Economic development and diversification are important goals for the Township of Seguin. Support for new and existing businesses and tourism operations, as well as the economic well-being of residents, can be encouraged through Official Plan policies.
See the discussion paper Employment & Economic Prosperity to learn about Provincial and current township policies. After reading, answer the discussion promoting questions below to express what you would like to see in the upcoming Official Plan.
1. Do you think there is an adequate mix of employment lands and other land use designations,
including industrial, commercial and institutional uses, to support long-term needs?
2. Besides supporting the tourism/recreational sector, what other economic sectors should be
supported through Official Plan policies?
3. Are there any particular local industries or businesses that require special considerations?
4. How should the Township support home-based businesses? How should the Township
accommodate new industries, such as short-term rentals and ride-sharing (e.g. Air BnB and Uber)
5. How else can the new Official Plan support economic development, diversification, and
employment?
6. How should the Township consider development of lands along the major highway corridors, which are under Ministry of Transportation (MTO) jurisdiction?
7. Please provide any other comments you may have for consideration in the development of new
policies.
Hi all,
Thank you for your comments. They have been documented and will be taken into consideration for the Seguin OPR.
Regards, Marissa Handley Planner SBA
I agree completely. We had hoped that bringing Canadore College to Parry Sound would bring that life into the community. It may be time to work at reenergizing Canadore and taking a good look at its program offerings to help train and keep more of our youth in the community.
If Seguin wants to see an injection of spirit and soul into the community along with some real economic development spin-offs while being competitive, the municipality should be strategizing to bring in a post-secondary institution (perhaps specialized in a discipline connected to a local industry in Seguin or Muskoka - hospitality, tourism, environment, building construction, etc.). Towns, cities and places alike reap significant benefits when young people have a presence and become an important part of the resident population - what follows is a ripple of effect of needed services, establishments, business, needed housing (i.e. more development) and jobs, jobs, jobs! If close to a main street or walkable urban place, then suddenly life, vibrancy and synergies begin to appear ... they love this kind of local amenity because is allows for social connection and inclusivity. I have seen other municipalities big and small do this strategically as part of an economic development and planning vision and with quite a bit of success .... it doesn't happen overnight, but it sets the pendulum up to swing. Just something to think about ...
I do not agree with Seguin’s current plan that limits employment and economic growth to the airport and employment corridors. I would like to see us welcome investment and economic development everywhere in the township. We do not have an adequate mix of employment lands - particularly for the tourism and building/contractor sectors. These are by far and away the largest economic engines in our township and they need to be encouraged to invest and grow.
in supporting home based business we MUST deliver robust, affordable, broadband to all homes and businesses.
Local cottage industries, which can create local, sustainable jobs, should have special considerations. The Township should allow home-based businesses and permit sharing industries (e.g., ride-sharing and cottage rentals). These industries allow valuable resources to be shared while fostering economic prosperity for local residents. The Town may consider licensing cottage rentals for greater accountability.