HomeMy WebLinkAboutECD 03-23Report to Council
Report Number: ECD 03-23
Date: March 27, 2023
From: Fiaz Jadoon
Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Subject: Local & Small Business Advisory Committee
-File: D-1600
Recommendation:
1.That Report Number ECD 03-23, regarding the proposed Local & Small Business
Advisory Committee, be received for information.
Executive Summary: In January 2023, Council directed staff to review all Boards and
Advisory Committees and investigate the creation of the Local & Small Business Advisory
Committee, among others Economic Development Staff conducted a jurisdictional scan to
understand the nature of similar committees in municipalities across Ontario. Research shows
that similar advisory committees often exist in smaller municipalities where economic
development services may be limited or to assist on a specific project or concern in the
community. Due to the broad nature of the advisory committee, staff recommend engagement
with local businesses to review the needs of the community and consider a scope of work, as
may be appropriate, that allows the committee to bring value. Staff will report back to Council
in Q 2, 2023 regarding the feedback received and proposed next steps.
Financial Implications: Not applicable to this report.
Discussion: At the January 23rd Council Meeting, Members of Council introduced a motion
directing staff to investigate the creation of three new advisory committees including a Local &
Small Business Advisory Committee. The proposed Local & Small Business Advisory
Committee is intended to advise on impacts of City Policy implications such as parking in the
Nautical Village, relationships with the City’s Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Department and the measures that will assist businesses impacted by the intensification along
Kingston Road.
Economic Development and Strategic Projects’ staff investigated advisory committees of
similar nature across Ontario municipalities to understand the terms of reference and value to
the community. These Committees are often referred to as an Economic Development
Advisory Committee (EDAC). Their role is to provide guidance and recommendations on
economic development policies and strategies to a municipality. An EDAC typically consists of
business leaders, community members, City staff, and Members of Council. The functions and
responsibilities vary depending on the needs and goals of the municipality.
ECD 03-23 March 27, 2023
Subject: Local & Small Business Advisory Committee Page 2
Within Durham Region, EDAC’s were active in Township of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge
during the previous term of Council and are currently in the process of re-establishing for this
term. As Economic Development services are not provided by the townships, the advisory
committees assist Region of Durham’s Rural Economic Development team in gaining insight
into the communities. Similar committees exist in other Ontario municipalities including East
Gwillimbury, Georgina, Trent Lakes, Blue Mountain, Clearview, Westport, Springwater,
Guelph, Mississippi Mills, and Gananoque. The committees consist of anywhere from 4 to 13
members, including Council representatives.
As the number of projects across City of Pickering are extensive and encompass a variety of
stakeholders and views, a committee could prove difficult in representing the majority of
stakeholders fairly and accurately for projects and potential growth areas such as but not
limited to:
•Kingston Road Intensification Corridor
•Nautical Village (paid parking, transit, events, etc.)
•Seaton (including Pickering Innovation Corridor)
•Cherrywood (proposed)
•Northeast Pickering (proposed)
•Pickering Federal Lands
•City Centre (proposed)
•Pickering Nuclear Generating Station
•Hotel Accommodation & Conference Centre Investment
To ensure that the proposed Committee will be effective, Economic Development & Strategic
Projects’ staff will develop and distribute a survey to understand the needs of the business
community. Through this engagement and feedback, staff will be able to determine the need
for such an advisory committee by the business community. Subject to business feedback,
staff can consider the appropriate committee composition and the required skill set of the
contributing members to bring value to the Department and Council regarding ongoing
concerns of local and small businesses. Staff will also organize an informational session for
businesses located along the Kingston Road Corridor regarding the proposed development
plans and next steps. Staff will report the results and recommendation back to Council at the
June 2023 Council Meeting.
Attachment:
1. None.
ECD 03-23 March 27, 2023
Subject: Local & Small Business Advisory Committee Page 3
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By:
Laraib Arshad Fiaz Jadoon
Manager, Economic Development & Marketing Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects
Original Signed By:
LA:la
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Original Signed By: