Kawartha Lakes unveils updated economic development strategy

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The City of Kawartha Lakes unveiled its updated Economic Development Strategy for 2025 to 2029, as presented by Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development, at the Committee of the Whole meeting, on Tuesday, November 5th.

This new strategy builds on the foundation set by the 2017 Economic Development Strategy which initially aimed to strengthen the local economy through five core goals. However, factors such as the pandemic and changing provincial policies necessitated extending its influence, beyond the original five-year span.

In early 2024, the City engaged McSweeney & Associates, to assist in creating the refreshed strategy, employing a four-step process: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. This process involved a comprehensive review of municipal data, community consultations, and economic analyses to identify key priorities. Through nearly 150 consultations, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys, the consultants gathered input to craft a strategy which aligns with the City’s goals for a vibrant and growing economy.

The updated strategy introduces five strategic priorities which underscore the importance of investment across sectors, fostering a dynamic workforce, and enhancing places of economic and cultural significance. These priorities include: stimulating investment in businesses and cultural sectors, nurturing a skilled workforce, and advancing a robust economic development program. The updated strategy retains the economic clusters established in 2017, with slight adjustments, to reflect current trends: Agriculture and Food, Creative and Cultural Industries, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Tourism.

Replying to a question from Councillor Dan Joyce, consultant Ian Duff, from McSweeny & Associates, noted, the City’s economic development staff do a tremendous job of working towards a shared vision, for extending opportunities for economic development across Kawartha Lakes.

“The concept of focusing on people, as being an investor, sounds super obvious. But, no one is doing it,” commented Mr. Duff. “As we went through the process and had those conversations, they got it, and they figured it out very quickly.”

Later, Mr. Duff struggled, when asked for an area of improvement, noting, there seems to be good cohesion and positivity among the local business community. He did note a potential challenge for the future could be the physical geography of Kawartha Lakes.

“The challenge, you may have, going forward could be your overall geographical size,” opined Mr. Duff. “Where do you want to locate investments? Where is the best place for a business to go? Those aren’t really negatives but they could present challenges.”

According to the report, the strategy is set to be a “cornerstone for the Economic Development Division’s work plans,” with McSweeney & Associates assisting in developing an implementation plan. Regular progress reports and annual work plans will ensure accountability and adaptability, as the strategy advances. Ultimately, the new economic framework supports all four goals in the City’s Strategic Plan, with a primary focus on fostering a vibrant, expanding economy.