PARRY SOUND – Carling Township has joined McDougall, Parry Sound and Seguin on the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee (REDAC).
Both Carling and McKellar townships opted to undertake a three-meeting trial period in May.
The last trial meeting is set for the first meeting after the summer break on September 23.
REDAC is currently planning for a strategy meeting in October and offered McKellar and Carling the opportunity to join early and help plan for that fall session, said area economic development coordinator Kirsten LeDrew.
“The Township of Carling has not made economic development a priority in the past and now looks forward to participating in conversations and initiatives that support the area as a whole,” said Carling Township Mayor Gord Harrison in a press release.
Founding partners
Seguin, McDougall and Parry Sound formed REDAC in 2007 in order to provide boundary-free economic development to the entire region.
Municipalities that participate in REDAC believe that economic development in any one of the municipalities is beneficial to all.
“I think that the spirit of cooperation amongst Parry Sound area municipalities has never been better.
Carling’s decision to join REDAC reinforces our efforts as we strive to make our area a better place to live, work, and play,” said REDAC chair Jim Beatty in a press release.
McKellar Township plans to attend the last trial meeting before a final decision is made.
REDAC looks forward to Carling’s participation in the upcoming strategy session at which all members will discuss the focus and projects for 2012.
Some initiatives that REDAC completed in the last year include Parry Sound Area Dragons Den, the Parry Sound High School Open House Manufacturing Tour, the High Speed Internet Survey, and an Apprenticeship Ratio Appeal Hearing.
(With files from Sarah Bissonette.)