Co-operation unanimously was chosen as the number-one priority for economic development in Rainy River District during a public forum Saturday in Emo.
The private sector, education, municipalities, First Nations, Chambers of Commerce, and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines were all represented at the information session and workshop hosted by the Rainy River Future Development Corp.
And everyone appeared to readily agree that working together was the most important initiative to focus on.
“There’s so much about [economic development] that came out loud and clear. We just have to work closer together,” said La Vallee Reeve Ken McKinnon.
The session, run by Jack Allston of Paragon Decision Resources, which recently released a report on the strengths and weaknesses facing the district, had participants work through those aspects and together priorize economic development initiatives here.
It also was designed to educate district leaders on the importance of economic development.
“My big concern is leading citizens have little knowledge of economic development. They are saying ‘the government will take care of us,’” said Allston. “If you’re not getting money from your city, go out and get it. You have to do it.”
But Allston stressed co-operation was key and without all the players on board, promoting the entire district would be tough.
“Yes, I think the district has to pull together because what benefits one benefits all,” agreed Percy Champagne, director/mill manager at Voyageur Panel in Barwick.
“I’ve been here five years and I’ve felt some of the rifts between municipalities.
“I saw a real big link between economic development and training so I thought I’d come out and get committed,” he added. “It would be good for the economy and for the OSB [mill].”
“We don’t have a very big business base but I feel we have a responsibility to the whole district,” echoed Reeve McKinnon. “An opportunity in the district is an opportunity for everybody.”
The session was held to promote the idea of economic development to the district leaders.
“There were people who were critical of the Paragon report and when they left the meeting, they had a totally different view,” said RRFDC chair Telford Advent. “We stack up well against other areas.”
“I think the report itself seemed to be a pretty fair evaluation of things. I was pleased to see it didn’t say everything was a big rosy picture,” agreed Morley Reeve Gary Gamsby.
Morley is one of the municipalities the RRFDC has been pushing to join the corporation.
“Last year, the RRFDC made a presentation to our council and we listened and went to some meetings and we discussed and it came out not to join,” noted Reeve Gamsby.
“The RRFDC has asked us to put in on the agenda again in January and I’m willing to have another good discussion about economic development when our council is filled and if that’s the way council wants to go, I’ll be behind it.”
During the session, the group listed a number of other important economic initiatives for the district, including:
•educating community leaders on economic development;
•improved infrastructure (telecommunication and roads);
•partnership with First Nations;
•marketing the area and supporting existing businesses;
•easing relocation to the district;
•forming a united district plan;
•offering local training and education; and
•enhancing social responsibility of local industry.
There was some concern the district’s largest municipality, Fort Frances, was not represented at the session.
“I was really disappointed that there wasn’t one person from their council or administration,” said McKinnon. “I was really sad that there wasn’t more people there.
“We really should see representation from all of the municipalities.”