HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 03-16From: Thomas Melymuk
Director, City Development
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands
Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: PLN 03-16
Date: March 7, 2016
Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study for Seaton
Employment Lands
File: D-1100-094
Recommendation:
1. That Council receive the Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study
for Seaton Employment Lands Report, prepared by MOB Insight, dated
January 2016;
2. That Council direct staff to review the Recommendations in the MOB Insight
Report, and develop a detailed implementation strategy for Council's
consideration;
3. That a copy of the Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study for
Seaton Employment Lands Report be forwarded to Infrastructure Ontario (Seaton
Land Division) for consideration as it moves forward with the disposition of its
developable land holdings in Seaton; and
4. That a copy of Report PLN 03-16 be forwarded to the Ministry of Economic
Development, Employment and Infrastructure (Investment Division), The Greater
Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA), and the Region of Durham for their
information.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this Report is to present the results of the
Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study for the Seaton Employment
Lands Report, prepared by MOB Insight (MOB) and to seek direction to review the
Report's recommendations and develop a detailed implementation strategy for Council's
consideration.
The Seaton Employment Lands (also referred to as the Pickering Innovation Corridor),
is one of the largest prestige employment areas in Canada, and represents the City's
most significant opportunity to accommodate new businesses and jobs in the near
future.
In June 2015, the City retained MOB to complete a Sector Analysis Study for the
Pickering Innovation Corridor. The scope of work included identifying industry sectors
suitable to achieving desired employment targets. ·
PLN 03-16 March 7, 2016
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands Page 2
MDB identified three target sectors based on a thorough industry analysis of provincial,
regional and local economic drivers, labour force characteristics, and emerging growth
sectors. These sectors are: Advanced Manufacturing, Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) and the EN3 and other Professional Services Sector (Engineering,
Environmental and Energy).
A copy of MOB's Report has been provided under separate cover and a summary of the
Report and its recommendations are included as Attachment 1 and Attachment 2. It is
recommended that Council receive the MDB Report, and that staff be directed to
develop a detailed implementation strategy for Council's consideration.
Financial Implications: The study was funded from the Seaton Development &
Implementation Assistance Account 2611.2392.0002. The funds in this account were
collected through planning application fees submitted by the Seaton landowners. The
total project cost was $45,115.00, including HST.
1.0 Background
1.1 In May 2006, the Province of Ontario approved the Central Pickering
Development Plan. The plan provides the framework for the development of the
Province's substantial holdings known as the Seaton Lands. In accordance with
the plan, the northern area of the Seaton lands is designated for prestige
employment, which includes over 800 acres of lands fronting both the north and
south sides of Highway 407.
1.2 In December 2014, the City retained Hemson Consulting (Hemson) to update the
2007 Highway 407 (Seaton Lands) Economic Development Study (prepared as
input to the preparation of neighbourhood plans). The updated report evaluated
the challenges and opportunities to the development of the Seaton employment
lands in the context of a revised outlook for employment lands in the Greater
Toronto Area (GTA).
1.3 Following the Hemson update, MDB was retained by the City in June 2015, to
undertake a sector analysis study to identify opportunities for economic
development in the Seaton employment lands.
2.0 Discussion
2.1 The Sector Analysis Study will assist in developing strategies to attract
new businesses and highly skilled jobs to Seaton
The intent of the Sector Analysis Study is to identify priority opportunities and the
appropriate range of support structures, programs and resources that facilitate
employment growth.
PLN 03-16 March 7, 2016
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands Page 3
This in turn would assist in attracting new businesses, creating highly skilled jobs,
and providing the opportunity for existing businesses to relocate or expand their
business operations in Seaton. The Executive Summary of the MOB Study is
attached as Attachment #1.
2.2 A three step process was employed by MOB to identify the underlying
conditions of Pickering's economy
As part of the Sector Analysis Study, MOB evaluated Pickering's economy by
assessing the City's performance against a range of economic indicators
combined with an analysis of current and emerging business and industrial
investment trends and input from the community at large. The approach
employed for the study consisted of the following:
• background review and industry analysis including an assessment of
current labour forces, employment and business trends in Pickering,
Durham Region, and Ontario
• comprehensive profiles of key target sectors for the Pickering Innovation
Corridor
• input from key business and community stakeholders in the form of
one-on-one interviews, intended to offer insight into the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats
2.3 MOB reviewed the economic trends across the Greater Toronto and
Hamilton Area (GTHA} and highlighted the emergence of disruptive
technology
The affects of the 2008/09 recession changed the landscape of many traditional
economic sectors across the GTHA. The decline in the manufacturing sector
resulted in significant instability for Ontario's economy. The post-recession
recovery in the GTHA was a result of how the region's economy shifted towards
the service and goods movement sectors. In Pickering, results of the industry
analysis highlighted employees moving away from the traditional manufacturing
and construction industries to the more creative based business sectors such as:
Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Professional Services, and
Scientific and Technical services.
Furthermore, MOB noted that municipalities are developing strategies to attract
disruptive technologies (an emerging technology that displaces an established
technology) to further enhance their competitive advantages in efforts to attract
investment. The availability of ultra-broadband internet service within the
employment nodes in the GTHA is becoming a strong attraction incentive for
investments from all major sectors, especially disruptive technologies.
PLN 03-16 March 7, 2016
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands Page 4
2.4 An important consideration of the study was input from business and
industry leaders
Input derived from the stakeholder consultations provided information and
perceptions on Pickering's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the
opportunities and threats that may be confronting specific industry sectors or the
region as a whole. Interviews were held with local and regional
developers/realtors, local and regional educational institutions (UOIT, University
of Toronto and York University), local business representatives and the Mayor
and CAO.
2.5 MOB discussed the positive economic impacts of an airport in Pickering
MDB reviewed the findings of the 2010 Pickering Lands Needs Assessment
Study completed by Transport Canada. MDB concluded that an airport in
Pickering would be an economic catalyst for the City of Pickering and Region of
Durham. According to MDB, the airport would have positive economic impacts
on local businesses, and stimulate the investment attraction and development of
the Pickering Innovation Corridor.
2.6 The preferred target sector uses are supported by the Zoning By-law for
the Pickering Innovation Corridor
The first phase of the Pickering Innovation Corridor has zoning in place that will
accommodate the preferred target sectors identified by MDB. These are:
• Advanced Manufacturing -Despite the slower growth of this sector since
2006, the manufacturing base in Pickering remains strong in light
manufacturing, machinery and fabricated metal production. Regionally, the
manufacturing industry has grown steadily, adding value-added subsectors of
aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and transportation equipment. With
the network of supply chain and support businesses across Durham Region
and the bordering communities of Markham and Scarborough, the Pickering
Innovation Corridor will be an attractive location for advanced manufacturers.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) -The City's ICT sector
has seen steady growth, as businesses in Pickering support the emergence
of the digital technology industry across Durham Region. Both UOIT and
Durham College have been recognized as leaders in program offerings in
digital media, IT security, gaming, software development, and picture
production. With proximity to Markham and Downtown Toronto, the Pickering
Innovation Corridor presents an attractive location for future ICT businesses.
• Energy, Environmental and Engineering Services {EN3), and other
Professional Services -Pickering has always been home to a strong labour
force in the EN3 Sector. Since 2006 there has been a solid growth in the EN3
sector through business retention and expansion efforts.
PLN 03-16
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands
March 7, 2016
Page 5
Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) has been a catalyst in the
development of a supply chain of businesses within the EN3 sector for
Pickering. Further, OPG recently announced their plans to extend the
operations of PNGS to 2024, which will then be followed by extensive work
involved with the shut down and decommissioning of the plant.
3.0 Next Steps
3.1 MOB's Recommendations will be reviewed by staff and a detailed
implementation strategy will be prepared for Council's consideration
A key finding of the MOB Study was the need to distinguish Seaton and the
Pickering Innovation Corridor from other competitor's employment lands across
the GTHA (see Attachment #2) by advancing the creation of an innovative
intelligent community network (ultra-broadband, smart grids, district energy).
MOB has recommended an action plan that is designed to assist the City in
transforming the Seaton employment lands into a smart community to attract the
targeted sectors. Staff will review the action plan and develop a detailed
implementation strategy for Council's consideration. The implementation strategy
will consider each ofthe recommended actions and outline how best to integrate
the actions into the City's economic development work program in 2016 and
subsequent years. In terms of the required actions, particular consideration will
be given to:
• engaging key internet providers, and encouraging the installation of
appropriate infrastructure to support ultra-high speed broadband connectivity
in Seaton
• continuing to participate in foreign direct investment and trade mission
programs, in partnerships with Durham Region and Greater Toronto
Marketing Alliance
• generating sector profiles that highlight local business and regional assets
(i.e. labour force and local business data, post-secondary skilled trade
programs, regional assets that support business growth)
• developing marketing materials that highlight the competitive advantages of
the Pickering innovation Corridor
Economic Development staff will review the remaining action items outlined in
the recommendations by MOB for consideration as part of the detailed
implementation strategy. Staff will also work closely with Infrastructure Ontario
(Seaton Land Division) to ensure that the Sector Analysis Study is made
available to potential purchasers of its developable land holdings.
PLN 03-16
Subject: Seaton Employment Lands
Attachments:
March 7, 2016
Page 6
1 Executive Summary, The Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study
for Seaton Employment Lands Report, prepared by MDB Insight, dated
January 2016
2 Recommendations, The Pickering Innovation Corridor-A Sector Analysis Study
for Seaton Employment Lands Report, prepared by MDB Insight, dated
January 2016
Prepared By:
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Coordinator, Economic Development
·---Catherine Hodge
Coordinator, Economic Development
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Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
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Tony Prevedel, P.Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
Approved/Endorsed By:
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Grant McGregor, MSc, MCIP, RPP
Manager, Sustainability & Economic
Development
Thomas Melymuk, MCIP, RPP
Director, City Development
Pickering Innovation C.orridor
A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands
Executive Summary
January 2016
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Executive Summary
The goal of this Sector Analysis Study is to optimize Pickering Economic Development Office's capacity to
support the development of the Pickering Innovation Corridor. Over the past few decades, Pickering has
maintained a burgeoning reputation as a preferred place to do business. The Pickering Innovation Corridor
provides the latest opportunity to attract jobs and key businesses to the City.
This past July, the City retained MDB Insight to execute a Sector Analysis Study for the Pickering
Innovation Corridor. The study assessed the City's current employment sectors, identified new and or
emerging business sectors, and identified strategies for attracting and retaining businesses from within the
identified sectors to the Pickering Innovation Corridor. A critical component of the study was a series of
consultations with key local business leaders, key administrative leaders, and key post-secondary leaders
to help better understand the landscape of our local economy, and to gather the intelligence needed to
complete some of the critical areas of this study. To this end, this study serves to prioritize the City's
economic development opportunities and support them with clear action plans. Each action item
presented in this Strategy has specific timelines so they can be prioritized and resourced appropriately.
Shifting Trends Providing Opportunities for the Pickering Innovation
Corridor
There is a sense of optimism when considering the Pickering Innovation Corridor as a future employment
generator for the City. The past decade has seen the composition of GT AH's employment gradually shift
from a goods-producing economy to a service-producing economy. Many of these growing sectors
comprise knowledge-based and creative-class occupations and represent an increasing large share of the
employment base on employment lands, most notably in the more heavily populated urban GT AH
municipalities. The Pickering Innovation Corridor is zoned as Prestige Employment which lends itself to
supporting this increasing large share of creative and knowledge-based employment.
The rise of disruptive technologies also brings interesting developments to the Pickering Innovation
Corridor. As municipalities across Ontario deal with ever-increasing deficits, the capacity to enhance their
MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
A
competitive advantage in the attraction of new investment through traditional means is fading. As a result,
municipalities have begun to consider their support for disruptive technologies (such as cloud technology,
advanced robotics, energy storage, advanced materials), as tools to increase competitive advantages.
There can be no doubt that technology and innovation will continue to shape the global economy and
society as a whole over the coming decade. Pickering Innovation Corridor is presented with an opportunity
to be a leader in the use of disruptive technology as a competitive advantage. Local post-secondary
institutions such as University of Ontario Institute of Technology are illustrating significant strides in the
next generation of technological advantages. Fostering partnerships with these think tanks will allow the
City's Economic Development office to transform their research into economic advantages for the
Pickering Innovation Corridor.
The impending closure of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and the proposed Pickering Airport
Site also provide two distinct industries (and their respective value chains) opportunities for Pickering's
economy. The former introduces an interesting context that is fairly limited across the globe. The process
of decommissioning a nuclear generation station has been few and far between. This presents Pickering
an immediate opportunity to become a centre of excellence for decommissioning work across Canada and
the World. While the short term repercussions may be felt immediately (i.e. loss of jobs) the long term gain
will see related nuclear-based research (and its extended value chain) opportunities for Pickering. This
would aid the continued development of the energy sector in the region. The latter introduces another
interesting context that is quite complicated due to the variety of institutional players. Despite these
complexities, it is clear the Pickering Airport Site remains a notable opportunity for economic growth in
Pickering. Once online the site will demand aerospace activity (and its related value chains) in relative
proximity. The Pickering Innovation Corridor is currently zoned to absorb aerospace activity.
Identifying Target Sectors for the Pickering Innovation Corridor
During the consultation process and sector assessment, MOB Insight identified target sectors that would
present the most optimized uses of the Pickering Innovation Corridor. Much of the industry analysis work
had been framed by the industry sector analysis and target sector choices in the Highway 407 (Seaton
Lands) Economic Development Study. Upon review of the work and in conversations with selected
leaders, businesses and institutions it was determined that the Pickering Innovation Corridor would be
best to target the following sectors:
2 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor· A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
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• Advanced Manufacturing (including Food Processing)
• Information and Communications Technology
• Energy, Environment and Engineering Services with other Professional Services
Once the target sectors were decided upon a second set of consultations and analysis took place.
Distinctive sector profiles were presented that informed the types of activities the Pickering Innovation
Corridor would be best suited to foster under each target sector. Additionally, the sector profiles contain
the identification of the target sector's existing value chain in Pickering and across the GTAH.
The analysis concluded that within advanced manufacturing opportunities best lied within establishments
that were using advanced technologies. These manufacturers are investing in innovation and productivity
enhancements to move up the value chain into more valuable and research-and-trade intensive products.
These are the manufacturers of the future that are immersed in emerging technologies such as
digitization, genomics, automation, big data, and 3D printing. The sector profile noted that a number of the
advanced manufacturing subsectors in Pickering are already moving towards automated and data-
intensive activities, replacing traditional manufacturing. This movement is also supporting other sectors of
the economy as advanced capabilities in machinery manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and
fabricated metals are providing real opportunities to support growth in energy generation (e.g. energy
structures, batteries/energy storage, metal components), health and biosciences
(e.g. chemicals/pharmaceuticals), and multimodal transportation (e.g. aerospace parts, machinery).
From this perspective, there are growth prospects for the Pickering Innovation Corridor to capitalize on.
The most accommodating of the zoning designations within the employment lands are the lots zoned as
Prestige Employment General which allow for light manufacturing and food processing activities amid a
variety of other mixed employment uses that include business services and research facilities. This
designation provides for a collaborative environment that can be beneficial to many advanced
manufacturing finns, in particular, advanced manufacturers that are providing products that support health
and pharmaceutical research or aerospace technology.
The lnfonnation and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has continued to play an important role in
Canada's economy and in Ontario. The ICT sector is comprised of a wide-range of different industries
including data processing, telecommunications, video and audio production and recording, and music and
video publishing. This makes Canada's ICT sector a diverse and innovative part of the Canadian economy
3 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment lands DRAFT
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-one that has grown an average of 2.0% a year over the last five years. In 2015, it is expected that the
ICT sector will contribute $72.7 billion to Canada's GOP. This makes it one of Canada's fastest growing
sectors since 2008.
Activity in the ICT sector is primarily driven by deployment of IT into other sectors, and integration with
processional services consulting activities. Though Pickering has access to notable education and
research assets in the sector, the majority of the sector has developed as locally-facing, developing and
deploying niche applications and solutions in other business sectors. Big data continues to drive
innovation, competitiveness, and productivity in the sector and related business sectors (e.g. finance,
government, health care). ICT businesses continue to blur sector lines and boundaries through integration
with other business sectors, while rationalization and consolidation, mergers and alliances, out-sourcing
and offshoring, security concerns, and polarization of IT skills continue to shape the sector. Notably, in
Pickering, IT capacity is deployed in other sectors like advanced manufacturing (e.g. Nelson Industrial)
and energy (e.g. Veridian Connections).
Mississauga and Markham have historically attracted larger maturing tech companies due to their ability to
host large "campus-style" complexes with cost-effective surplus land and access to educated individuals.
IBM and Microsoft did these decades ago, and it continues to be a trend among major ICT based firms.
More recently however, ICT firms have been seeking office space that offers transit connectivity,
amenities, greenspace and parking. The Pickering Innovation Corridor is a unique location that can quickly
accommodate several of the requests that a major ICT based firm is looking for.
The Canadian energy sector is continuously being shaped by new supply courses, altered demand levels,
and integrated infrastructure development. The energy generation sector is varied across the country and
encompasses businesses involved in electric power generation and electrical equipment manufacturing,
and support other economic subsectors in construction and professional, scientific and technical services.
Several energy-related sectors have undergone significant growth over the past decade. Wrthin the
environmental services sectors the greatest growth is expected to occur in the energy-related divisions
including energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, alternative fuels, and alternative fuel vehicles.
There are a number of research and development, business support, and educational programs in
Durham Region and the GTA to support the energy, environmental and engineering (EN3) sector. The
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4 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
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City and Region have particular strengths in more traditional and proven forms of energy generation, as
well as capabilities in manufacturing and construction sectors that expand opportunities in the sector.
The success of EN3 establishments also relies on the strength of the City's other professional, scientific,
technical, and financial services (other professional services) sector. The City's Professional Services
sector encompasses a wide variety of activities, including legal, accounting, consulting, and scientific
research and development. Notably, the professional services sector is one of the most stable sectors in
Pickering. During the recession, employment in this sector d!d not decline nearly as much as total
employment across the City did, and its rebound has been far quicker and stronger than the rebound in
total employment. Since July 2009, national employment in this sector has increased by just over 1 million.
At the same time the industry has created 141,000 jobs-a full 14% of all jobs created and with average
weekly wages in the sector paying 34% more than the national average.
Recently, Durham Region and Pickering have been leveraging the strength of Toronto's professional
services sector noted by a stronger presence in head and reg ional office activity in the region from these
sectors. The prestige-nature of the Pickering Innovation Corridor will offer new opportunities to anchor a
range of activity among the EN3 and professional services sectors. Particularly the Pickering Innovation
Corridor is well-positioned to accommodate growth in sectors that support the primary strengths and
activities densely concentrated in Toronto (e.g. engineering, management consulting, or niche financial
services).
Market Considerations and Value Proposition for the Pickering Innovation
Corridor
Success in marketing depends in part on finding the right balance between the strength of messaging and
identifying the assets and attributes that can genuinely deliver on that messaging. Though the messaging
targeted for the Pickering Innovation Corridor must be consistent with that of the broader region (i.e.
GTAH, Durham}, it must also identify key factors that differentiate the community from its closest
competitors within that region. In conversations with leaders, businesses and institutions it is clear that
City_ must ensure that every effort is made to articulate the potential of these lands through a strong
marketing message-both through its own marketing effort and that of the Province and other economic
development agencies or organizations (e.g. GTMA Newco).
5 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
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A number of existing value propositions for advanced manufacturing, ICT and EN3 have been promoted at
the regional level, through organizations like the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. The value
proposition and marketing considerations for the Pickering Innovation Corridor must leverage these
regional strengths, but further develop a value proposition that differentiates the community from its
closest competitors in the GTAH.
The prestige employment status of the Pickering Innovation Corridor places the highest emphasis on
factors characteristic of most knowledge-based industries. As a result, the value proposition should focus
on identifying differentiating factors for each· of these key areas (ranked in order):
1. Location
2. Labour force characteristics including business base
3. Education and training
4. Incentives and business support programs
Establishing a Set of Recommendations
Given the Province's planned disposition of the lands where the Pickering Innovation Corridor is intended
to be located within, the City of Pickering is not yet in a position to work directly with the
owners/developers of these lands. While the active marketing of the property will be in the hands of the
Province and its agent CBRE, there is a significant role for the City in shaping the long term desirability of
the lands for business and investors particularly as it relates to the planned infrastructure investment for
the Seaton Urban Area, as this will be an important element for distinguishing the Pickering Innovation
Corridor from other competitor employment lands across the GTAH.
With increasing internet speeds becoming a common element across North American employment areas,
the need to advance the creation of innovative intelligent community networks (ultra-broadband, smart
grids, district heating) is a key requirement for the development of modern employment areas. The
importance of this infrastructure cannot be overstated. It connects residences, workplaces and public
institutions to each other and the world. It enables complex projects to be completed faster, buildings to
run more efficiently, and residents/employees to access a range of services and opportunities for social
interaction.
6 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
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The action plan within the study is designed to reflect a number of components surrounding these roles.
The plan reflects:
• Key target sub-sector opportunities and strategic directions, as outlined in the target sector work.
• Key views of Pickering's sector strengths and opportunities, as they relate to value propositions or
marketing messages.
• Required marketing activities to underpin investment attraction in the sector.
• Labour force development initiatives to access emerging opportunities, or address existing skill gaps.
• Infrastructure investment that will further support promotional messaging.
The action plan is divided into two sections. Section one where appropriate provides recommendations on
activities and items that the City will need to consider with regards to the development of the Pickering
Innovation Corridor. Section two is divided into sector specific recommendations, as well as cross-sectoral
initiatives that have impacts on the investment attraction activities of more than one sector.
The implementation of the study will rely heavily on the partnership opportunities that emerge between the
City, Durham Region, the local business community, and range of sector-specific and government
organizations that can assist with the promotion of the Pickering Innovation Corridor. In addition to
outlining the role of the City of Pickering, the action plan highlights partnership opportunities at the local,
regional, and national level intended to assist with the implementation of the action plan.
In order to assist the City in developing annual business plans, actions are prioritized as high, medium, or
low. With that prioritization, a timeframe (short, medium, or long term) is offered for each action to suggest
the length of time the City and its economic development partners should focus on to achieve positive
outcomes.
Understanding that effective strategies measure their success and communicate results of activity, each
set of actions is assigned a set of key performance indicators or metrics which may be used to assess
progress on the implementation of the proposed actions.
Ultimately, the Study provides the City's Economic Development office with a clear vision of the Pickering
Innovation Corridor's economic development opportunities, a strong rationale for activity that links
objectives to outcomes, and a series of tools and resources that will assist the City in achieving its
economic development goals.
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7 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands DRAFT
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Contents
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.1 ACTION PLAN: MARKET CONSIDERATIONS
1.2 ACTION PLAN: SECTOR SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
1.2.1 CROSS-SECTORAL INITIATIVES
1.2.2 ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INITIATIVES
1.2.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
1.2.4 ENERGY INDUSTRY INITIATIVES
MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor -A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations
2
5
5
8
10
12
A
Recommendations
Given the Province's planned disposition of the lands where the Pickering Innovation Corridor is intended
to be located within, the City of Pickering is not yet in a position to work directly with the
owners/developers of these lands. While the active marketing of the property will be in the hands of the
Province and its agent CBRE, there is a significant role for the City in shaping the long term desirability of
the lands for business and investors particularly as it relates to the planned infrastructure investment for
the Seaton Urban Area, as this will be an important element for distinguishing the Pickering Innovation
Corridor from other competitor employment lands across the GTAH.
With increasing internet speeds becoming a common element across North American employment areas,
the need to advance the creation of innovative intelligent community networks (ultra-broadband, smart
grids, district heating) is a key requirement for the development of modern employment areas. The
importance of this infrastructure cannot be overstated. It connects residences, workplaces and public
institutions to each other and the world. It enables complex projects to be completed faster, buildings to
run more efficiently, and residents/employees to access a range of services and opportunities for social
interaction.
The action plan that follows is designed to reflect a number of components surrounding these roles. The
plan will reflect:
• Key target sub-sector opportunities and strategic directions, as outlined in the target sector work.
• Key views of Pickering's sector strengths and opportunities, as they relate to value propositions or
marketing messages.
• Required marketing activities to underpin investment attraction in the sector.
• Labour force development initiatives to access emerging opportunities, or address existing skill gaps.
• Infrastructure investment that will further support promotional messaging.
The action plan is divided into two sections. Section one where appropriate provides recommendations on
activities and items that the City will need to consider with regards to the development of the Pickering
MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations
A
Innovation Corridor. Section two is divided into sector specific recommendations, as well as cross-sectoral
initiatives that have impacts on the investment attraction activities of more than one sector.
The implementation of the study will rely heavily on the partnership opportunities that emerge between the
municipality, Durham Region, the local business community, and range of sector-specific and government
organizations that can assist with the promotion of the Pickering Innovation Corridor. In addition to
outlining the role of the City of Pickering, the action plan highlights partnership opportunities at the local,
regional, and national level intended to assist with the implementation of the action plan.
In order to assist the City in developing annual business plans, actions are prioritized as high, medium, or
low. With that prioritization, a timeframe (short, medium, or long term) is offered for each action to suggest
the length of time the City and its economic development partners should focus on to achieve positive
outcomes.
Understanding that effective strategies measure their success and communicate results of activity, each
set of actions is assigned a set of key performance indicators or metrics which may be used to assess
progress on the implementation of the proposed actions.
1.1 Action Plan: Market Considerations
1. Engage the Province of Ontario/Ontario Realty Corporation in the potential
purchase of a portion of the Pickering Innovation Corridor lands as a means to
advance the development of the lands.
2 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations
High
Priority
Medium
Term
Partner Durham
Region
A
2. Distinguish the Pickering Innovation Corridor by introducing an intelligent
community network concept.
High
Priority
Lead
a. Provide Ultra-broadband connectivity across the Seaton Urban Area as a way I Medium
to advance Pickering's broadband economy. Term
b. Investigate the use of District Heating to lower the cost of energy costs for
businesses located in the Pickering Innovation Corridor.
c. Partner and development a Memorandum of Understanding with UOIT to
develop a smart grid network for the Seaton Urban Area that will provide
residents and businesses access to efficiency reporting across a set of
variables associated with ecological footprints.
3. Engage the Province in locating provincial offices within the Pickering
Innovation Corridor. More specifically, look at requesting that the Ministry of
Transportation (Ontario) be the main tenant; siting proximity to highway
corridors 407 and 401.
4. Engage the Province in advancing public transit to the Seaton Urban Area.
Look at advancing GO Transit reach across the upper communities of Durham
Region.
3 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands • Recommendations
High I Lead
Priority
Medium
Term
High I Lead
Priority
Short Term
Durham
Region,
UOIT,
Province of
Ontario
Durham
Region,
Province of
Ontario,
MOT
Durham
Regional
Transit,
Province of
Ontario
(Metrolinx)
A
5. Connect with surrounding post-secondary institutions (University of Toronto-High Lead I UOIT,
Scarborough, York University-Seneca College and University of Ontario Priority Partner UofT-S,
Institute of Technology) to highlight any existing partnerships (with businesses Short Term York
or community stakeholders) across the region. UISeneca
a. Promote and encourage a collaborative environment between post-secondary
institutions and Pickering businesses.
b. Highlight post-secondary program and presence in the region.
6. In partnership with Durham Region, promote the development of strong sector High Partner I Durham
profiles that highlight local and regional businesses. Priority Support Region
a. Highlight quality of labour force, local business base. Short Term
b. Highlight quality of local and regional infrastructure investment (existing and
planned).
c. Highlight results from the Durham_ Region Economic Development Strategy.
7. Connect with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and the Toronto Board of Trade High Lead Ajax-
to leverage their business development efforts, partnerships and consulate Priority Pickering
relationships. Short Term BOT,
Toronto
BOT
8. Continue to engage with business stakeholders around the issues and High Lead Durham
requirements that face the community and region. Priority Region
Ongoing
4 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands -Recommendations
A
1.2 Action Plan: Sector Specific Recommendations
1.2.1 Cross-Sectoral Initiatives
1. Work with Spark Centre and Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) to build
out local connections to the emerging regional and provincial innovation
ecosystem, and source resources available through ONE partners (e.g. Ontario
Centre of Excellence (OCE), Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBEC),
MaRS).
a. Develop an online and print client/business pathways tool, which identifies
physical and virtual business supports available at each stage of company
maturity in Durham Region/Ontario.
2. Promote post-secondary research opportunities that incorporate:
• Advanced apprenticeship/training opportunities.
• Business and innovation-oriented consulting expertise.
• Knowledge-transfer capabilities.
• Supply chain engagement structures.
• Flexible office and workshop spaces incorporating emerging technologies (e.g.
digital manufacturing lab) to support prototype and pilot-oriented fabrication.
• Virtual and shared office services.
5 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations
High
priority
Short term
High
Priority
Long term
Partner with
Spark
Centre
Support
Spark,
ONE,
Durham
Region,
MRI,
MEDEl,
Business
Advisory
Centre
Durham,
OCE
UOIT,
UofT-S,
York
U/Seneca,
Durham
Region,
Province of
Ontario,
Durham
College
A
3. Engage local companies through existing business survey initiatives to
undertake a technology audit of the local business base, with the intent of
identifying key opportunities for advanced technology integration.
4. Develop an inventory of industry-academic research being conducted at
regional institutions and businesses, and market projects to potential partner
firms/researchers (e.g. smart energy, mechatronics manufacturing, digital
technology).
5. Building on momentum of the Spark Centre, bring together businesses and
organizations from different sector councils to create technology-based interest
groups that support cross-sectoral collaboration on technology applications and
solutions.
6 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands -Recommendations
High
priority
Short term
High
priority
Short term
High
priority
Medium
term
Partner with
Durham
Region
Lead
Support
Durham
Region,
UOIT,
Durham
College,
Ajax-
Pickering
Chamber
of
Commerce
UOIT,
UofT-S,
York
U/Seneca
Spark
Centre,
Durham
Region,
existing
local
technology
groups,
Ajax-
Pickering
BOT,
Toronto
BOT
A
6. Encourage participation of business community in export initiatives and
missions carried out by government agencies and industry organizations.
7. Build an awareness of Pickering's accomplishments in knowledge-based
industries through a broad-based marketing and communications initiative
including:
• Participation in sector seminars/meetings.
• Attendance at trade shows and seminars showcasing technology-based local
companies.
• Deployment of marketing materials and community profile via website, press
releases, social media.
Performance Measures:
High I Partner
priority
Short term
High I Lead
priority
Short term
• Advanced Manufacturing facility and capital funding attracted from other levels of government
• Number of knowledge-based company inquiries
• Number of local companies at missions/tradeshows attended
• Potential technology integration projects identified
• Number of local industry-academic research projects identified
• Number of companies using ONE partner resources
7 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands -Recommendations
Durham
Region,
MEDEl,
CME
MEDEl,
DFAIT,
Industry
interest
groups
e.g.: Life
Sciences
Ontario,
MaRS,
Spark
Centre
A
Potential Sources of Funding and Assistance:
• Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative (FedDev Ontario)
• High Performance Computing (OCE)
• Prosperity Initiative (FedDev Ontario)
• Ontario Research Fund (MRI)
1.2.2 Advanced Manufacturing Initiatives
8. Develop strategies to support the integration and development of key
emerging technologies among the advanced manufacturing sector in areas
such as digital manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics, synthetic
biology, or bio-manufacturing.
9. Develop investment attraction strategies around resource based industries
that leverage existing strengths in automotive, machinery, and metals.
a. Consider trade show (e.g. Western Manufacturing Show, FABTECH,
PDAC) participation with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
and MEDEl.
High
priority
Short term
Medium
priority
Short term
8 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands -Recommendations
Lead/support I UOIT, Durham
College, Spark
Centre, MaRS,
OCE, CME
Partner I Durham
Region, CME,
MEDEl
A
10. Support the efforts of local and regional workforce development and
educational partners on youth engagement, including:
• Generating awareness among youth of careers in manufacturing.
• Partnering with school boards to host a symposium for careers in the
manufacturing sector.
Performance Measures
• Number of companies making emerging technology investments
• Capital investments ($) in new technology across manufacturing sector
• Resource-based investment inquiries
Medium I Support
priority
Long term
• Total post-secondary enrollment in engineering and manufacturing programs
• Number of industry-academic collaborations
9 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations
Durham
Region,
Durham District
School Board,
Durham
Catholic School
Board, UOIT,
UofT-S, York
U/Seneca
A
Potential Sources of funding and Assistance:
• Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation (CONII)
• Export Development Canada
• Innovation Demonstration Fund (MRI)
• Invest Canada -Community Initiatives (DFAIT)
• Market Readiness (OCE)
• Collaborate-to-Commercialize (OCE)
• OCE-CEMI-NSERC Mining Manufacturing Program (OCE)
• Prosperity Initiative (FedDev Ontario)
• Scientists and Engineers in Business (FedDev Ontario)
• SO Tech Fund (SDTC)
1.2.3 Information Technology Initiatives
11. Promote Pickering's location on the border with the City of Toronto as
providing access to a range of national and provincial-level business
support organizations (e.g. Entertainment Software Association of Canada,
Information Technology Association of Canada, Interactive Ontario,
Computer Animation Studios of Ontario, Ontario Media Development
Corporation)
High
priority
Medium
term
10 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands -Recommendations
Lead Durham
Region
A
12. Build partnerships with innovative local companies to identify and attract High Lead Leading local
potential collaborative industry or academic partners, and investors. priority innovators
Medium
term
13. Target information security and big data companies focused on servicing High Lead MEDEl, DFAIT,
advanced manufacturing, health and biosciences, financial investment, priority GTMA Newco,
energy, and logistics companies. Short term Durham
Region
14. Promote Pickering/Durham's diverse base of advanced and traditional High Partner Durham
manufacturing as a con~istent market for new digital technology product and Priority Region
service integration and innovation to address productivity and energy issues. Short Term
I
Performance Measures
• Number of knowledge-based businesses
• Number of IT-related business expansion projects
• Number of IT companies focused on other sectors
• Number of inquiries related to IT/Big data
Potential Sources of Funding and Assistance:
• Business Technology Development Program (FedDev Ontario)
• Market Readiness (OCE)
• Collaborate-to-C.ommercialize (OCE)
• High Performance Computing (OCE)
• Invest Canada -Community Initiatives (DFAIT)
• Prosperity Initiative (FedDev Ontario)
11 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands • Recommendations
A
1.2.4 Energy Industry Initiatives
15. Leverage commercialization channels of Energy Research Centre (ERC) at
UOIT and existing supply chains of OPG to identify emerging energy
technologies to integrate into investment attraction and small business
support programming.
16. Work with existing corporate base (e.g. OPG) and supply chain
development efforts (e.g. Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries) to
identify supply chain gaps and strategies to support investment attraction,
including opportunities around nuclear refurbishment, nuclear
decommissioning and natural gas construction/maintenance
17. Build on fledgling local sustainable energy sector through business
expansion and investment attraction activities
a. Work with organizations like Clean Tech North, Ontario Sustainable
Energy Association to develop awareness of Pickering, and foster
relationships in sector
b. Work with SPARK Centre and ERC to support new start-ups and grow
businesses in emerging technology areas
High
priority
Short to
Medium
term
High
priority
Short to
medium
term
High
priority
Short to
medium
term
12 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor. A sector analysis for Seaton Employment lands-Recommendations
Lead
Lead
Lead
UOIT, Durham
College, OPG
Enbridge,
OPG,
H20 Power,
OCI , CME
Clean Tech
North, Ontario
Sustainable
Energy
Association,
MEDEl
A
Performance Measures
• Institutional buy-in for advanced manufacturing nuclear focus
• Number of new companies in emerging energy technologies
• Number of local companies in energy generation supply chain
• Number of local contracts awarded in energy generation sector (maintenance, construction, management,
manufacturing)
• Number of renewable energy technology companies
Potential Sources of Funding and Assistance:
• Applied Research and Commercialization Initiative (FedDev Ontario)
• Business Technology Development Program (FedDev Ontario)
• Market Readiness (OCE)
• Collaborate-to-Commercialize (OCE)
• Investing in Business Innovation (FedDev Ontario)
• Ontario Research Fund (MRI)
• Scientists and Engineers in Business (FedDev Ontario)
• SD Tech Fund (SDTC)
13 MOB Insight: Pickering Innovation Corridor-A sector analysis for Seaton Employment Lands-Recommendations