Economic Development

Midlanders take immense pride in the quality of life we enjoy here in Midland. That quality of life depends upon an economic foundation: having a job and a place to live. If Midland does not have a healthy economy, we will lose those jobs, our homes, and ultimately our hope for the future. Midland needs a sound economy.

Over the last decade, Midland's economy (and, in fact, the economy of much of Ontario) has been anything but sound. Midland and Ontario have both relied upon manufacturing to keep people employed. The Ontario economy has experienced significant losses over the past years as plants in Windsor, Leamington, and Belleville have closed, just to name a few. Midland has also been affected. While employment statistics are not available for Midland, some of the impact can be seen by looking at our large manufacturers. From 2009 to 2012 our large manufacturers alone had been shedding about 160 jobs a year. Midland's economy needed a new plan.

A New Direction

Early in the new term, Midland Council turned its attention to managing our economy. Under my leadership as Mayor, we began by adopting an economic strategy for our area. It identified where our future job growth will be coming from: healthcare, tourism, smart manufacture, and agri-bioscience.

I then asked the other three area municipalities to work with us. Together, we successfully established an economic association that has recently evolved into the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe. With $400,000 in funding, this organization will lead economic development for our area.

Recent developments show that we are making headway:

• A brand new manufacturer, Forte EPS, has set up shop in Midland.

• Weber Manufacturing, a long established business in Midland, thought so much of our area's potential that they brought an entire production line from Mexico and put it in Midland.

• The downtown has seen over ten new stores start up over the past year. In addition, new events, such as the Butter Tart Festival, are bringing new life to the downtown.

• Our large manufacturers are recovering. The most recent year, 2012-2013, showed the rate of loss of jobs has slowed to just about zero.

• Employment growth with our large healthcare providers has grown consistently over the last four years despite the cutbacks by government.

Looking Ahead

Midland's economy is headed in the right direction. We will continue to face challenges and possible set-backs, but in the years ahead staying the course is essential.

The Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe will soon start to show benefits for our area as it assists existing companies in marketing their products and bringing new ideas and investment to Midland.

We have just acquired the Unimin property, now called Midland Bay Landing, that will soon start to show the economic lift that only a major downtown redevelopment can. This energy can already be seen in the fact that two local non-manufacturing employers have approached the Town looking for significant expansion space (new jobs) in the Midland Bay Landing development.

Over the last four years Midland has set in motion the measures to start managing its economy. We are not longer simply reacting to events. As Mayor, I have consistently demonstrated commitment and leadership in building our economic future.  If re-elected, I will continue on this course by:

• Using my contacts and experience from over 35 years in business to ensure we have the right economic strategy and action plan.

• Involving our citizens in both planning our economy and working with the Town to actively bring new jobs and people to our community.

• Creating the confidence in all residents that Midland is the best place to work, live, learn, and play.

In these tough economic times, good management is essential. I will stay the course in directing Midland towards a brighter economic future for all.