Owen Sound Council has approved a 3 year action plan.
The economic development strategy and action plan was approved by Council, and outlines priorities the city needs to focus on to boost the economy.
The plan includes a new vision for the harbour front, a business retention plan, and tourism incentives.
Manager of Economic Development, Steve Furness says the 3 year plan hopes to attract business opportunities to the area, while nurturing existing companies.
Furness adds, some of the long term projects include getting wireless Internet downtown, revitalizing the Farmer’s Market and working with Georgian College to build a student residence.
The action plan will require 120 thousand dollars in funding during the first year, 150 thousand dollars in the second, and 90 thousand dollars to complete the project in year 3.
The city is hoping to receive half the funding through its Rural Economic Development (RED) program.
Furness says because the plan is a “living document” timelines, budgets and projects may change.
Business development co-chair Michael Warren says it’s important for the city to be prepared for a recession.
Council will discuss each project during the city’s final budget deliberations next week.
