January 21, 2006

Presented marketing material for the bridge and pavilion. The material included an awareness flyer, tax bill insert, receipt booklet and donation containers.

Donation receipt booklet, and donation containers or any form of transaction of funds must not have the FedNor and Industry Canada logos.

Need to make changes to marketing material and hold off on Donations for now.

No guarantee that the programs will change.

Existing commitments are in place now.

As far as the intern position, there are no extensions and Provincial programs can not carry them on.

Co-ordinator cannot be involved in the fund-raising aspects of projects, but can contribute in the marketing areas. CF

In the FedNor Project - Statement of work. Specifically the Intern will:

Develop a communications strategy including: newsletter, press releases, web-site enhancement and awareness campaign associated with the implementation of the strategic plan.

Develop a marketing plan that will focus on brand, image and an identity for the municipality.

Compile an inventory of business information, trails, events and attractions and produce a directory/community profile and maps.

Investigate the potential benefits of regional partnerships focussing on municipal facilities, sharing of services and programs.

Assist with the development of specific municipal projects including the municipal waterfront park and greater access to high speed Internet.

Assist with retaining and attracting new business to the area.

Jury presented pictures of pavilion structures. The structure dimensions include: 20 X 40 area supported by posts and a over head roof. There would be 8 - 10X10 areas under the roof. Question raised of a storage room, but the committee recommended against it. The pavilion should have no visual obstacles like walls so that people can look right through it. Any type of market or event would be set up and taken down by the vendors themselves. The park can be a space for family picnics and an area to enjoy the outdoors.

A 20X40 cost of such a pavilion would be approximately $35,000.00 to $40,000.00.

Issues with the pavilion were raised. (MAB) For the Farmers market, there is the option of relocating to the community centre or stay where it is.

The pavilion can be housed for future Craft and Trade Shows and various outdoor events. A potential Craft Market during the summer can be created through the help of Sandy Harvey.

Discussions of the feasibility of the pavilion was in question. It would be wise to deal with the bridge and pavilion separately.

There seems to be a benefit to the Kwik-Way, and Century 21 but nothing else because there are no other businesses up the street. There is no real shopping in McKellar. People are more opt to go into Parry Sound to do their main shopping. Is there year round or seasonal shopping? Do people shop locally?

So where is the economic viability of the bridge and pavilion?

The bridge represents a connection to the centre core of the town and creates a loop with great visibility from the highway and water traffic. The bridge is needed to create the advantage of traffic flow into town and more parking. Creating the destination so to draw people in. The walk way is a links a town circle.

The bridge shows a return where as the pavilion does not.

Therefore, the Bridge is more of a priority then the pavilion at this time.

CF In the meantime, events can rent a portable tent which could be used in place of a pavilion.

TS Both the bridge and pavilion may not be as attractive. More support if done seperately.

There is a need to promote an awareness of the bridge as the connection that loops the centre of town in a good way.

JN For example a Fishing Derby or Craft Show can make use of a tent which catches your eye and creates an awareness of something going on in the area. This can help create and build momentum for community activities.

CF For example the Rosseau market pulls from various people from all over the area. Like farmers from down south, and a bakery from Orillia. The out of town businesses are the anchors and the local ones fill in the gaps.

CF No visual trails are around. We need to identify the walking trails. It is important to show the big picture as part of the argument for use of Public Dollars. Plans made over a couple of years to establish a trail (something like the Fitness Trail in Parry Sound) can be made of crushed gravel and promoted by heritage signs so people want to walk there.

GK There needs to be a commitment to infrastructure. There is a tender out for the LCBO to be added in town.

CF As far as issues of parking - sometimes it's just a matter of putting up some signs that will help the problem.

TS Heritage bridge should be a replica of the old one that used to be there.

Focus on the bridge - *the loop* - engineering, design and costing.

Because the bridge will be built around the water, it is important to cover all the basics. For example, must be in contact with MNR and DFO. Must complete an environmental Assessment to protect the integrity of the environment.

Therefore, for Federal Funding a Full Environmental Assessment has to be done first to answer questions of location, materials used, construction, and building procedures to ensure safety to the environment.

The Soft costs include an engineering report, research and application.

Must show economic development and feasibility. The CBDC can Fund up to $5,000 for engineering, architecture and design documents which can help with these soft costs.

To start some momentum, Bill Spinney - pending contract from FedNor. A copy from the Environmental Assessment Board from Cheryl Forth.

How to work together. The Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce is putting together a Members Directory to promote the members and the area. The municipality is asked to create a write up that will promote McKellar as a tourism destination which will be included in the visitors information of the directory. The Chamber, Georgian Bay Country and the North Star are represented on the Township of McKellar web site under LINKS.

CF Discussed the 2006 Georgian Bay Country World Enduro Championships (WEC), which will be the first event of it's kind to be held in North America (Europe usually hosting). It will be coming to Parry Sound on July 15^th and 16^th and bringing 120 world top riders.

Triathalon Series is coming to McKellar would be beneficial to our area - ATI Racing July 16^th, 2006. We have great water and road access for swimming, biking and running.

"Sports Tourism" or "Eco-Tourism" can enhance the area and bring in infrastructure improvements.

Therefore an Inventory of Events should be created to help with Economic Development Activity.

Discussed investment of Heritage Signage to get people moving around and add value of the place they live or visit. Identify the landmarks so people have an instant appreciation of the areas they travel in McKellar.

Cultural Tourism is important and signs can help keep a visual inventory of what is out there.

Discussed ideas to promote heritage of McKellar. Involve John Macfie to write an article in the North Star paper.

Discussed an identity or image of McKellar. It is historical and is a place that promotes a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.

A Healing Expo is in the works for March 18, 2006, which is around the Spring Equinox. Shared some ideas of participants.

Check Park Land Reserves for funding. The Challenge for council will be to determine what is eligible.

Must demonstrate Economic Development opportunities.

Discussions of the pavilion will not have support from FedNor. A Heritage Walk Bridge will be a great asset to McKellar but needs more extensive research and planning done. Smaller initiatives will help create momentum and support from the community & FedNor through Heritage signs, events and building partnerships with local businesses, groups and associations.