Program: Economic Development Program Based Budget 2014 2016 Page 321
Program: Economic Development Vision Statement: To be recognized by companies as the premier town in Canada in which to locate. Mission Statement: To support existing businesses and attract new ones so that Oakville s business environment is strong, diversified and prosperous. Program Description Economic Development The Economic Development department is one of seven departments in the Town of Oakville s Community Development Commission, along with Building, Planning, Development Engineering, Environmental Policy, Strategic Business Support, and Engineering & Construction. Economic Development may be viewed as a first point of contact for companies, providing access to the various departments with which they engage. The basis for the work of departmental staff is the town s Economic Development Strategy 2009-2019, which includes three main goals: Attract knowledge based industries in the professional services, advanced manufacturing, digital media & animation, and life sciences sectors. Respond to the needs to the business community in order to foster business retention and expansion. Explore international business opportunities. Tourism Tourism services are delivered by The Oakville Tourism Partnership Inc, (OTP), a not-for-profit organization comprising volunteer stakeholders in the local community. OTP focuses on tourism activities that will position the Town of Oakville as a desirable place to visit, enjoy attractions and restaurants, and to shop. It functions as a hub that connects people and coordinates the activities in tourism including provincially funded Regional Tourism Organizations; town departments and facilities; BIAs; Oakville Chamber of Commerce; Halton Region; and local businesses such as hotels, restaurants and retailers. Page 322
Program Services The Economic Development department provides the following services: Marketing to attract new companies and investment. Corporate Calling Program and business assistance. Site selection services and employment land supply. Industry development in targeted sectors. Industry events for business retention, expansion and attraction. Research and analysis. The Oakville Tourism Partnership Inc., an external not-for-profit organization, provides the following services: Marketing Visitor and Community Services Industry Engagement Product Development Customer Service Training and Coordination Staffing Overview 2012 2013 2014 2014 2014 2014 Net Approved Approved Capital Service Reallocation Total Change Services/Activities: FTE FTE Impact Level Change of Staff FTE 2014 vs 2013 Economic Development 4.0 4.3 4.3 0.0 Total 4.0 4.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.3 0.0 Page 323
Program Services Budget Overview 2013 Restated 2014 Requested Gross Net Gross Net Change Change Services/Activities: Budget Budget Budget Budget 2014 vs 2013 2014 vs 2013 (%) Administration 223,900 223,900 227,900 227,900 4,000 1.8% Economic Development 384,100 384,100 401,200 401,200 17,100 4.5% Tourism 39,000 39,000 39,000 39,000 0 0.0% Total Economic Development 647,000 647,000 668,100 668,100 21,100 3.3% Overall, the Economic Development program has increased by $21,100 or 3.3%. The increase is primarily attributable to increases in salaries and benefits. Level of Services Offered Net Net Most municipalities provide standard services for business retention, expansion and attraction; sector development; and research. Not all municipalities provide tourism services. A review of three neighbouring municipalities revealed that tourism is not provided in Mississauga, but is provided in Guelph through the city s economic development department and in Burlington through the city s financial support of Tourism Burlington. Additional services noted in the comparator municipalities include, Mississauga, which runs a Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for start-up companies, and Guelph, which provides financial support for a Small Business Enterprise Centre. In Halton, these small business services are provided at the regional level. Services provided by Oakville are consistent with standard municipal practice. The effectiveness and efficiency of these services is reviewed through the towns performance-based, program based budgeting process. Key Objectives (Initiatives) for 2014 2016 The following objectives for Economic Development will help meet council s strategic objectives to enhance our economic environment and to be highly valued and widely celebrated for the innovative and outstanding way we satisfy the needs of our businesses: Provide analysis and recommendations for sector development in life sciences; advanced manufacturing; professional & financial services; and digital media. Grow targeted knowledge-based industries through sector development. Provide site selection services and implement marketing plan for business attraction. Provide outreach to the business community through information, corporate calling program, business facilitation, and events. Conduct forums/events for targeted industry sectors. Undertake a feasibility assessment for a brownfield pilot program dealing with the redevelopment of employment lands. Assist the Bronte BIA in the implementation of the 2012 Action Plan to improve the business conditions in Bronte. Page 324
Follow-up business opportunities resulting from the 2012 Trade Mission to China and the 2013 Oakville-China Business Forum. Develop a process approval guide for business. Explore partnership opportunities with Sheridan College to leverage resources for applied research that assists local companies. Key Outcomes A growing and diversified economy as measured by the square footage of commercial land developed. The 2013 target of 300,000 sq. ft. has been exceeded. Major commercial developments include a 60,000 sq. ft. spec. office complex and a 75,000 sq. ft. multi-tenant commercial building in Great Lakes Business Park; the 9,000 sq. ft. ifly Toronto skydiving simulation facility; and a 146,000 sq. ft. parking structure at 39 Hays Blvd. Commercial development at year end 2013 (excluding alterations and improvements) is estimated to reach 800,000 sq. ft. (of which 580,000 sq. ft. is development of parking structures). The 2014 target is 340,000 sq. ft. A growing and diversified economy as measured by the square footage of industrial land developed. The target of 55,000 sq. ft. in 2013 has not been met. The year to date developments totaling approximately 7,800 sq. ft. include additions to smaller industrial buildings. Industrial development at year end (excluding alterations and improvements) is estimated to be 20,000 sq. ft. Oakville has a relatively better competitive position in the office market than in industrial; future industrial development is expected to be lower than 5 and 10 year averages. The 2014 target is 30,000 sq. ft. Increased business community engagement through targeted events including the Ontario Auto-Mayors Roundtable; Oakville-China Business Forum; Realtor & Developer Presentations at the Canadian Open and Halton Real Estate Forum; and Consultation with the Bronte BIA businesses and toolkit development. 2014 Program Budget Drivers 2013 2014 2014 2014 $ % Restated Base Capital Requested Change Change Budget Budget Impact Budget From 2013 From 2013 Expenses: Personnel Services & Benefits 513,400 530,700 0 530,700 17,300 3.4% Materials & Supplies 10,200 10,300 0 10,300 100 1.0% Purchased Services 85,900 89,600 0 89,600 3,700 4.3% Payments & Grants 37,500 37,500 0 37,500 0 0.0% Internal Expenses & Transfers 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Total Expenses 647,000 668,100 0 668,100 21,100 3.3% Revenues: External Revenues 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Internal Recovery & Fund Trsfs 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% Total Revenues 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% TAX LEVY 647,000 668,100 0 668,100 21,100 3.3% Page 325
In 2014, the Economic Development program has increased by $21,100 or 3.3%. The main drivers for the change are the following. Personnel Services and Benefits have increased by $17,300 due to CUPE 1329 contract requirements as well as inflationary increases for other wage groups and benefits. Purchased Services have increased by $3,700 due to an increase in official promotion services. 2015-2016 Expenditure Summary 2014 2015 2014-2015 2016 2015-2016 Requested Forecast Change Forecast Change Budget Base Budget (%) Base Budget (%) Gross Expenditures Economic Development 629,100 652,200 3.7% 676,200 3.7% Tourism 39,000 39,000 0.0% 39,800 2.1% Total Gross Expenditures 668,100 691,200 3.5% 716,000 3.6% Tax Levy Economic Development 629,100 652,200 3.7% 676,200 3.7% Tourism 39,000 39,000 0.0% 39,800 2.1% Total Tax Levy 668,100 691,200 3.5% 716,000 3.6% Gross Expenditures By Type Personnel Services & Benefits 530,700 548,700 3.4% 566,300 3.2% Materials & Supplies 10,300 10,300 0.0% 10,500 1.9% Purchased Services 89,600 94,700 5.7% 100,900 6.5% Internal Charges 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Other Expenditures 37,500 37,500 0.0% 38,300 2.1% Minor Capital & Transfer to Reserves 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Total Expenditures 668,100 691,200 3.5% 716,000 3.6% Revenues By Type Activity Revenue 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Internal Recoveries 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Grants 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Other Revenue 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Total Revenues 0 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Tax Levy 668,100 691,200 3.5% 716,000 3.6% Page 326
2015 personnel expenditures include CUPE 1329 contractual requirements as well as inflationary increases for other wage groups and benefits. 2016 budgets reflect inflationary increases only. Page 327
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