County retains consultant for economic development and tourism strategy

News release from Simcoe County AUGUST 18 2010
MIDHURST – The County of Simcoe is embarking on a process to develop a comprehensive fiveyear
regional Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
The strategy will identify strategic directions that build off of existing strengths, as well as identify new and
emerging opportunities on which to base the future prosperity of the County of Simcoe. The Economic
Development and Tourism strategy will also assist in identifying challenges and defining the key principles on
which to drive a sustainable regional economy.
As part of this exercise, the County will be conducting an extensive consultation process that will seek input from
across Simcoe County on the overall strategic direction for regional economic development and tourism. This will
include a discussion on the County’s barriers and challenges to economic growth and regional partnership
opportunities for the future.
The insights gained from business and community stakeholders will be of tremendous value in this undertaking
and will assist the County in developing a foundation for economic growth over the coming years. Interested
individuals can contact the County directly at 705-735-6901 or 800-263-3199 for more information.
In developing this strategy, the County has retained the services of Millier Dickinson Blais Inc., an economic
development consulting firm experienced in working with communities and regions across Canada. A draft of the
Economic Development and Tourism Strategy is to be presented to County Council in early 2011 for adoption.
The plan will then be made available for public review and implementation in the spring of 2011.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to
County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and
Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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