ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
2004-10-25
Meeting No. 4
Attendance
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J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
J. Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services
A. Taylor,
Commissioner of Corporate Services
S. Chait,
Director, Economic Development
D. Ciastko,
Economic Development Officer
T. Lambe,
Manager, Policy and Research
T. Northcott,
Senior Economic Development Officer
V.
Shuttleworth, Director, Planning and Urban Design
B. Varner,
Real Property Manager
C. Raynor,
Committee Clerk
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The Economic Development Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m.
with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
None
disclosed.
1. 2005 GREATER TORONTO MARKETING ALLIANCE
MISSION TO INDIA (10.16) Report 1
Mr. S. Chait
advised that the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) has offered a number
of invitations to organizations in the Greater Toronto Area to attend a
delegation to India. Staff recommend joining the delegation in Hyderabad and
Mumbai for a total of six (6) days. It was noted that ATI has expressed an
interest in attending with the Town.
The Committee
suggested that it may be beneficial to attend the full two (2) week delegation
rather than just six (6) days. Staff noted that some days may be less valuable
since they will be focussed primarily on protocol matters, but staff agreed to
review the matter with the GTMA.
The Committee
also sought reassurance on the merit of the trip. Staff advised that it will be
useful to gather market intelligence. The Committee suggested that staff also
examine the work of neighbouring States.
There was some
discussion of the merits of a possible delegation to Pakistan.
The Committee
suggested that to select a Council attendee, staff conduct a poll of
Councillors in order to determine their availability and willingness to attend.
**Moved by
Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by
Regional Councillor J. Jones
That
the report entitled “2005 Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) Mission to
India” be received;
And
that pre-budget approval be given to Councillor K. Usman and the Economic
Development Director to represent Markham as part of a Greater Toronto Area
business delegation at a cost not to exceed $12,900 to be funded as follows:
$11,900 from within the 2005 base budget Business Travel account #610-9985201
and $1,000 from within the 2005 base budget Business Development account
#610-9985808;
And that the possibility of the Mission being
extended by three (3) days to visit Pakistan including Councillor Usman, the
Economic Development Director and interested members of the business community
be referred to the Economic Development Committee.
**Amended
by Council on November 16, 2004, as follows:
In clause 2, to delete the words, “one member
of Council”, and replace them with the words, “Councillor K. Usman”;
To insert new clause 3:
“And
that the possibility of the Mission being extended by three (3) days to visit
Pakistan including Councillor Usman, the Economic Development Director and
interested members of the business community be referred to the Economic
Development Committee.”
2. TORONTO
REGION RESEARCH ALLIANCE (10.16) Report
Mr.
D. Pecaut, Toronto Region Research Alliance (TRRA), provided a summary of the
objectives of the TRRA. He noted that its focus will be in the technology and
life science sectors, and that its scope will be the entire Golden Horseshoe.
Its objectives will be to assist in the promotion of the area and its
excellence in certain sectors, as well as the coordination of funding requests
to various levels of Government.
Mr.
Pecaut noted that the estimated operating cost of the TRRA will be $3.5 million
per year. He advised that all six (6) universities in the area have committed
funds, and that the Provincial Government will fund one-third of the costs. The
TRRA is approaching other businesses and municipalities and is seeking funding
commitments for the next three (3) years by the end of 2004.
The
Committee suggested that Mr. Pecaut also make a presentation to York Region.
Moved
by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded
by Councillor D. Horchik
That
the report entitled “Toronto Region Research Alliance” (TRRA) be received;
And
that Mr. D. Pecaut, of the TRRA, be thanked for his presentation to the October
25, 2004 Economic Development Committee;
And
that Markham Council endorse the establishment of the TRRA in principle;
And
further that staff bring forward a capital funding request to be considered as
part of the 2005 Capital Budget in support of the Town of Markham taking part
in the proposed TRRA.
CARRIED
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Other
matters considered by Economic Development Committee on October 25, 2004
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ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of
10:45 a.m.