Economic Development Strategy

On July 9th, 2024, Council received the Final Economic Development Strategy. This followed comprehensive review and public engagement guiding the creation of the strategy, which was aimed at addressing evolving economic challenges and opportunities in Lake of Bays.

The updated strategy will guide the Township's efforts in fostering business growth and enhancing community prosperity. It reflects a balance of economic, environmental, and community goals, incorporating extensive feedback from community consultations and stakeholder engagement.

Public Engagement

Community, business, and stakeholder consultations occurred between November 2023 and June 2024.

Public Survey - CLOSED

Details:

Conducted surveys to capture businesses’, community members, and community organizations’ thoughts on the best opportunities, challenges, concerns, and ideas related to economic development.

Community Workshops - CLOSED

Event: Special Council Session: What is Economic Development with Oosterbaan Strategy (Open Council Session)

Event Date: April 2, 2024 - 9:00 A.M.

Location: Township of Lake of Bays Municipal Office

Details:

A three-hour workshop with Lake of Bays Council introduced the basics of economic development.

Public Consultations in Dwight and Baysville - CLOSED

Event: Economic Development Strategy Engagement Sessions

Event Date: April 8, 2024

Locations and Times:

Dwight: 1:30 to 3:00 PM at the Community Centre in Dwight
Baysville: 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Community Centre in Baysville

Details:

Businesses, organizations, and residents attended two community workshops. Each workshop included 1.5 hours of facilitated interactive discussion. Participants were asked to share their perspectives on the updated strategy’s proposed goals and tactics.

Timeline

✅ Early Priorities
^{September 2023}
Staff and consultants strategically considered previous concerns and values expressed by our businesses and residents to direct public engagement for the Economic Development Strategy

✅ Public Engagement
^{November 2023 to April 2024}
- Conducted surveys to capture businesses’, community members’, and community organizations’ thoughts on the best opportunities, challenges, concerns, and ideas related to economic development.

- April 2, 2024: Council Economic Development Education session with Oosterbaan Strategy (Open Session).

- April 8, 2024: Economic Development Strategy Engagement Sessions in Dwight and Baysville

✅ Council Draft Strategy Presentation
June 4, 2024

Draft Economic Development Strategy presented at the Regular Council meeting. Shared survey and engagement findings, along with the draft strategy for public review.

✅ Council Final Strategy Presentation
^{July 9, 2024}

The Final Economic Development Strategy was presented to Council and was received.

Documents:

📄2024 Final Economic Development Strategy

Who's Listening

Morgan Lonsdale
Economic Development Coordinator
Township of Lake of Bays
Phone: 705-635-2272 ext. 1235
Email: mlonsdale@lakeofbays.on.ca