October 29, 2005

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2005

Present: Jury Naklowych, Mary Ann Beck, Bill Bader, Ted Stroud

Staff: Emily Scott, Economic Development Coordinator

Regrets: Gord Kerr

Visitors: Carol Bier

Chairperson Naklowych called the meeting to order at 9 am.

1. Reviewed the minutes of last meeting. The last meeting suggested ideas of a New Years dance this year. However, with time constraints, rules and regulations, and low resources, a New Years Dance was rejected. Accepted the minutes of the last meeting.

2. The Business Directory for the Township of McKellar is now up and running. The directory can be found on the Township website at www.township.mckellar.on.ca.  It is organized in an alphabetical and a category listing and is linked to business websites and email addresses in a user friendly way. If anyone wishes to put their business on the township directory, please contact Emily Scott at edc@township.mckellar.on.ca Or by phone at (705) 389-2842.

3. Based on the Strategic Plan, discussed reconstruction of the walk bridge at Minerva's Mill Pond. Discussed quotes and the visual aspects of the bridge. Committee wishes to build awareness of the historical significance of the area through an article in the paper.

4. A letter on the Farmers Market brought to council was forwarded to the Committee. The Economic Development Committee discussed the letter and believe Minerva's Mill Pond is a good tourist and residential draw and the committee wishes to communicate and market the area in a good way. The park can be the foundation for various special community events and activities throughout the year. The Economic Development Committee would like to address the letter in hopes to help the situation.

5. The Committee is aware of the current construction of the Bell Mobility Towers that are being built in Magnetawan, Dunchurch, and McKellar.

6. Committee passed around article from the Parry Sound North Star titled "FedNor to fund two area jobs".

7. New Business

Committee dedicated to create a vision and share it with the community. Committee wishes to improve communication to the public.

Each committee member is to write a summary that is 1 or 2 pages in length about their vision. Include what we would like to work towards and bring to McKellar. What is going to bring people to McKellar? What can we offer? Put McKellar on the map and at the top of everyone's mind. Everyone will write their letter to Emily and will be passed onto Bill, who will put together a Perspective of the Vision.

Give Bridge & Pavilion another name, like Tourism Facility to put it in a more positive light.

Consider changing Minerva's Mill Pond to Manitou Landing. Ask at next Council Meeting

The committee has not heard from David Patterson believe he has resigned his position on the Economic Development Committee. Therefore, the committee needs to recruit more members.

Recommendation to Council that Carol Bier join the Economic Development Committee.

Mary Ann - Lions Club in Dunchurch to help with the roof over the skating rink at the Community Centre

Discussion of an Information Centre Bulletin Board for posting community events. The location for an enclosed bulletin board could be at Bob's Garage in the town centre. Needs to be a place where people frequently go to (eg. Kwik-Way - grocery shop, picking up a paper)

Address to Council - Putting up signs for community events.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am