Tori Sutton
Staff Reporter
Funding to back the Labour Market Analysis and Economic Diversification Strategic Plan has been announced.
Last Friday at the Perth County Courthouse, MPP John Wilkinson announced key partners would be receiving $290,000 to help fund the study.
The study is being undertaken by the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, and County of Perth, in partnership with the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation and the Technical Training Group.
It consists of three parts – a labour market study, the creation of an economic development plan and implementation of any funding that could come down the road.
The study is expected to be completed and ready to present to municipal leaders and staff by May.
In terms of implementation, there will be a two-pronged approach. First will be steps that Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys can all take to strengthen the area as a whole, and second, what each municipality can do on their own.
“We all have a common goal, we want our people here to have the dignity of a job,” Wilkinson said. “We want our young people to have 21st century jobs, jobs they can raise a family on right there, so that they don’t have to go anywhere else to find economic success.”
The MPP said it is important to encourage partnerships, since the economic downturn – something he expects historians to label the “great recession” – is a challenge everyone is facing. A solid economic strategy is crucial to improving the situation, Wilkinson said.
“If we actually work together, we have the best chance of enjoying a great recovery in Perth County,” he added.
St. Marys Mayor Jamie Hahn also stressed the importance of partnerships, pointing to the new $7.5 million school being constructed in St. Marys, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, the school board and the town.
To recover from the recent “economic meltdown” it only makes sense the municipalities work together, he said.
“The economy knows no boundaries, so when things go and take a turn for the worse, they don’t just stop at Perth South, they come into St. Marys and go all the way up to Listowel,” Hahn said.
“We’re really looking forward to this and hope this will help everyone in Perth County.
“Let’s continue to work together and not be the problem, but be part of the solution,” he added.
Perth County Warden Julie Behrns is embracing the chance to show what our region is made of and is especially proud of the relationships with Perth Community Futures and the Technical Training Group.
The study will help to build and enhance economic development options, she said.
Stratford deputy mayor Coun. George Brown said that Perth County is one of the best places in the world to live and hoped the study will lead to the creation of “lasting, good jobs.”
Brown, who is also involved with the Technical Training Group, said the organization has plenty of exciting projects underway, including launching several programs, such as an apprenticeship welding program and pre-apprenticeship plumbing and electrical courses.
The public will be consulted as part of the study, and invitations have been sent out asking businesses to participate in focus groups.
Town hall meetings started this week, with a meeting in Listowel on Monday and another in Mitchell on Tuesday evening. Meetings were held in Milverton and Stratford on Wednesday and another is scheduled to take place in St. Marys this Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Pyramid Recreation Centre from 7 to 10 p.m.
