Explore progress on objectives related to Goal 1 of the Innisfil Economic Development Strategic Plan: Investment-ready Innisfil.
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Action 1 |
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Undertake an Economic Impact Study for Innisfil Heights to determine the potential for direct and indirect economic impact upon build-out of this industrial area. This study would inform other actions identified in this plan to assist the Town in understanding the potential return on investment for initiatives such as CIP programs, investments in infrastructure, etc.
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Action 2 |
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Complete a Master Drainage Study for Innisfil Heights in order to proactively address stormwater drainage issues across the strategic employment area.
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Action 3 |
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Establish a lead generation pipeline for Innisfil Heights through the BR+E program and partnerships with broader investment attraction networks, including Invest in Simcoe County and Invest Ontario. Sites that are prime for pre-servicing and pre-zoning to support upcoming development projects are identified.
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Action 4 |
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Develop a comprehensive Innisfil Heights Investment Attraction package or pitch decks with data on available sites, existing tenants, success stories and target markets. The pitch deck will also present Innisfil’s value proposition for investment attraction, including assets, infrastructure, target sectors and workforce strengths.
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Action 5 |
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Develop and implement targeted Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) to attract higher value investments in the key target sectors identified through this strategy.
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Action 6 |
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Position a site selection response team for ongoing Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion efforts in key sectors. The team would include staff in planning, economic development, building, engineering, InnServices and InnPower and would work to improve the investment-readiness of lands, reduce development barriers and support inquiries as they evolve from concept to operational.
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Action 7 |
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Strengthen existing partnerships and explore new relationship building activities with key audiences. This could include:
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Action 8 |
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Offer customized support to private landowners to prepare lands for development, based on their specific development plans and needs, facilitating connections with key staff, raising awareness of incentives that may exist and streamlining processes and demonstrating a willingness to assist them through the process.
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Position the Innisfil investment attraction brand through 'target sectors' that serve as a catalyst for a strong a diversified economy.
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Action 9 |
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Apply for the CanExport Community Investments to increase capacity to support innovation, increase exports, and expand foreign direct investment activities. The funding could be used to enhance industry and market research for the Town (refer to Action 10).
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Action 10 |
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Building on the key sectors identified through this strategy, undertake an in-depth sector analysis to identify subsectors to target for future investment.
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Action 11 |
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Once target sectors are positioned, develop profiles and investment-related marketing. Focus on highlighting the key industries, supply chain businesses, development opportunities and industry partners that are local and in the region. These decks can also be used to support business attraction and connections with corporate real estate executives and other decision makers (refer to Action 7).
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Action 12 |
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Continue to pursue strategies to support the future of gaming in Innisfil, in consultation with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
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Foster a long-term planning vision to ensure an adequate supply of market-ready land, office and commercial spaces.
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Action 13 |
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Ensure the Official Plan and zoning policies incorporate flexible and responsive zoning that support diverse uses including higher-density industrial and commercial office uses.
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Action 14 |
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Leverage Invest in Simcoe County’s site selection and online land inventory to market and promote the database of available land and sites within Innisfil Heights and other employment lands and buildings. Position the tool within Innisfil’s economic development website.
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Action 15 |
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Building upon the CIP identified in Action 5, develop a CIP focused on incentivizing the creation and expansion of commercial development in Alcona, Stroud and Cookstown. This may include ancillary housing above and behind commercial uses.
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Action 16 |
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Support the Town’s Planning & Growth Team in implementing the recommendations brought forward through the Planning and Engineering Fees and Review Process.
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Support and advance workforce development priorities to address both labour force and business needs.
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Action 17 |
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Implement the recommendations of the Simcoe County Labour Market Research Study to mitigate labour force challenges and needs. Actions and outcomes could include:
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Action 18 |
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Gather, use and provide real-time Labour Market Information and build an inventory of the most in-demand careers required by major employers to target workforce development efforts. The Vicinity Jobs Platform and/or Work in Simcoe County Job Demand Reports could be used to provide this critical information.
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Action 19 |
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Support existing business-support led initiatives as well as industry-led workforce initiatives. This may include facilitating partnerships between local job fair organizers, post-secondary institutions and local businesses or industries, to encourage participation and enable a pipeline of talent for the community. This may also include support and raising awareness of industry-led workforce development initiatives such as the "Be our Guest" initiatives championed by Friday Harbour Resort.
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