Body: Council Type: Document Meeting: Regular Date: 2023 Collection: Agenda Attachments Municipality: Frontenac County
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/frontenac-county/Item Attachments/Agenda Item/2023/March/Mr. Jason Kipfer and Mr. Xiao Xiao, Explorer Solutions will take Council through the Focus Group Discussion presentation./Frontenac County Strategic Plan Workshop Focus Group Discussion.pdf)
Document Text
Frontenac County
County Strategic Plan (2023 – 2026)
County of Frontenac Council Focus Group Discussion: March 15, 2023
Agenda
- Project Goals & Objectives
- How is a County Strategic Plan used?
- Summary of Planned Engagement Activities
- Setting the Stage: Review of Frontenac County Vision / Mission (2019-2022)
- Setting the Stage: Review of Frontenac County Strategic Priorities (2019-2022)
- Council Focus Group Questions
- Next Steps
Project Goals & Objectives • A County Strategic Plan defines strategic objectives with achievable outcomes that are distinct from the standard operating initiatives the County undertakes year after year. • Strategic planning is a process by which an organization assesses how it is doing, figures out where it wants to go, and charts a path to get there.
• Strategic plans also help define important goals, set specific directions, and clarify policy and budget priorities. • Since activities like budgeting and capital planning are undertaken during the regular course of work, there is no distinct outcome or completion point to these activities. While a vital part of municipal government, these activities are not in themselves strategic objectives as these plans will continue to be discussed and developed on a continual basis.
How is a County Strategic Plan used? • This plan will enable County Administration and Council, member municipalities, the local business community and community stakeholders to work together to champion a sustainable growth agenda for the County. • For the Public: • Communicates a four-year vision for the County and the related priorities for this term of Council. • Reflects the County’s aspirations and input for the services they receive. • Formalize County Council’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction for all residents of the County. • For Businesses and Community Organizations: • Reflects the County’s commitment to partnering with businesses and community organizations to achieve the County’s four-year goals. • For County Council, Managers and Employees: • Informs policy, operational, and budget decisions. • Provide a structure to ensure oversight and management of County programs and services.
Summary of Planned Engagement Activities Objective • Strengthen our understanding of the local context (given post-pandemic and current economic/worldly events). • Gain insights into current and emerging strategic priority areas throughout Frontenac County. • Support the development of strategic recommendations for inclusion within the County Strategic Plan. Planned Engagement Activities • Facilitated Focus Group Discussions (x5) • Targeted One-on-One Meetings (x10) • Public Open House (x2) • General Public Online Survey • Youth Consultation Online Survey
Setting the Stage: Frontenac County Vision / Mission (2019-2022) Mission • The effective, efficient and sustainable delivery of services to citizens. Vision • The County of Frontenac is committed to sustaining diverse, strong, and resilient rural communities known for their unique natural environment and lifestyle choices.
Setting the Stage: Frontenac County Strategic Priority #1 (2019-2022) Get behind plans that build community vitality and resilience in times of growth and change. a) Provide committed leadership and continuing support to the long-term regional plan to enhance broadband and cell service.
b) Refine and invest in efforts to accelerate economic development — to grow businesses, attract more visits and expand the tax base. c) Pursue proactive planning approaches that reflect local concerns and priorities within strategic regional planning policy so as to enhance service levels, manage rising demand for new housing and deal with new types of development.
Setting the Stage: Frontenac County Strategic Priority #2 (2019-2022) Explore new funding sources and invest wisely in critical long-term infrastructure.
a) To meet the needs of future capital projects, explore new sources of funding support (current and future programs), cost-sharing options and other potential economies. b) Design a framework, explore options and initiate plans for development of a longterm care facility that will meet Fairmount Home’s mandate. c) Develop plans within a changing legislative and service delivery landscape to provide additional facilities for Frontenac Paramedics that will effectively meet steadily growing demand for services and accommodate more paramedic training. d) Finalize plans and financing to replace/construct/renovate aging County buildings now used for administration services (through a shared admin facility if possible).
e) Explore a collaborative upper-tier role for the County in securing potential funding and support for township maintenance of roads & bridges in a regional road system.
Setting the Stage: Frontenac County Strategic Priority #3 (2019-2022) Champion and coordinate collaborative efforts with partners to resolve complex problems otherwise beyond the reach of individual mandates and jurisdictions. a) Work with the townships, other municipalities and levels of government on broad infrastructure issues — ranging from environmental concerns to regional transportation strategies for residential, social and economic purposes, and access to funding. b) Play a leadership role on communications to promote shared messaging for all regional initiatives such as economic development, tourism and lifestyle opportunities, and broadband and cell services. c) Continue to pursue collaborative opportunities to achieve service and cost efficiencies and other economies through cost-sharing and shared services.
Frontenac County Council Focus Group Questions
Frontenac County Council Focus Group Questions
- What Elements Should be Considered in Frontenac County’s Updated Mission and Vision Statements?
- What should be Frontenac County’s areas of strategic focus?
- What new areas of programming/services should be considered by Frontenac County?
- How can/should the County’s Strategic Plan help each of the Townships deliver upon their goals?
- How can Frontenac County services be delivered more efficiently, effectively and economically?
- How can Frontenac County advance community engagement in order to improve service to citizens?
- What partnerships and/or collaborative opportunities can/should Frontenac County develop/strengthen?
- Additional thoughts, comments or suggestions for consideration in the development of Frontenac County’s Strategic Plan?
Next Steps
Complete the Planned Engagement Activities
Planning Session
County Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2026 (Draft Report Submission)
Staff Review
Incorporate Feedback and Complete Final County Strategy and Action Plan
Presentation to Frontenac County Council for Approval and Adoption
Thank You! Please contact us with any additional thoughts, comments or suggestions for consideration in the development of Frontenac County’s Strategic Plan?
Jason Kipfer
Director of Economic Development T. 226-868-4011 E. jason@explorersolutions.ca
Xiao Xiao
Market Research Analyst T. 226-374-5505 E. xiao@explorersolutions.ca
