Economic Development
Although less common than an official plan and zoning by-law, many communities develop and adopt an economic development plan or strategy. This document outlines the municipality’s economic development priorities, such as which types of employment will be sought and, in some cases, which types of business are not welcome in the community (such as those that are heavy polluters). The plan is usually formulated under the leadership of an economic development officer or another economic development professional (who may sometimes be an outside consultant) and is usually updated every five years or so as local circumstances change.
Examples
1. The City of Brockville, Ontario
The City of Brockville has identified “Respect for the environment: the air, the land, and the water” as one of four key “Values of the Community” upon which its Economic Development Strategy is based.2. The Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands, Ontario
The Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands, located in Northern Ontario, has explicitly identified a number of environmental actions that it would like to carry out as part of its Sustainable Community Plan. These include:
- “To protect and maintain existing Family Farms.
- To utilize the current land base for new and sustainable agricultural opportunities.
- To encourage the production and consumption of local and regional foods.
- To provide clean, safe, protected and maintained sustainable municipal infrastructure.
- To develop and maintain sustainable waste and storm-water systems to support future growth.
- To continue to demonstrate environmental leadership and responsibility to protect the land and natural environment of Northeastern Manitoulin and The Islands.
- To continue to decrease the per capita tonnage of waste generated within the Town.
- To improve energy efficiency and energy conservation in municipal buildings.
- To continue to preserve and protect water quality and natural water sources.”
3. Town of Okotoks, Alberta
Finally, the Town of Okotoks, Alberta, has placed environmental sustainability at the front and centre of its Economic Development Strategic Plan, which includes the following Community Vision:“The Town of Okotoks is resilient, where people, businesses, ideas and sense of community thrive. Grounded by the Sheep River valley and supported by thoughtful planning and design, a strong local economy and a vibrant civic culture, Okotoks offers exceptional quality of life at every stage of life. Respect for each other and the natural environment makes Okotoks home.”
The Town’s corporate vision further adds to its commitment to environmental sustainability:
“In the year 2030, Okotoks is a leader in sustainability, driven by an involved, connected and creative community. Through visionary leadership, citizens are engaged in maintaining a safe, caring and vital community that honours our culture, heritage and environment.”
