MINUTES |
| September 11, 2017 |
The meeting of Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Town of Fort Frances was held in the Committee Room - Civic Centre on September 11, 2017 from 11:44 a.m. to 1:29 p.m. |
PRESENT: | G. Rogozinski, Chair, K. Perry, J. McTaggart, J. Gillon, K. McCaig, G. McBride, J. Cumming |
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ALSO PRESENT: | T. Drysdale, Consultant (RRFDC); L. Mose, MNDM, D. Brown, CAO and K. Lawson, Secretary |
REGRETS: | G. Gillon, RRFDC |
1. | Call to Order 11:44 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. 1) July and August Committee Meetings; 2) Erin Crescent; 3) Trees on Scott Street. |
3. | Disclosure of pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof - None identified. |
4. | Approval of Previous Advisory Committee Minutes |
4.1 | June 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes.
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| Caron-McBride: THAT the minutes from the June 5th, 2017 meeting be approved as distributed. CARRIED |
5. | New Business |
5.1 | Presentation from Brent Tookenay, Chief Executive Officer, Seven Generations Education Institute re: Development of a new Trade School. - Mr. Tookenay provided the committee a presentation on the Background History and Strategic Priorities of the Seven Generations Education Institute and updated them on the current development of the trade school now being built. He emphasized that although the institute programs include development of programs focusing on local treaty, cultural traditions and language, all programs are available to both First Nation and non aboriginal applicants. Mr. Tookenay answered questions on educational programs, housing for students, student enrollment capacity and his thoughts on the the purchasing of the Mill building for the purpose of developing a working paper mill/trade school concept. Chair Rogozinski polled committee members to determine the necessity for further investigation respecting the viability of a working mill/trade school concept. Consensus indicated there was no need to further the matter. Tannis will draft a letter for the Chair's signature to advise Mr. Dave Kircher of the Committee's decision.
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5.2 | Presentation of Canada 150 Volunteer Pins/Certificates. - Councillor Perry presented the Canada 150 Volunteer Pins/Certificates to committee members, thanking them for their service.
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5.3 | Snow Birds Opportunity. - this item was removed from the agenda with no further action.
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5.4 | RCMP Musical Ride - Host the Ride. - committee was advised that the RCMP Musical Ride will include Northern Ontario and British Columbia in their 2018 annual tour schedule. The committee was asked if they felt there would be interest in pursuing this opportunity and the consensus was in favour of further investigation by Geoff.
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6. | Standing Items |
6.1 | D. Kircher - Mill Property Matter - Update dated July 21st, 2017 from D. Kircher. - Mr. Kircher will be advised of committee's recommendation to not further investigation for the viability of this matter.
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6.2 | Implication of Ontario Raising Minimum Wage to $15.00 Per Hour. - Councillor Perry advised the committee that NOMA is continuing to lobby against the provincial government's decision and is monitoring the implications. It will be furthered at the Northwestern Regional Conference in Thunder Bay this month.
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6.3 | Rainy Lake Market Square Update. - an update was provided respecting progress of the square. Committee was advised that weather and unforseen delays with landscaping, delivery of stage equipment, electrical installations, etc have moved the official opening back. Doug will meet with Tannis and staff to coordinate details for the official opening. Tannis advised that there will be open air concerts coming up in September in conjunction with the opening.
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7. | Non-agenda Items |
7.1 | G. Rogozinski re: July and August meetings. - The Chair expressed concerns about the decision to not have meetings in July and August. Committee was advised that based on previous meetings during the summers being cancelled because of lack of quorum and vacation scheduling, the decision was made to cancel. Committee recommended that going forward, the question of having July and August meetings be placed on the agenda for the June regular meeting and that committee decide at that time about their ability to attend these particular meetings.
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7.2 | G. Rogozinski re: Erin Crescent. - Mr. Brown and Councillor Perry provided an status update on Erin Crescent development and Council's decision to refer the matter to the 2018 Budget Process.
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7.3 | J. Gillon re: Trees on Scott Street. A lengthy discussion was had respecting the issue of removal of trees within the Town. Tannis will investigate funding program opportunities to develop a plan for municipal greenscaping.
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8. | Adjourn 1:29 p.m./ Next Meeting Date - October 2nd, 2017 |