Body: Planning Committee Type: Document Meeting: Regular Date: 2025 Collection: Agenda Attachments Municipality: Frontenac County
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/frontenac-county/Item Attachments/Agenda Item/2024/October/Staff Briefing: Ms. Sonya Bolton, Manager of Community Planning, and Richard Allen, Manager of Economic Development, will brief the Planning and Econo/2025 Project Proposal - Community Development Officer.pdf)
Document Text
2024 Budget Project Proposal Community Development Officer Phase In
Background In 2016, with assistance from the Rural Economic Development Program, Frontenac County created its first Community Development Officer position who launched and stewarded multiple initiatives – including the Brand Ambassador program and Open Farms.
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Department Responsibilities Over the past 8 years the responsibilities of the Economic Development Unit have grown, however the capacity of the team has not increased. Key Areas of Growth:
- Ambassador Program
- Open Farms
- Tourism
- Trails
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Destination Development Plan • Approved by Council in 2022 • Initiatives include: • An enhanced tourism website • New Sustainable Tourism initiatives • Wayfinding and placemaking • Promotion of arts, culture & heritage • Increase marketing reach through strengthening partnerships • K&P Trail Development: Events, visitor attraction, marketing & business development • This plan recommends securing a dedicated resource for implementation of the various elements.
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Charter Goals A new Community Development Officer will position the County to deliver on existing priorities and plans approved by County Council and incorporated into the new Charter for Economic Development
• Housing • Healthcare • Tourism
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Council Strategic Priority #2 Contribute to the Progress of Sustainable Economic Growth and Prosperity Throughout the County •
Work with Townships to improve and sustain the villages and hamlets across the region.
•
Develop regional tools and policies to support long-term protection of lakes, rivers, and other important environmental features in Frontenac.
•
Support different forms of housing such as small apartments, affordable houses, and seniors housing.
•
Provide business support and resources to existing and prospective businesses.
•
Attract new investments and businesses to Frontenac County.
•
Support workforce development initiatives to create job opportunities and retain talent.
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Committee Endorsement On August 16, 2023, the Planning & Economic Development Committee reviewed Report 2023-095 and passed the following recommendation: Moved By:
Councillor Greenwood-Speers
Seconded By:
Mr. Hage
Be It Resolved That the Committee recommend to County Council that the Economic Development Team continue implementation of the Destination Development Plan, And Further That staff be directed to include Destination Plan implementation in the Planning & Economic Development Budget and Business Plan 2024-2028, And Further That this committee supports the addition of a staff resource to start in 2024 to oversee tourism efforts in the County and to lead the implementation of this plan. The full presentation and committee discussion can be viewed at the 32:16 minute mark of the committee video recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/lfJTne72shg?si=qQ4Yuwd4Zd9V6urB
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Financial Implications The department will spread the impact of starting a community development officer over three years in order to mitigate any potential impacts to the levy. However, using this model, the new Community Development Officer can start in 2026. 2025
2026 CDO Starts
2027
Annual Budget Increase
$43,000
$43,000
$43,000
Annual Levy Increase
0.34%
0.34%
0.34%
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Summary • The Community Development Officer has made an impact . • Department responsibilities have also grown • Charter for Economic Development • Destination Development Plan • Council Priority #2 • County team is a primary resource for Economic Development • Responsible implementation and capacity expansion
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
Questions?
2025 Project Proposal: Community Development Officer Phase In
