New regional economic development body proposed

Councillors from municipalities across Waterloo Region are considering a recommendation to create a new regional body to attract business to the region.

All seven municipalities and the region asked economic planning consultancy firm Malone Given Parsons to review their strategies for attracting and supporting business.

Currently, each of the seven local municipalities promote economic development within their own communities. There is not a regional economic development plan in place.

Jeff Willmer, Kitchener's Chief Administrative Officer, said there are five recommendations in the report, ranging from doing nothing, to complete consolidation of economic development so there is only one regional body trying to woo business.

All seven CAOs and the regional CAO have recommended the creation of a regional body to oversee economic development.

 "What the CAOs are recommending is that we take steps toward the middle of that spectrum, which would establish policy and strategy at the regional level," Willmer said.

"Local municipalities would continue to have various roles in economic development as well."

'Greater coordinated voice for economic development'

Willmer said the conversation around changing the way economic development is promoted in the region started in late 2011 after Maple Leaf Foods decided to close the Schneiders plant on Courtland Avenue and relocate to a new facility in Hamilton.

"As local municipalities and as the regional government, we wanted to understand [if] could we have done things differently to either influence their decision, or to provide the land that they need," Willmer said.

"That's the reason why we engaged MGP to do this study, so we would understand how we deliver economic development services in this region and could we do it better."

Carl Zehr, Mayor of Kitchener, said the change could help better market Waterloo Region on the world stage.

"For those people that are outside of the Region of Waterloo, and particularly outside of this country, they make no distinction between Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the townships. I think we need to have a greater coordinated voice for economic development," he said.

"I hope it's received well. It's not saying we have to throw away everything, and throw the baby out with the bathwater. What it's really trying to do is set the stage for better cooperation. It's taking a baby step at this time."

Kitchener and Cambridge councils review the report Monday, while Waterloo council will discuss the matter June 17. The townships are also expected to consider the recommendations.