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In 1998, representatives from the Simcoe County Federation ofAgriculture, Simcoe County District School Board and HumanResources Development Canada compiled information on theeconomic impact of agriculture in Simcoe County. A Socio-Economic Profile and Agriculture-Related Business Survey wasproduced in July of 1999.

The group subsequently hosted a forum called "Agriculture at aCrossroads in Simcoe County". This forum was held in April1999, to discuss the future of agriculture and related sectors inSimcoe County.

In February 2000, consultations began with a number ofcommunity organizations. Participants identified a number ofcritical issues and corresponding strategic actions to addressthese issues. A second session was held to establish ActionGroups. The Ag-Industry Task Force report was finalized andaccepted in the fall of 2001.

The goals and strategic actions of the Ag-Industry Task Forcereport have been incorporated in this strategic plan.

Community Consultations
The Adjala-Tosorontio Residents' Association, in partnership withthe Nottawasaga Community Economic DevelopmentCorporation (Nottawasaga Futures) and Human ResourcesDevelopment Canada, began a community-based strategicplanning process in October 2002. To encourage optimalparticipation, weekly advertisements were placed in localnewspapers. Invitations were sent to individuals and organizationsand followed up with telephone calls.

Residents, both experienced, and new to community involvement,provided their input during two facilitated sessions.Representatives from businesses, community organizations, artsand culture groups, seniors, and youth are some examples of thesectors that participated.

During the first session, people were encouraged to talk about thecommunity's strengths and their vision for the future. As well, theyshared their concerns about the issues facing the community.

Within weeks, the second session was held. Participants workedtogether to develop plans to build upon the strengths, meet thechallenges and achieve their vision for the community.

All of this information has been included in the plan.

Business Retention and Expansion Survey
The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housingprogram created a forum in which sensitive businessinformation could be addressed effectively, yet confidentially.

The Adjala-Tosorontio Residents' Association and selectedvolunteers visited 20% of the local businesses to conduct astandardized survey. Upon completion of the survey, theBusiness Resources Coordinator reviewed the data andresponded to the immediate concerns. Typically, eachparticipating business was contacted within two weeks.

Survey data was entered into specifically designed software,ensuring the business information remained confidential. Astatistical analysis was conducted, and a report prepared for theAdjala-Tosorontio Residents' Association.

The survey results were shared with the Residents' Associationand local businesses in September 2002. The Residents'Association used the report to develop action plans to improvethe local business climate.

The goals and action plans identified by the Residents’Association have been included in this report.

Using this Document
The vision, goals and actions contained within this CommunityStrategic Plan were based upon three inputs:

• the Ag-Industry Task Force report;
• community consultation sessions; and
• the Business Retention and Expansion Survey.

This symbol identifies the goals and strategic actions from the Ag-Industry Task Force report.
Similarly, goals and actions identified through the consultations undertaken by the Business Retention andExpansion Task Force are designated by this symbol.

Input from the community consultations is broadest in nature and,therefore, requires no specific designation.

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