Our Projects - Timmins EDC

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Our Projects

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation is currently embarked on several projects aimed at implementing our bold vision in order to continue reaping our bright future. The breadth of these projects ranges from inspiring youth to get involved in entrepreneurship to providing guidance to non-profit organizations. Please see the list below for a detailed account of our most recent projects. The list can also be downloaded here.

If you have any economic development project ideas that would be a great benefit to the community, please submit them here.

Project List

1. Ring of Fire

Project Description & Rationale:
The Ring of Fire is a large mining development in McFaulds Lake. The chromite deposits are held by Cliffs Resources and KWG while Noront holds a copper and nickel deposit in the same area. The Cliffs' Ferrochrome facility would create about 350 jobs in Timmins. We want to ensure that Timmins is considered in Cliff's plans and we also want to see what role we could play with Noront and KWG. We also want to make sure Timmins suppliers have the information they need to be able to bid on projects in the area and develop relationships with key contacts.

2. Business Visitation Program

Project Description & Rationale:
There is a need to work with our local firms to determine what help they may require to eliminate business barriers and be encouraged to expand and create new jobs. The Mayor and the CEO will work together to conduct at least 25 business visits in 2012.

3. TEDC Marketing

Project Description & Rationale:
There is a need to develop TEDC corporate marketing materials. The materials we have are dated and we are running low with supplies. The TEDC needs to ensure that residents are aware of what we are doing in the community. They want to know what projects we are working on, what services we provide, and what our success rate has been. We must also develop community marketing pieces that will help attract investors, residents, and employees.

4. Timmins Brand

Project Description & Rationale:
The City of Timmins Vision 20/20 exercise noted that Timmins needed to develop a brand. The goal of this project will be to acquire at least 75% in funding to develop the brand and work with the City to select the brand and design community marketing material that represents the image we want to portray.

5. Competitive Positioning Strategy

Project Description & Rationale:
The Timmins Economic Development Corporation has been involved in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction for quite some time; however, our approach has not been strategic in nature. We realize that in order to capitalize on the opportunities we need to become more strategic and target our efforts in a direction that is sensible and realistic. We need to target industries in which we have a competitive advantage or offering.

The Growth Plan outlines the following industries as targets: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, aquaculture and food processing, arts, culture and creative industries, digital economy, forestry and value-added forestry related industries, health sciences, mineral sector and mining supply and services, renewable energy and services, tourism, transportation, aviation, and aerospace and water technologies and services. The Department of Foreign Affairs also has similar targets such as: agrifood, information and communications technology (ICT,) plastics and chemicals, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, services (business and financial), and renewable energy. While these are great starting points the question is can Timmins compete in the attraction of these targets? Which ones should we focus on? Are there others we are better suited to approach given our attributes? These are the questions we need answered before we can move forward.

6. Laserfiche Data Management System

Project Description & Rationale:
There is a need to work to organize documents in a logical manner so we can utilize them when required. There is a need to set up a system on Laser fiche. We also need to move all data from the common folders to the Laserfiche system and provide training to all staff on Laserfiche.

7. Diversification Research

Project Description & Rationale:
There is a need to conduct research on key diversification strategies for the community. We need to come up with some strategic hypotheses for the municipality and develop our work plans to achieve these goals in the future. For example, if the goal was to make Timmins the sports tournament capital of the North, what would we need to do to get this moving forward? What are the missing elements and what attributes do we currently have?

This is key strategic research that needs to be undertaken to fully benefit from diversification tactics. We all need to work towards a common goal to take these ideas from concept to reality.

8. Lobbying

Project Description & Rationale:
There is a need to work on projects from the past that were rejected for funding. We need to dust those plans off and move them forward in a cohesive manner with all partners playing a role.

9. Operations - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Project Description & Rationale:
We need to ensure we follow the MOU by signed the TEDC and the City of Timmins.

10. Business Enterprise Centre

Project Description & Rationale:
The Timmins Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) receives funding from the provincial government to provide support to start-up and existing small and medium enterprises. Entrepreneurs are provided with easy access to business consulting services and information covering management, marketing, registration, technology, and financing. Our services are designed to create an entrepreneurial culture, with a goal of producing new employment in the region. All BDRD staff meets and works with clients and provides seminars, presentations and instruction as needed by the various programs. The holistic approach reduces waiting times and increases client contacts. It also prevents gaps in the employee knowledge base.

In 2012, the BEC will continue our Mentorship program, designed to pair new business start-ups with existing entrepreneurs to assist them through the learning curve. We will also increase our client follow-up activity to ensure that we are effectively supporting the businesses as they progress with their operations. We will also increase the accounting support we provide to our clients, as a result of the new designation of our staff member.

The BEC will continue to promote its services in Timmins and surrounding area, increasing our marketing efforts to ensure that the region is aware of our services. We will support the kiosks established in Kapuskasing and Cochrane areas where business activity is increasing as a result of key projects.

11. Start-me-Up

Project Description & Rationale:
In September 2009, the TEDC held its inaugural Start-me-up class. We have secured additional funding from NOHFC and FedNor to launch this program again in September 2012. This will be a co-op program, providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship. We anticipate support from all 5 secondary schools and will seek to recruit 10 students throughout the 2012-13 year to operate the business.

12. Discover Abitibi Phase V

Project Description & Rationale:
Phase V of the Discover Abitibi Initiative concludes in March 2012. The project will apply state-of-the-art technology and methods of exploration to address the knowledge gaps in the Western Abitibi Greenstone belt. The project will also assist in sustaining the existing mining infrastructure through the identification of new mineral deposits.

13. Business Visitation Program

Project Description & Rationale:
Statistics demonstrate that new jobs often result from existing businesses. The TEDC is focused on assisting existing businesses grow and expand, with a goal of increasing overall employment in the community.

In 2012, each permanent full-time employee of the BDRD team will visit a minimum of 25 businesses each to gain more knowledge about their business operations, their products and services, and to offer assistance. We will also gather information to showcase these companies on our websites and in our marketing material. By meeting with entrepreneurs at their location, we will gain a better understanding of how they succeed and will understand some of the barriers and challenges they encounter. Our goal will also be to try to find solutions and opportunities for growth to increase employment.

14. Gap Analysis

Project Description & Rationale:
The gap analysis project was brought forward in 2011, but was put on hold pending the outcome of the strategic planning process, for fear of duplication. Now that the plan is complete, the study can proceed. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation will undertake a study on the types of new businesses that would have a greater opportunity of success in our community based on existing businesses' spending habits. The study would investigate the dollars leaving the community because of the lack of a local supplier. The study based upon demographic, economic, and general purchasing habits of our businesses, determines the potential spendable dollars that our city has in various industry sectors. This study will provide the basis for our industry attraction efforts, allowing us to focus on businesses with the greatest opportunity for success.

15. Timmins Centre of Excellence (CoE)

Project Description & Rationale:
This project will be continuation of the work completed in 2011. From January to September 2011, the TEDC participated in seven meetings of a Chamber-led Task Force to work towards establishing a CoE in Timmins. The Chamber decided to pass control of this initiative on to the TEDC, and, in 2012, the TEDC will work towards re-establishing and expanding this Task Force with the goal of determining what a Timmins CoE will encompass, funding possibilities, and a strategic direction for 2013. A Timmins CoE presents a medium to long-term opportunity to address some of the weaknesses and opportunities identified in the Timmins 2020 Vision, particularly a lack of brand identity for Timmins and the need for a signature project.

16. Western Canada Initiative

Project Description & Rationale:
This is the final year of the Ontario's North Economic Development Corporation's (ONEDC) initiative to create opportunities for Northern Ontario businesses in Western Canada.

Twenty companies from Northern Ontario, including three from Timmins, have been recruited and are actively working with the team and the consultant to identify opportunities for business development. The TEDC will continue to work with the consortium and support our companies in their final year as they seek to export their products and services to Western Canada.

17. Mining Supply and Service Company Exports

Project Description & Rationale:
ONEDC is leading an initiative to assist Northern Ontario mining supply companies enter new markets, whether provincial, national, or international. A series of MNDM programs are designed to provide expertise and financial assistance to these types of companies. The TEDC will ensure that our local companies join in these initiatives and move to increase their exports outside of the community.

18. Restaurant Attraction

Project Description & Rationale:
During the 2011 business visits, several employers cited the lack of restaurants in the community as a potential barrier to attracting new employees. As such, the TEDC will undertake a campaign to try to attract a variety of new restaurants to our community, specifically targeting high end and various ethnic restaurants. This will involve identifying both chain and independent owners that may have offerings that will fill the needs of our community.

19. Business Incubator

Project Description & Rationale:
The Venture Centre approached the TEDC in November 2011 for participation in an initiative to establish possible business incubator for new business start-ups. The Venture Centre, who is leading this initiative, has also involved Northern College representatives, who have expressed interest in housing the incubator and providing physical space to entrepreneurs. The TEDC gave the Venture Centre all past research done on our 2008 project that examined the feasibility of creating a mining incubator to assist junior exploration companies. Overall this project involves minimal work on the part of the TEDC other than to attend committee meetings and provided input on research and work plans as presented. It provides an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and work with the Venture Centre and Northern College.

20. Housing

Project Description & Rationale:
The housing project will work to build housing capacity within the community that will allow for population growth and retention. Through this project, the CED team will build on the work completed in 2011 (housing analysis, land database, developer database, and marketing), follow up with potential investors, and assist those interested in Timmins to ensure new housing units are constructed.

21. Agriculture

Project Description & Rationale:
The agriculture project will work to diversify the economy by pursuing the attraction of new agriculture development in Timmins. This project will build on the work completed by the NeCN in 2011 and it will be focusing specifically on the marketing and attraction potential of new agriculture investors to the area.

22. Local Immigration Partnerships - Phase 2/Phase 3

Project Description & Rationale:
The Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) project will provide a collaborative framework for settlement services. The LIP will continue to facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable local solutions for successful immigration to Timmins. LIP follows the government fiscal year (April 1 -March 31) and will therefore see the conclusion of Phase 2 and partial implementation of Phase 3 in 2012. Phase 3 of the LIP initiative will allow the LIP Council to continue their work and build on the outcomes of Phase 1 & 2. The LIP coordinator will work with the LIP Council and sub-committees to ensure the successful implementation of the work plan.

23. Proposal Writing Workshop Development

Project Description & Rationale:
The TEDC in partnership with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration will work to develop a proposal writing training session for non-profits or community service organizations. Proposal writing webinars will be developed once the training program is finalized. This project will work to build capacity within the non-profit sector to understand funding guideline, write proposals, and successfully receive funding to initiate and move projects forward.

24. Timmins and District Aboriginal Partnership Project - Year 2

Project Description & Rationale:
The Timmins and District Aboriginal Partners Project is a three year endeavour funded by FedNor and OMAFRA - Red Program and partners. The purpose of the project is to enhance the partnerships and relationships between the TEDC, aboriginal organizations, and the First Nation communities surrounding Timmins and the James Bay Coast. The goal is to work with Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, Wabun Tribal Council, and the Urban Aboriginal population to promote and develop initiatives that will lead to barrier removal, job creation, and business development opportunities. OMAFRA and FEDNOR have extended the funding for this project to March 2013.

25. Employer Ambassador Program

Project Description & Rationale:
The Employer Ambassador Program will engage employers and key stakeholders proactively and strategically in the integration of immigrants and newcomers into the labour market. It will create an environment of collaboration in the delivery of effective and innovative labour market integration programs for immigrants. This initiative will be led by an immigration project coordinator who will work directly with the Employer Council to develop tools, resources, and information that will assist employers to attract, hire, and retain immigrants.

26. Immigration Portal Marketing

Project Description & Rationale:
The goal of the project is to implement marketing activities to assist in the attraction of newcomers to the community by driving traffic to the immigrationtimmins.ca web portal. The site is utilized as a tool for internal and external marketing. Marketing to the community internally provides local awareness of immigration information and strategies to our community and provides tools on the website and through the Employers Council to assist employers to attract, integrate, and retain immigrants and newcomers. Marketing the community externally provides a mechanism for people to consider Timmins as a place for investment and as a viable option for employment and residency. Immigrants and newcomers to Canada still need to be made aware that the City of Timmins exists as a community of choice to relocate and establish roots.

27. Immigration Portal Special Project

Project Description & Rationale:
This is a two-fold project working with Northern Ontario partners for marketing and promotion and the enhancement of the Human Resources Support Services Centre (HR North) tool. The first goal is to build on the successes of the previous marketing campaign of the immigrationnorthernontario.ca initiative with the Municipal Immigration Information Online Program (MIIO) partner communities of Northeastern Ontario including North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Timmins. The second part is to enhance the HR North project, which is a pilot project led by North Bay and Timmins. The concept is to build on a HR North that will serve small and medium-sized enterprises in North Bay, Timmins, and surrounding areas. The long-term goal is to develop the program as a model which can then be replicated in other under-serviced communities throughout Canada.

This project is contingent on funding.

28. University Programming

Project Description & Rationale:
The goal of this project is to develop on-going post secondary educational opportunities to meet and fulfill the needs of the Timmins region in regards to English University programming. Timmins is the only city of the major centres in Northern Ontario that does not have an English-language university campus.

29. Geriatric Research and Assessment Centre

Project Description & Rationale:
The goal of this initiative is to identify the need and the methodology to establish a geriatric assessment centre with a research component in Timmins. The centre is to provide creative solutions for the challenging needs of older adults and the frail elderly.

30. Timmins Community Gardens - Expansion Project

Project Description & Rationale:
The Timmins Community Gardens is a community vitality project that promotes a healthy active community and local food production. The Timmins Community Gardens is a volunteer project with community partners and community-minded volunteers. Building on past successes of the pilot project and expansion at the Riverview site location, the goal of this project is to build a site to service the community in the East End. The new site for the expansion will be located on the lands at Northern College.

31. Beautification One Block at a Time

Project Description & Rationale:
The goal of the project is to revitalize and/or beautify small areas or sections the community.
The beautification will enhance community appearance, add to home values, help attract business investment, and overall improves the neighborhood reputation and look.