East Gwillimbury launches updated economic development strategy

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 24, 2022

With the spectre of big business coming to Woodbine Avenue in the near future, East Gwillimbury launched its economic development strategy earlier this month.

“The strategy offers a road map to a desired future state,” said Margot Bégin, director of economic development. “As the town experiences both population and new business growth, we need to have a collective vision for how we can support economic, environment and social sustainability now and into the future. That’s what this strategy is all about.”

The strategy was developed through stakeholder engagement with the business community and council, an analysis of past strategies, targeted industry analysis and a demographic analysis. Through this process, five strategic priorities were identified: investment readiness and infrastructure; investment attraction; business retention and expansion; entrepreneurship and economic gardening; and enhanced communication.

Highlights of the plan include the town target sectors, which include manufacturing, food processing and related supply chain, construction, industrial supply/distribution, and health care. Education, tourism and film production are other sectors covered.

Some priorities include a workforce development and attraction strategy, a foreign direct investment strategy, expanded business retention and expansion efforts, and downtown revitalization initiatives.

“I’m proud of this strategy,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “It is one of the key tools that will guide and support growth in our community along with an updated official plan and master plans and our continued efforts to secure servicing for northern York Region.”