September 2015
SCOR EDC PRESENTATION TO PARTNER COUNCILS
SCOR EDC Priorities
- Infrastructure that fosters economic development
2. The development of human capital in support of economic development
3. Sector development with a focus on agriculture and agri-food value-added processing.
Approach to Priorities
In 2015 SCOR focused on our three priorities using a three pronged approach
Action: through project work of our own and support of other regional projects
Advocacy: drawing attention to the region as whole and working to attract investment, iron out current issues and providing Ministries with an opportunity to work with the region to realize some of their goals (ROMA, AMO, CFDC project to FEDDEV)
Identification and Problem solving: working with local EDO’s, upper levels of government and private sector on identifying issues that may be a barrier for the region to attract investment and or pin pointing opportunities (rail issue)
Economic Development
There are a number of activities and areas of focus that fall under the economic development umbrella. Economic development in rural and small urban areas often face limited resources (financial and capacity) and collaboration is one of the best ways to offset limited resources and leverage investment in a particular municipality or region.
Benefits of Partnership
- Recognition and bargaining power:
- Projects of a scale bigger than one municipality in scope.
- Relatively low cost for the initiatives undertaken and enabled by the regional collaborative.
- Recognition and reputation has been built over the 4 years of operation. The members of the corporation have enhanced their image as collaborators.
- Good investment of dollars: for every 1 partner dollar invested we have leveraged an additional $1.55 dollars investment in the region (average over 3 years)
Implications of dissolving or changing partnership
We recognize that many organizations experience a falling away of support as the vision of the original partners lags as they retire and new councillors are elected. It highlights a need for review the purpose and focus to serve the needs of current councils.
Collaborations are valued by the federal and provincial government. SWEA has dissolved and SCOR may be the “right size” for collaborative efforts; if SCOR also dissolves there is no likelihood of another collaborative forming in our working life. It may be wiser to change the things that are not valued and maintain the capability and forum for collaboration.
Like any organization or collaborative effort you often get out of it what you put into it. SCOR should be utilized by partner councils to have met their needs that the local staffs are not able to accomplish on their own.
We are facing major new challenges that will impact rural and small town south western Ontario: TPP, implementation of Moving Ontario Forward, Carbon CAP & Trade, great Lakes Protection regulations. SCOR can be a valuable tool to represent interests and needs of the region at a time with new federal leadership from parties not represented in our region (maybe).
Being an active contributing partner is in line with Middlesex Strategic Plancreated by MillierDickinson Blais Strategy & Synthesis Agri-Network. As well the partnership resulting in the South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation has support from area MP’s and MPP’s
Action Through Projects and Initiatives 2015-2016
Moving Ontario Forward
Worked very closely with Peter Crockett, Oxford County CAO and Don Shropshire CAO of Chatham-Kent to develop a submission to Kathleen Wynne who asked for a regional plan. This demonstrates how the senior levels of government are much more likely to work with and focus on a regional entity. We also collaborated with Middlesex elected officials and Synthesis Agri-Network to further investigate potential of rail hub location
Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association (WOCFDCA)
We have been working closely with Frank Rupcic to develop a submission to FedDev for a Western Ontario Development Fund that would mirror the fund the CFDC’s have in the east. This would give allow them to leverage funds and the submission would also have a community economic development (non-repayable) portion. This would be particularly good for the 5 SCOR CFDC’s who already administer the Sand Plains funding and it would further support high value community projects.
Pooled Insurance
Regional collaboration for cost reduction to allow funding for other priorities such as economic development.
MOECC and ALUS
This is an outcome from the AMO delegation to help the region become both more resilient to extreme weather events (associated with climate change) and an opportunity for showcasing innovation in managing water, waste water and storm water that can create jobs for local businesses as well as add value for community partners in protecting and extending the life of municipal infrastructure.
ALUS is partnering with SCOR to add municipal projects and activities that reduce their carbon footprints and benefit from incentives.
Workforce Planning Boards
The apprenticeship project has reduced barriers to participation in apprenticeships and adds participants that will have well-paying jobs and careers in the region.
A project is being developed to help communities and employers adapt to labour market changes resulting from the Trans Pacific Partnership that is expected to adversely affect some sectors (automotive, dairy and poultry) but may benefit grains and oilseeds, beef, wood processing and fruit & vegetable production and processing. The insights will help employers and workers adapt to the changing supply and demand for affected careers in the region.
Apprenticeship
Committee member and contributor to ongoing EmployerOne survey which is a source of labour market intelligence for the region
Apprenticeship committee looking at ways to improve communications between employers and employees to gain skilled workers through apprenticeship programs
Wood products – sector development
Working with Workforce Boards successful in getting funding to create short videos aimed at high school students about the wood products and forestry industry
FoodHub – sector development for agriculture
Project timing has coincided with a general increase in demand for local food. The sales of the FoodHub Project have been slow but there are good outcomes related to the food hub project such as
- Hub operators/producers assuming more control of the business,
- 30+ businesses trained and started on a path to certification for Canada GAP or other safety and traceability protocols.
- Products from the region in over 900 schools through our work with Ontario Student Nutrition Program;
- Regional collaborations and relationships developed as a result of the partnership such as Whitecrest and VG Meats,
- Local suppliers now listed as suppliers to Sysco and GFS .
- Support and assist other organizations working on food and food production issues (gleaning operations, London Food Council etc.)
OFA
We have met and have been working with the OFA, OFVGA, Conservation Authorities on the Water and Food security project that came from the AMO delegation.
Looking Ahead - 2016 and Beyond
- Regional recognition and branding - taking advantage of opportunities and leveraging collaborations and relationships.
- Strong sector development (agriculture/food and manufacturing) by working with OFA and regional representatives to capitalize on private investment
- Implications of TPP and Cap and Trade for the region
- Moving Ontario Forward Submission (Transportation and Infrastructure)
4 Elm Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4, Telephone: 519-842-6333,