Orillia Packet & Times
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016
Making economic
development a priority
Ian Bromley, Director of Economic
Development
To those of you I have not yet met,
allow me to introduce myself. In
July I was appointed as the City of
Orillia’s new Director of Economic Development. Based on feedback from residents
during the last municipal election, this term of Council identified economic development
as one of the City’s top priorities. Early this year, Council decided that economic
development should become a department with a Director who can bring economic
development perspectives and priorities directly to the City’s senior management table.
I have spent over 25 years in economic development, holding senior positions with the
City of Toronto, Province of Ontario, as well as leading economic development in
Sheffield, England, and Brisbane, Australia. As someone who has had a family cottage
in Simcoe County, which is now my home, for over 40 years, I have observed Orillia’s
economic ups and downs throughout the decades. So when I saw this new position
open up, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to bring my experience and energy to the task
of taking Orillia to the next level.
Orillia is a small city with a good quality of life, a beautiful waterfront, a quaint
downtown, quality post-secondary institutions, good highway connectivity, and easy
access to the GTA. As a visitor and observer over the years I have seen the growth of
West Orillia, the opening of the OPP General Headquarters, the addition of Casino
Rama, and the lineup of great festivals and events that have created a foundation for
future growth.
I believe Orillia’s economy has turned a corner and, with the right strategic investments
and a continuing commitment to progress, it is poised to accelerate growth in the next
10 years. Recent developments back this up.
Subject to Ontario Energy Board approval, the new $150 million Hydro One investments
will bring construction spending in the short term, and when fully in place, could inject
up to $300 million every year in payroll to the Orillia economy.
The Costco investment puts Orillia firmly on the map as not only a regional shopping
centre, but as a hub for a region that stretches beyond Lake Country west to Midland,
east to Kawartha Lakes, and north into Muskoka.
Building permits for new single family homes in Orillia have increased by 20% and
residential sales are up 61% over last year.
A survey of businesses in Orillia showed that 52% had grown their employment over the
past three years, while 38% had no change in employment.
Orillia is also positioning itself for future growth.
A tourism strategy will be presented to Council in November that will ask Council to
consider a new Visitor Information Centre and better wayfinding and signage to improve
the visitor experience.
Council has approved a new Downtown Community Improvement Plan, and will begin
accepting applications early next year for grants to assist with the costs of certain
downtown re-development projects. Using the results from a Retail Mix Analysis
currently wrapping up, Orillia staff will be working with the Downtown Orillia
Management Board to market downtown retail and hospitality opportunities to bring in
new businesses.
Investments in the Orillia Public Library and the construction of the new recreation
facility currently underway will make Orillia a more attractive place for existing and new
residents.
Investments in road expansions and other infrastructure around the Highway 11
interchanges will also increase capacity for new development in coming decades.
Creating prosperity in cities, especially in cities that have had to re-invent themselves,
takes time. Orillia has taken important steps over the past few decades to position itself
to continue that re-invention. The results are now starting to show and Orillia must
continue that momentum.
Our strong Senior Leadership Team and our Economic Development staff at the City of
Orillia look forward to continuing to grow business opportunities in Orillia and implement
the progressive vision of this Council.