ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
2004-09-13
Meeting No. 3
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief Administrative
Officer
A. Taylor, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
J. Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
D. Ciastko, Business
Development Officer
S. Chait, Director, Economic
Development
B. Glandfield, ISCM
President and CEO
T. Northcott, Senior Business
Development Officer
B. Labelle, Committee Clerk
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk
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The Economic Development
Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the
Chair.
DISCLOSURE
OF INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. SARS RECOVERY PROGRAM, FINAL REPORT
(7.6 & 16.24, 13.4.4) Weblink
Mr. T. Northcott, Senior Business Development Officer, provided a final
report on the SARS Recovery Program. It was noted that York Region is awaiting
the final $25,000 of funding from the Province. Mr. Northcott provided comments
from Mr. C. Hales, Chair of the North East Toronto Hotel Association, stating
that hotels are experiencing some recovery in the aftermath of SARS, but that
work is still needed to elevate the situation to pre-SARS levels.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the report entitled “SARS
Recovery Program – Final Report”, dated September 13, 2004, be received;
And that “Thank You” letters
be sent on behalf of Markham Council to Brenda McGowan, York Region Tourism
Coordinator; Chris Hales, Chair of the North East Toronto Hotel Association
(and GM of the Radisson Hotel); and the Province of Ontario (for its $100,000
support);
And that Regional Councillor
Bill O’Donnell (Task Force Chair), and members of the Markham SARS Economic
Recovery Task Force (Deputy Mayor Scarpitti, Councillor Usman, Councillor Chiu,
and former Regional Councillor Tony Wong) be acknowledged;
And
further that upon receipt of York Region’s final report to the Province and
Markham in late fall, 2004, that the report be circulated to Committee,
Council, Finance and the Clerk’s office.
CARRIED
2. MARKETING PROGRAM FOR BALANCE OF 2004
(10.16) Weblink
Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, outlined the
marketing program for the balance of 2004. Mr. Chait noted that two (2) major
opportunities are being pursued: an open house for Consular officials in the
Greater Toronto Area, and a showcase for realtors and developers in the area.
Both events will take place mid-October to mid-November.
Moved by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones
That the presentation of the Director, Economic Development, regarding
the Marketing Program for the Balance of 2004, be received.
And that Councillor A. Chiu and Economic Development Officer D. Ciastko
be authorized to represent Markham at the Corenet Global business conference in
San Antonio, TX at a cost not to exceed $4,500 to be funded from within the
approved Business Travel account #610-9985201.
CARRIED
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Other matters considered by Economic Development
Committee on September 13, 2004
3. ISCM STATUS REPORT
INNOVATION SYNERGY CENTRE
(10.16)
Mr. B. Glandfield, ISCM President and CEO, provided an overview of the
activities of the Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham. It was noted that the
Centre has received a number of endorsements, and the Committee was presented
with positive news articles about the Centre featured in York Region Newspaper
Group publications, and MaRS News.
There was general discussion surrounding the incentives for companies to
stay in, or leave, Canada. It was noted that there are tax incentives for
companies to keep their Research and Development centres in Canada, but that
some high-tech companies prefer to be closer to clients and venture capitalists
located in the United States.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
That the presentation of the President and CEO, Innovation Synergy
Centre, regarding the ISCM Status Report, be received.
CARRIED
4. NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE
AND ON-LINE TOOLS (10.16, 7.13
& 12.2.6) Weblink
Mr. D. Ciastko, Business Development Officer, gave a brief overview of
the new Economic Development website. Mr. Ciastko thanked Ms. F. Lee, Website
Administrator, for her assistance in the design and implementation of the
website.
The Committee stated that it may be preferable to incorporate a design
that limits the need to scroll through pages. It was noted that the website has
a function allowing users to give feedback.
Moved by Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell
Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik
That the presentation of the Economic Development Officer, regarding the
New Economic Development Website and On-Line Tools, be received.
CARRIED
5. MID-YEAR 2004 BUSINESS PLAN REVIEW
(10.16) Weblink
Mr. S. Chait, Director, Economic Development, gave a detailed Mid-Year
2004 Business Plan Review. There was considerable discussion surrounding the
availability of land in the Town. Mr. Chait noted that most enquiries relate to
lands in excess of five (5) acres, and that such space is not widely available.
It was suggested that the Town may need to acquire such land so it can be made
available in the future. It was also noted that some landowners prefer to rent,
rather than sell, their land.
There was also some discussion on the merits of cultivating
relationships with China. Mr. Chait advised that a report on the matter will be
forthcoming to a future meeting of the Committee.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
That the presentation of the Director, Economic Development, regarding
the Mid-Year 2004 Business Plan Review, be received.
And that staff prepare Terms of Reference, for review by the Committee
at its next meeting, for a report to investigate opportunities for land
acquisition along the Highway 404 and Highway 407 corridors.
CARRIED
6. HIGHLIGHTS OF AUGUST 2004 MARKHAM
MISSION TO CARY, NORTH
CAROLINA (10.16 & 12.2.6)
It was agreed to defer the report on the Markham Mission to Cary, North
Carolina until the next meeting of the Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The Economic Development
Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 10:50 a.m.