ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE |
MINUTES |
| April 3rd, 2017 |
The meeting of Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Town of Fort Frances was held in the Committee Room, Civic Centre on April 3rd, 2017 from 11:41 a.m. to 1:04 p.m. |
PRESENT: | G. Rogozinski, Chair, D. Fortes, J. McTaggart, K. Perry, K. McCaig, J. Gillon, M. Caron, J. Cumming and G. McBride |
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ALSO PRESENT: | T. Drysdale (RRFDC), D. Brown, K. Lawson |
REGRETS: | G. Gillon (RRFDC), Mayor R. Avis |
1. | Call to Order 11:41 a.m. |
2. | Non-agenda Committee items which because of urgency cannot be deferred to a subsequent meeting, identified to be considered later in the meeting. |
2.1 | 1) T. Drysdale - Information Sheet - Spring Into Your Career Hiring Fair. 2) T. Drysdale - Future of the Banners at the Bridge.
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3. | Disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof - None identified |
4. | Approval of Previous Advisory Committee Minutes |
4.1 | 1) December 5th, 2016. 2) (notes from the February 6th, 2017 meeting - no quorum)
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| McTaggart-Perry: THAT the minutes from the December 5th, 2016 meeting be approved as distributed. CARRIED |
5. | New Business |
5.1 | Committee Appointment - Gordon McBride. - members welcomed Mr. McBride to the group.
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5.2 | Project Petunia. - Tannis advised that sponsorship sales of the Project Petunia baskets have been going very well, and there are just a few more baskets left for purchase. If members would like to purchase or know of anyone who may wish to purchase, please advise her. Baskets will be red and white this year to reflect the Canada 150 Birthday theme.
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5.3 | Social Media Marketing Strategy. - Tannis provided members with a historical reference with respect to the development and expansion of the Town's social media strategies to date.
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5.4 | Canada 150 celebration volunteer event. - Tannis advised that RRFDC has purchased 500 pins in conjunction with Canada 150 in an effort to promote and recognize volunteerism within the community. She advised that 150 of these 500 pins would be set aside to honour and promote the impact of volunteerism by the youth of our community. She is hoping to honour those selected by presenting these young people with this pin and a certificate of recognition signed by Mayor on behalf of the Town. The rest of the pins will be divided between local service groups, and businesses to honour all others who have exemplified volunteerism in the community. Tannis will circulate a spreadsheet at the next meeting and the committee will have a further discussion to decide how many pins each organization will receive.
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6. | Standing Items |
6.1 | Rainy Lake Market Square. - notes from the brainstorming session - February 6th, 2017. - ideas for events, etc. that could help develop the market square use. The following are the ideas which were brought forward by those members of the group in attendance: 1) Interactive Theatre - (period costumes possibly supplied by Little Theatre or the Museum - Cathy Richards would be a good contact); 2) Buskers Festival; 3) Possible Use of a Piano; 4) Speaker's Corner (perhaps a Soap Box Series); 5) Look at Use by Various Non-For Profits - (send fee structure and then waive); 6) Beast Feast; 7) Youth Night for Youth Bands; 8) Friday Night Dances; 9) Grand Opening Celebrations; 10) Talent Shows; 11) Labour Day/Thanksgiving Celebrations; 12) Fringe Acts; 13) Regalias; 14) Museum Directed Ideas - Cultural and Historical Interpretations; 15) Little Theatre presentations; 16) Board Games Tables - (Museum could rent out game pieces) - potential for chess tournaments; 17) Cribbage Tournament; 18) Blow Up Movie Theatre; 19) Farmer's Market - (requires accommodating farmers); 20) Clover Valley Market initiatives; 21) Ecumenical Services. - The Rainy Lake Market Square is now to be known as the Rainy Lake Square with a "farmer's market" component. Tannis advised that she is now in the process of collecting names of vendors wishing to sell at the site. She advised that she and Travis Rob attended the site on March 31st with Grade 12 students from Fort Frances High School and discussed ideas with the students for functions or events they might like to see happen at the square. Tannis further advised that a mid August opening for the square is tentatively scheduled with a Grand Opening to follow shortly after. RRFDC is currently purchasing new tents and tables for the vendors use. At the present time, there are no plans for the winter months. Members suggested using the venue for an outdoor rink, ice sculptures and possible New Years events.
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6.2 | Community Foundation Update. - there is no update.
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6.3 | Presentation from D. Kircher - Alternate use of mill property. - an announcement was made with respect to Seven Generations Organization obtaining $8 million dollars of funding for the building of an educational/training centre near the Treaty 3 Police Station. No further action is required on this item.
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7. | Non-agenda Items |
7.1 | Tannis provided members with an information sheet for "Spring Into Your Career Hiring Fair" to be held May 2nd, 2017 from 3-7 p.m. at the Copper River Inn. Booths are being set aside for businesses to showcase and recruit new talent. Anyone interested in participating should contact RRFDC.
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7.2 | Members had a discussion about the banners currently situated on the Mill owned property at the International Bridge. The banners are fading and there was a discussion about what best to do with them. Options for refurbishing, replacement or dismantling were provided. This item will be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion.
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8. | Adjourn / Next Meeting Date - May 1st, 2017 |