HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 07-20
Report to Council
Report Number: CAO 07-20
Date: December 14, 2020
From: Fiaz Jadoon
Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Subject: Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End Review
- File: 1500-001
Recommendation:
1. That report CAO 07-20 regarding Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End
Review be received for information.
Executive Summary: The mandate of the City’s Economic Development & Strategic Projects
team is to focus on investment attraction, marketing, business retention & expansion, and
managing strategic projects that promote and enhance the quality of life for residents and
businesses in Pickering.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a
global pandemic. In collaboration with the Region of Durham, other local municipalities, Boards of
Trades, the Business Advisory Centre of Durham and the Business Improvement Associations
(BIA’s), a Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) was formed.
The main priorities of the taskforce are to communicate critical information, support, and provide
resources to local businesses during these unprecedented times. This includes organizing
relevant webinars and information sessions with various levels of government, connecting
businesses with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers, creating and distributing COVID-
19 impact surveys and developing promotional campaigns to support local businesses.
In addition to activities through the DETF, staff have also implemented City initiatives to address
the urgent needs of Pickering’s business community, including the distribution of business
recovery surveys, organizing virtual town halls, encouraging residents to shop locally, hosting
business recovery podcast series, and supporting local bus iness events.
As part of Council’s vision to build an innovative and vibrant city, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects staff also led and supported various strategic projects throughout the year that
are geared toward enhancing the economic sustaina bility and long-term growth of the City. These
projects include:
working closely with the various developers on the proposed development plans along
Kingston Road, and connecting with businesses that may or may not be affected;
building a strong marketing program for attracting investment to the Highway 407 corridor;
undertaking a local food engagement survey with the agri-business community to
understand if there is a need for a local food strategy;
CAO 07-20 December 14, 2020
Subject: Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End Review Page 2
initiating and leading discussions with the Region of Durham and OPG on the topics of
decommissioning for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and the various impacts to
the City and Region;
working closely with the development industry across Pickering to build a strong and
vibrant vision for future developments; and
supporting the implementation of a broadband strategy for the City.
Financial Implications: Not applicable.
Discussion:
COVID-19 Economic Development Action Plan
When the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic on
March 11, 2020, Canadian health care policies were immediately implemented to prevent further
spread of the virus. These preventative measures had direct economic consequence to the City’s
business community.
The Economic Development & Strategic Projects team collaborated with stakeholders in the
business support ecosystem to actively respond to the economic fallout from the COVID-19
pandemic.
Region of Durham COVID-19 Business Support
To support and advocate for Pickering’s business community, the City is actively involved in the
DETF. The DETF was created in response to the crisis and consists of Durham Region staff, local
area municipalities, local Boards of Trades, the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD), and
the Business Improvement Associations (BIAs).
The Durham Economic Task Force’s priorities were set out to be:
advocate for the urgent needs of our business community to the Provincial and Federal
Governments;
provide resources and information from all levels of government to businesses;
guide small businesses through the process of accessing immediate assistance;
develop and implement support programs for businesses; and
promote Durham small businesses, particularly local stores, food and agri-businesses who
are offering safe, no-contact delivery and pick-up options.
In early May 2020, a Durham Business Recovery Series was created to provide support and
information to businesses. To date, the sessions have addressed: mental health; navigating
government funding programs; new business practices; human resource processes; and
e-commerce practices.
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In late May 2020, DETF delivered a series of sector-specific roundtables to offer the business
community a chance to provide feedback on programs required for business recovery and the
opportunity to share ideas amongst the business community.
In addition, DETF has distributed four business surveys throughout the pandemic to understand
the impacts to the business community. Key insights from the surveys demonstrated an
overwhelming impact to small businesses and increasing financial implications as health
regulations consistently changed to stop the spread of the virus.
As an initiative to support the Region’s vibrant downtown-area businesses, DETF launched a new
online platform, Downtowns of Durham. Pickering’s Nautical Village was included as part of the
platform. The initiative offers residents and visitors a chance to explore the Region’s “main street”
shops, restaurants, and services virtually.
In October, the second-wave of COVID-19 saw numbers of cases increase significantly. In
response to the new restrictions on small businesses, DETF launched a new multi-vendor e-
commerce website, Shop Durham Region . The website allows businesses to list their products
online alongside other local products. The innovative online marketplace offers a single,
streamlined shopping experience, where residents can go to buy products from multiple stores in
a single transaction.
Durham Region also approved a Regional Recovery Framework and Action Plan in June 2020,
which was driven by a Regional Recovery Task Force. This Regional Recovery Task Force
included members of the Durham Economic Task Force and addressed four pillars of recovery:
social, built, economic and municipal. A set of 50 action items were identified and focused on the
potential for job creation, community health and safety, restoration of services, support for
businesses, and for vulnerable residents and long-term sustainability.
More specifically, the economic pillar addressed the following actions:
support small business growth;
enable infrastructure development;
attract investment in the energy, environment & engineering industry, and innovation
community; and
enable Smart Community projects.
City of Pickering COVID-19 Business Support
In addition to activities and support through DETF, the Economic Development & Strategic
Projects team has actively communicated and connected with local businesses to provide support
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business Recovery Survey
In November 2020, City staff launched a Business Recovery Survey, to understand the current
impact to our business community following the second wave of COVID-19. Key insights from this
survey were:
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Subject: Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End Review Page 4
respondents were largely represented in the 0-20 employee category (59 per cent);
47 per cent of businesses reported a decrease in numbers of staff since March 2020;
businesses reported financial implications, operating with physical distancing restrictions
and increased costs associated with compliance, as the top 3 barriers to recovery;
businesses recommended the following initiatives the City could undertake to assist in their
recovery: reducing property taxes to help offset additional costs, promotion of local
business products/services, and advocating to government for rent assistance without
landlord agreements;
businesses stated accelerating capital infrastructure, continued support for the creative
community and event-based organizations; and
projects to revitalize the downtown/urban core, and expanding high-speed internet access
as important factors in stimulating the economy post-COVID-19.
Support Local Campaign
To support small businesses throughout the pandemic, a ‘Support Local’ social media campaign
was launched by staff in April of this year, profiling products and services offered by small
businesses. To date, over 50 businesses were promoted, with many reporting an increase in
customers/clients following their participation in the campaign.
Staff also collaborated with the City’s Corporate Communications team to profile and support local
businesses through various video campaigns that included some Members of Council.
To further support our small businesses during the critical holiday season, staff launched a holiday
support local campaign on social media, #SupportPickering. The campaign encourages residents
to explore and support the small businesses in Pickering’s community not only through shopping
locally, but through positive reviews, engaging with businesse s on social media and
recommendations to friends and family. Consumers that participate in the campaign have an
opportunity to win local products and services from Durham-based businesses.
Business Recovery Podcast Series
In June 2020, staff launched a COVID-19 Business Recovery Podcast Series through the City’s
corporate YouTube channel. To date 5 podcasts were completed, featuring topics of interest to
businesses during the pandemic, including financial planning, labour laws, health and safety, and
the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses.
Virtual Business Town Halls
On April 16, 2020, Economic Development staff organized a Virtual Business Town Hall Webinar
with over 150 local businesses in attendance. The webinar provided information on Pickering’s
response to COVID-19, Federal and Provincial support programs as well as navigating financial
assistance for businesses. Speakers included Pickering-Uxbridge MP Jennifer O’Connell, Premier
of Ontario Doug Ford, Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, Deputy Mayor Kevin Ashe,
and Nicole Gibson, Executive Director of Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.
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On October 8, 2020, staff hosted the City’s second Annual Realtor & Developer Symposium. The
event provided an update to the real estate community on various development projects currently
underway in the City, and further outlined the impacts of COVID-19 to some of the City’s larger
projects. Over 600 individuals from the realtor and developer community registered to attend the
virtual event.
On November 19, 2020, staff organized a second Virtual Business Town Hall with Pickering-
Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy, Regional Chair John Henry, Mayor Dave Ryan, and Nicole
Gibson, Executive Director of Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade. The event provided updated
economic recovery strategies in response to the second-wave of COVID-19.
All events were recorded and are available on the City’s social media platforms.
Business Event Sponsorships
Staff also collaborated with local organizations to sponsor three external business events this year
to provide support and networking opportunities for the small business community during the
pandemic.
The first event included Heart of Networking’s 8th Annual Small Business Conference which took
place on October 20, 2020. This virtual event focused on connecting small businesses through
networking and sharing inspirational stories on pivoting during COVID-19.
To address systemic racism in society and support Black-owned businesses in Pickering, the City
partnered with the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs
(DRABPE). This partnership involved the sponsorship of their first virtual business expo on
October 24, 2020. The expo included seminars, workshops, a tradeshow and an opportunity for
attendees to network with emerging and established Black business owners and professionals.
Finally, to celebrate, inspire and support entrepreneurship during these unprecedented times, staff
partnered with the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD) to sponsor ‘Do It in Durham’. The
event takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 16-20, and provides business
innovators and start-ups with a host of information sessions, networking events and resources.
City of Pickering Economic Development Program & Strategic Projects
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant impact to Pickering’s business
community, the Economic Development & Strategic Projects team shifted priorities to mobilize
more resources towards a cohesive COVID-19 recovery program for businesses in Pickering.
In addition to providing immediate support to the business community, staff continued to play a
key role in several strategic projects that ultimately support the vision for economic prosperity for
not only existing and new businesses relocating t o Pickering, but also the residents of Pickering.
In collaboration with City Development, staff worked closely with the business community to
understand the impacts (if any) to the small and medium sized businesses based on the proposed
development plans to the Kingston Road corridor. Furthermore, staff engaged with the
development community to understand and promote the need for off ice and retail space within the
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Subject: Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End Review Page 6
development plans. Pickering holds one of the lowest vacancy rate across the G reater Toronto
Area for office space.
To achieve Council’s mandate for attracting investment and jobs to the City, the Highway 407
Corridor is the City’s greatest opportunity to attract businesses who are looking to expand and
relocate to Pickering in the years to come. With the construction of Kubota’s new head office and
assembly facility well underway, the company is targeting spring 2021 for occupancy. The
construction of the facility has been a strong catalyst for investment to the Innovation Corridor. For
many, the proximity to the City of Toronto (Ontario’s Economic Engine), Region of York, and a
potential future Airport are the main factors in their decision-making.
Following a motion from Council in June of 2020, staff were directed to embark on an engagement
process as the initial stage for a potential local food strategy. In August of this year, staff
developed and circulated a survey to the farming operators in Pickering to determine the desire
and need to distribute food locally.
In collaboration with City Development staff, Durham Region’s Agriculture & Rural Affairs team,
and the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, surveys were distributed to over 111 potential farming
operators in Pickering via email and regular mail. Staff promoted the survey through curbside
mobile signs in two locations along Highway 7, social media platforms, and contacting farmers
directly via telephone.
In total, six agri-businesses completed the survey. Key insights from the survey were:
four agricultural businesses identified themselves as primary suppliers of local food;
respondents identified regulatory barriers, limited processing capability, and a poor local
distribution system as the top barriers to supplying their products locally; and
respondents identified promoting ‘Buy Local’ campaigns, improving infrastructure, and
supporting the creation of a food hub/distribution centre as potential initiatives to enhance
the local food economy.
Based on the results of the survey and the small number of respondents, staff will further attempt
to reach out to farming operators in 2021 to seek their input. Following this, staff will bring forward
a recommendation report before Council to decide if the City should pursue a City of Pickering
local food strategy, or continue to collaborate with Durham Region’s Agriculture & Rural Affairs
team to support local food and assist agri-businesses across the Region.
Further, Pickering’s Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) has been operating safely and reliably in
the City of Pickering for almost 50 years. As one of Canada's largest power generation stations,
PNGS is one of the largest employers in the Region and Pickering’s largest economic base.
To prepare for the upcoming retirement of PNGS in 2025, staff are regularly engaged with
Regional and OPG staff to study the economic activity produced by OPG in the City and across
the Region. In September 2020, the City issued a detailed Request for Proposal, calling for
qualified and experienced proponents to submit proposals for the study of the financial, economic,
and social impacts of the retirement of PNGS. Staff will bring forth a report to Council in early
2021 to seek approval to award the contract to the recommended consulting firm.
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Subject: Economic Development & Strategic Projects Year End Review Page 7
Broadband access is essential for the well-being and economic competitiveness of the City’s
residents, businesses and institutions. To ensure equitable and affordable broadband access in
Pickering’s rural communities, staff have been working closely with internal departments and the
Region of Durham’s Broadband Specialist to provide input on Regional initiatives and to ensure
that the City’s broadband strategy aligns with the Region’s.
Earlier this year the Region launched a broadband survey to all businesses and residents to learn
more about their current broadband situations. The survey received over 2,700 responses, with
results expected to be released in the coming weeks. The survey responses will shed further light
on the geographic areas experiencing connectivity issues and the nature of the problems.
The City has also taken the initiative to apply for the Improving Connectivity for Ontario (ICON)
funding to help bring broadband infrastructure in Pickering’s rural communities. The approval of
this funding will help increase connectivity to help both residents and businesses alike.
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Aneesa Haniff Fiaz Jadoon, Director, Economic
Senior Economic Development Officer Development & Strategic Projects
Taaha Javed
Economic Development & Strategic Projects Associate
AH:ah
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer