It’s a new year at city council, and the last year for this current term. To kick-off 2022, Committee of the Whole will have a laid back meeting with two items before the horseshoe, a presentation from the administrative head of the City, and a presentation about the city’s short-term economic future. Let’s enjoy the lack of controversy (presumably) while it lasts…
NOTE #1: Delegates will be able to appear at this meeting via telephone, but you do have to register with the clerks office before 10 am on Friday January 7. You can also submit written delegations and correspondences for agenda items.
NOTE #2: The meeting will be closed to the public, though it will be live-streamed on the City of Guelph’s website here.
PRESENTATIONS: Chief Administrative Officer 2022 Objectives – Back in December, council passed a motion to have CAO Scott Stewart bring forward a report outlining his 2022 objectives in open session at the first Committee of the Whole meeting of the year. A report was not included in the initial release of the meeting agenda, but it will come with the amended agenda on Friday January 7.
2022-2026 Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan – You may surprised to learn that the previous economic development and tourism strategy expired in 2020. So as implied in the subject head, this plan will cover the next four years and will have the goal of creating a new, flexible and resilient path for these City of Guelph departments, plus Guelph Junction Railway, going forward. The goal, in the words of the committee report, is to made Guelph a centre for innovation, creation and community.
There are six strategic goals in the plan, some of them are pretty straightforward. The plan will look at ways to increase support for existing businesses, to attract investment from specific “priority sectors”, and to champion new business models like circular economies and social and co-operative businesses. The plan will also find ways to attract new skilled workers to the city, strengthen Guelph’s “sense of place” in branding, and to build Guelph up as a “must-see” visitor destination in Ontario. The senior economic development staff and DCAO Jayne Holmes will present the new plan to committee.
Guelph Politico 