Ontario invests in Chatham-Kent economic strategy
April 4, 2008 4:58 PM
McGuinty Government Helping To Diversify Local Economy
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will use a grant from the provincial government to diversify its local economy and promote its reputation as a desirable destination for both business and leisure.
The $260,000 grant is part of the Communities in Transition program, which helps communities attract new investments and retain existing businesses by becoming more "investment-ready."
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Economic Development and Tourism Strategy includes:
- Enhancing online economic development and tourism services.
- Identifying agricultural products to create opportunities in the bio-manufacturing sector.
- Examining the feasibility of an R&D centre for composite materials. Tourism product development.
QUICK FACTS
- Chatham-Kent has a population of 108,000.
- Manufacturing is Chatham-Kent's largest industry, representing 23 per cent of the labour force.
- Across the province, manufacturing represents 16.4 per cent of the labour force (2001 data).
- Chatham-Kent previously received Communities in Transition funding in 2006 to establish the Wallaceburg Community Task Force , a two-year pilot project.
CONTACTS
- Brian Worral
Communications Officer, Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 ext. 36
ontario.ca/economy
"We are working side-by-side with Chatham-Kent to boost the local economy. This community is home to a highly skilled workforce and by working together we can find new, creative solutions and attract investment that will revitalize this local economy."
– Sandra Pupatello
Minister of International Trade and Investment
"This is great news for the people of Chatham-Kent. Our government is giving important tools to this community to look at options and find solutions."
– Pat Hoy
MPP, Chatham-Kent-Essex
"Chatham-Kent has very valuable skills and resources in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, and we intend to continue building on these strengths and forming new partnerships to create diverse, innovative new ventures. This funding will provide our community with some of the tools needed to achieve these objectives. On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Council and the community, I would like to express our gratitude to the Government of Ontario and the Communities in Transition program."
– Randy Hope
Mayor of Chatham-Kent
"These projects were identified as opportunities in our updated economic development and tourism strategy, and in consultation with key business stakeholders. This funding will allow us to aggressively work on these exciting initiatives and ultimately bring new investment, retain existing businesses and encourage tourism activity in the community."
– Aileen Murray
Acting Director of Economic Development Services
Communities
