Economic Development Strategy

Elevating Lake of Bays: Renewing the Economic Development Strategy for 2024 and Beyond

As the Township of Lake of Bays embarks on updating its Economic Development Strategy, this initiative stands as a pivotal next step following the approval of Community Improvement Plan. Aimed at thoroughly assessing and refining the economic landscape, the project is designed to scrutinize existing economic challenges and opportunities, revisiting goals to establish a robust framework that underpins future growth and investment in the community.

Since the inception of the previous 2017 Economic Development Strategy, significant shifts, including the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have dramatically altered the economic environment. This includes changes in travel and tourism dynamics, the rise of remote work, increased societal disparities, food security concerns, community event restructuring, and housing affordability issues. The strategy's refresh will enable the Township to navigate and respond to these evolving challenges, enhancing the community's resilience and prosperity.

The updated Economic Development Strategy is envisioned to catalyze business growth, ensuring balance assuring Lake of Bays remains an exemplary place to live, work, and visit. It will seek an optimal harmony of economic, environmental, and community aspirations, with community input playing a crucial role in shaping its direction.

The strategy revision will be inclusive, leveraging extensive community consultation and research, offering numerous avenues for stakeholder engagement. This includes online and in-person surveys, community discussions, workshops, and active social media interactions, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and ideas are captured and integrated into the strategic planning process. This comprehensive approach aims to fortify the Township's economic foundation, making Lake of Bays an increasingly appealing destination for businesses, residents, and tourists alike.

Public Engagement

Community, business, and stakeholder consultations will occur between November 2023 and June 2024. This engagement website will be updated regularly with information on the process and how to contribute as the project unfolds to keep you informed and up to date.

We encourage you to regularly visit this website and the Township’s social media channels over the coming months as we launch a ‘Question of the Week’ campaign designed to garner important feedback from the community. Other forms of consultation will include public information sessions, in-person focus groups, workshops, and surveys.

To receive future updates on the Economic Development Strategy, subscribe to our Economic Development news.

Community Workshops - CLOSED

Public Consultations in Dwight and Baysville - CLOSED

In-Person Assistance

In addition to our Engagement Sessions, The Township of Lake of Bays is also offering in-person assistance at the Township office. Our staff will be available to assist you in submitting your feedback and ideas regarding the Economic Development Strategy.

Municipal Office: 1012 Dwight Beach Rd Dwight, ON P0A 1H0

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Timeline

✅ Early Priorities
^{September 2023}
Staff and consultants strategically consider previous concerns and values expressed by our businesses and residents to direct public engagement for the Economic Development Strategy

✅ Public Engagement
^{November 2023 to April 2024}
- Conduct surveys to capture businesses’, community members’, and community organizations’ thoughts on the best opportunities, challenges, concerns, and ideas related to economic development. Ends April 1, 2024.

- April 2, 2024: Council Economic Development Education session with Oosterbaan Strategy (Open Session). Start at 9:00 A.M.

- April 8, 2024: Economic Development Strategy Engagement Sessions in Dwight from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. at the Community Centre in Dwight and in Baysville from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at the Community Centre in Baysville

⚫ Council Draft Strategy Presentation
June 4, 2024

Draft Economic Development Strategy to be presented at the Regular Council meeting. Share survey and engagement findings, along with the draft strategy, for public review.

⚫ Council Final Strategy Presentation
^{July 9, 2024}

The Final Economic Development Strategy will be presented to Council.

Documents:

📄Previous 2017 Economic Development Strategy

Who's Listening

April Best-Sararas
Director of Planning Services
Township of Lake of Bays
Phone: 705-635-2272 ext. 1252
Email: abest-sararas@lakeofbays.on.ca