HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDC 2017-09-13 minutes.pdfCity of Maple Ridge
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Committee, held in the
Bridges Boardroom, Economic Development Office, Maple Ridge on Wednesday,
September 13, 2017 at 5:00 pm.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Josef Lara, Chair
Tom Meier
Chrislana Gregory
Alex Wells
Nicole Archer
Councillor Shymkiw
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Lino Siracusa
Karen Hansen
REGRETS
Oliver Perez
1. INFORMAL DINNER, PROVIDED
2. CALL TO ORDER, Josef Hans Lara
Community at Large
Community at Large
Community at Large
Community at Large
Community at Large
City of Maple Ridge
Staff Liaison/ Manager Economic Development
Administrative Assistant, Economic Development
Community at Large
There being a quorum present the Chair called the meeting to order at 5:10 pm .
3. AGENDA ADOPTION
R17-001
It was moved and seconded
That the Agenda be amended to add item 4.6 Renewal of EAC participation for another
term and to be adopted as amended.
CARRIED
4. MINUTE ADOPTION
R17-002
It was moved and seconded
That the Minutes of May 3, 2017 be adopted.
CARRIED
5. ONGOING AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Innovation Week, Lino Siracusa
A meeting was held in the MP's office with the Technology Task Force. Discussion
centered on the possibility of holding a 1-2 day event with local business and
partners in Technology. The idea would be to invite Technology companies as well
as local businesses and youth to bring forward new innovations that could be used
in Maple Ridge. Lino had further discussions about this idea with Ruby Campbell
who shared her experience with last year's Innovation week held in New
Westminster and the event coming up again this year. A draft schedule of events
, EOG Minutes
September 13, 2017
Page 2 of2
( for the New Westminster event was shared in order to provide a sample of the
types of speakers, workshops and activities to include. Due to the ACT being
heavily booked, only one day was available during the preferred time period. April
4, 2018, from 8 am to 2:00 pm, has been reserved for a one day Innovation event.
R17-003
It was moved and seconded
That we hold an Innovation Event in Maple Ridge. CARRIED
5.2 EDC 2018 Business Plan
R17-004
It was moved and seconded
That the action items from the Task Forces be included in the business plan.
CARRIED
5.3 Tourism Task Force
Ms. Archer provided a summary of the recent activities of the Tourism Task Force.
Since the Tourism Strategy was met with a mixed reception when it was presented
in March, the Tourism Task Force has been busy with several different initiatives.
Two fora took place back in June. Different types of tourism such as agricultural,
recreational, outdoor, cultural, and cycling were discussed at these fora and
additional community engagement took place at the Haney Farmer's Market.
The tourism consultants are working with the local hoteliers on the proposal to
introduce the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) and the draft tourism
strategy. The goal is to present an updated draft tourism strategy to council in
November.
5.4 Tech Task Force,
Joseph Lara and Todd Kane are assisting the City in developing an RFI.
5.5 Home Based Business Task Force
The Task Force will be holding their Open House with regards to the changes in the
Home Based Business By-law on September 13th. An expansion of the types of
businesses, size of the floor area and the number employees are a few of the
regulations being recommended.
5.6 Renewal of EDC committee
The positions on the EDC committee will be advertised in the fall. Everyone was
asking to give thought to whether they would like to continue for another term.
6. Updates and other Business -Nil
7. Adjournment-Next Meeting, Wednesday, November 15th, 2017
-~ -Chair, Joef Lara
/kh