Over the past two years the Grey Bruce Regional Economic Development Partnership (GBREDP) has focused on funding “innovative, collaborative, projects that promote economic growth, prosperity and sustainability in the County of Bruce and the County of Grey.” The Counties committed annual project funding of $85,000 and some staff resources to assist in project management.

The first project, completed in December 2010 was the creation of www.investingreybruce.com, which brought together community profiles, regional demographic statistics, and investment information into a one-stop web portal. Featuring key sectors of Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Energy & the Environment and Retail, this site provides a good overall introduction to our region, and provides an opportunity for municipalities to update their information.

The second project, completed in March 2011, was an Advanced Wood (AWP) Manufacturing study which resulted in the creation of the Bluewater Wood Alliance (BWA), as a cluster of AWP firms seeking to increase their competitiveness in national and international markets. The Bluewater area is home to over 60 companies in the advanced wood products manufacturing industries, which includes: home, office and institutional furniture; solid wood flooring; veneer production; kitchen and bath cabinets; millwork. Current employment in the area’s wood products manufacturing plants is about 700 with sales from the region of over $72 million. BWA held their first networking meeting in Hanover, June 22 featuring an informative presentation on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification and an update on the progress of BWA in getting incorporated, securing funding and establishing its first projects and member services more.... . The second networking meeting was held September 29 in Walkerton and featured presentations by the Ministry of Northern Development Mines & Forests on marketing wood products to domestic and international markets, and by several tooling companies on cutting edge tooling innovation .(details).

 Taking a more Strategic Approach to Regional Economic Development

With two successful projects completed, both counties have witnessed a growing interest in taking a more strategic approach to economic development, including what the vision and the role for each county should be.  Each county is already heavily invested in various aspects of economic development, through tourism departments (albeit largely focused on marketing and product development,) through joint funding of the Grey Bruce Local Food Project, through Bruce County’s support of Spruce the Bruce (downtown revitalization), and Small Business Enterprise Centre and through Grey County’s support of Grey Agricultural Services.

Across Grey and Bruce, there are municipalities with full-time economic development staff, some with part-time staff, and some with committees relying on partnerships and minimal staff resources, all working on their local priorities. Several have completed economic development plans. Many municipalities are interested or supportive of a county role, but recognize the importance of addressing roles and responsibilities of the county vis a vis the many other players in economic development, and in making best use of scarce resources. The counties are also served by three Community Futures/Business Development Corporations which undertake many aspects of business and community development.

 Both counties are also members of the South West Economic Assembly (SWEA) and the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus (WOWC) and have seen a heightened level of collaboration in both organizations driven by the challenges of recession and the attendant downturn in most of our traditional industries, notably manufacturing (automotive) and agriculture. Many jurisdictions with significant resources are competing for investment retention/attraction and development, and Grey Bruce needs to provide leadership to ensure we remain competitive within the larger Ontario context.

 Grey Bruce Economic Development Action Plan

To move forward with a more strategic and long term approach to economic development, Grey and Bruce Counties have formed the Grey Bruce Economic Development Action Plan Committee (the committee) comprised of four County Councillors including the Warden from each County, and representation from the three Business Development Corporations covering Grey Bruce. The committee is resourced with senior staff from both counties and is tasked with the development of a regional economic development action plan. The Committee is committed to extensive consultation in this process. The Counties have hired Matt Fischer & Associates to help with this process, and specifically to undertake the following:

Assess the current economic development roles and functions undertaken by the various partners & stakeholders in Grey Bruce

Consult with stakeholders & partners on their vision for the Counties’ future role in regional economic development

Explore various models of economic development service delivery determining best practices and implications for Grey Bruce

Establish a shared vision for the future of Grey Bruce economic development

Grey County will be administering this project on behalf of the committee. If you have questions please contact either:

 David Smith                                                    Bryan Plumstead         
 Senior Planner – Bruce County                        Tourism Manager & Economic Development Coordinator – Grey County
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519-881-1782                                                    519-376-3365 ex. 6110