a laptop computer, which will be the property of the Township.

Refurbishing all computers at the Community Centre Office to go wireless.

In the works for GIS program (Geographic Information Systems) to produce aerial. mapping to help with planning and development. - Jury

Funded Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Township which was completed January 2004. Study is available at the Community Centre for the general public - Jury

The Strategic Plan is important because it is a realistic assessment of where the Township is now and what it should focus on in the future. The Plan outlines a focus to continue business development, which involves generating money from tourism dollars. Initiatives in the study will help make the local area more attractive and generate spending in the Township. - Gord

The Economic Development Committee wants to support local business for a healthy economy. - Ted

Rebuild and replace the walk bridge at Minerva's Mill Pond, which has historical significance.

Build a pavilion at the park to attract events. This could be an open market that can allow for a set up of tables and storage for vendors. The pavilion will be highly visible from the highway. A variety of events could take place at the pavilion that can include boat shows, fishing derbies, art exhibitions, antique shows, and job fairs (e.g. Job Fair for Spring Contractors). A site visit will help determine the location of the pavilion, keeping in mind future development. The pavilion will be structured by support posts and a roof. We want the pavilion to be appealing, therefore, the committee recommends an open pavilion. Must determine the lot lines from Hwy 124.

Create Economic Development Committee web page that will include a picture of the committee, meeting minutes, invitations for up coming meetings, and a PDF file for the Strategic Plan.

Discussed some possible fund-raising ideas like a New Years Eve Dinner and Dance and a golf tournament.

Discussed various partnership ideas for the future.

At the McKellar Fall Fair the Economic Development Committee can set up an information booth. Use this time to promote awareness of the EDC and tell people what we are doing. Communicate our goals which may help to bring about donations.

Sell the maps of Manitouwabing Lake of McKellar Township. Can be a good promotional tool that can be incorporated with the Fall Fair.

Low water level on McKellar Lake. Council addressing the situation