Looking Forward In The Blue Mountains

Summer is in full swing in the Town of The Blue Mountains, but fall is just around the corner. The Economic Development Team is excited for the second half of the year and to share updates on key projects and initiatives that are important to the local business community.

In this edition, we will focus on:

• The Community Improvement Plan
• Official Plan Review – Phase 1
• Fire Inspections
• Local Support & Program Opportunities
• Upcoming Events & Training Opportunities

We hope you’ll find the resources and information provided valuable. As always, you can reach out to us at anytime with your comments, concerns or questions regarding the Town. Connect with the team and email us using the link located at the bottom of the e-newsletter.

Sincerely,

Your Economic Development Team

Tim Hendry, Manager of Communications & Economic Development

Allan Gibbons, Communications & Economic Development Coordinator

Town News

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
On September 13, 2022, the Town's Director of Planning and Development Services will present a staff report at Committee of the Whole detailing the Community Improvement Plan along with guidelines to implement and fund eligible projects in 2023. The report recommends expanding the eligible programming to include the Property Enhancement and Improvement Program, which would facilitate the enhancement of the public realm through improvements to private property such as landscaping, bicycle parking, permanent outdoor eating areas and other, similar considerations. More information can be found on the Community Improvement Plan webpage.

OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW
The Official Plan Review Steering Committee recently held a Public Open House and a Public Meeting regarding proposed amendments to the Official Plan.

Known as 'The Blue Print,' the Official Plan Review will set the vision and direction that shapes the Town's growth, development, and protection to 2046. A recording of the presentation delivered at the Public Open House is available on the project webpage, as well as a recording of the Public Meeting.

Those interested can still provide feedback to the Official Plan Steering Committee before the changes are officially adopted by Council. Learn more about the Official Plan Review on the project webpage.

TOWN CONDUCTING FIRE INSPECTIONS
The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department will be conducting fire inspections throughout the municipality.

These inspections will typically take place in the morning during standard business hours and will last between fifteen minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the building or unit. Inspectors will check for maintenance related to fire safety equipment as well as clear access to exits and any storage concerns. The Fire Department will coordinate with local businesses to ensure the inspection can be completed with no interruption to operations.

Employees will not be required to accompany the inspector during the visit; however, a few minutes with the business owner/employee to explain any immediate concerns would be appreciated. To learn more about fire safety and inspections, click here.

Government Support & News

BUSINESS BENEFITS FINDER
Not sure what type of funding is available for your business? Looking to access programs but don't know where to start? The Business Benefits Finder is your portal to federal and provincial supports. Whether it's COVID-19 support, making a transition to e-commerce or assistance hiring new employees, the Business Benefits Finder will point you in the right direction based on your needs and qualifications. 

PERSONAL CARE PREVENTION+
Beauty United and the Government of Ontario have partnered to provide free workplace health and safety training for businesses in the Personal Care Services industry. The partnership will pay businesses for each registered employee that takes part in the training, which is offered through short courses tailored to the Personal Care Services industry. Learn More

Local Support & Program Opportunities

GEORGIAN COLLEGE OFFERING FREE UPSKILL TOURISM MICRO-CREDENTIAL PROGRAM
Georgian College has launched the UpSkill Tourism micro-credential program for the hospitality and tourism sectors. The UpSkill Tourism Frontline Service micro-credential will launch in September and the Managers and Aspiring Leaders program will launch in January.

Limited space is available in both programs; learn more on the Georgian College website.

SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE - DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD
Looking to enhance your presence on social media? The Ontario Digitial Mainstreet Workshop and Webinar Series has online webinars coming up for:

• TikTok for Small Business
• Crafting Content for Social Media
• Facebook & Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget

To register for these events, click here.

COMMUNITY FUTURES SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS 

Do you care deeply about the South Georgian Bay region and want to see the area grow and prosper? Do you feel that you can contribute to small business and community economic development?

Community Futures South Georgian Bay is seeking individuals who are community-minded and passionate about creating opportunity in our region. We value diversity and good judgement in experienced individuals with varying backgrounds and careers. An ideal board member should be enthusiastic, passionate about entrepreneurship, and be willing to learn and grow while participating in the business and economic development sectors.

To learn more, visit Community Futures South Georgian Bay.

Upcoming Training & Event Opportunities
 

Connect with Our Team

We're available to assist with any questions you may have regarding your business development and operations. We're also always seeking new ideas and feedback for our newsletter and economic development initiatives.

Have a question or an idea?
Connect with us by email or call (519) 599-3131 ext. 269.

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