Council Approves Two Out Of Three Economic Initiatives
As part of the 2020 Operating Budget process Council approved two out of three economic development initiatives on Wednesday evening, none of the votes were unanimous.
China Trade Mission Initiative
Calling it necessary for the economic growth of the community Council in a split 4 – 3 vote decided to set aside $10,000 for a potential trade mission to China.
The issue was first dealt with at the November 27th special meeting of Council when it was revealed as part of the land deal with Carpere Canada the City had to support and assist the BC based company in securing tenants for the new Southeast Industrial Park. Part of that agreement may include the Mayor and an unnamed City Official taking part in the trip.
As part of what was called “the largest land deal in the history of the City of Moose Jaw” at its announcement Carpere Canada agreed to purchase 780 acres at $10,000 per acre plus an Development Levy of $49,600 per acre. Part of the purchase will see 64 acres dedicated to residential development which has a conceptual plan modelled on the Suzhou Gardens in China.
“Those are the costs of doing business we need to go out and prospect,” city manager Jim Puffalt said.
As part of the discussion Councillor Dawn Luhning said she had concerns with using $10,000 from the land reserve for the trade mission but proposed funds come from unspent funds within Council's travel budget. Unspent funds are transferred to the Accumulated Surplus Fund which is used as a type of universal emergency account.
Councillor Luhning stated there should be some extra funds left over in Council's travel budget because her trips to conventions is paid by the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). She is a SUMA board member.
Economic development officer Jim Dixon said a trade mission could be integrated with the Province as they already had two offices right now in China.
“Partnerships with the Province would be strategic,” Dixon said.
He also said going out and seeking business did not have to be overseas but it could also be within Canada.
“The best marketing strategy is visitation,” he said.
Puffalt said the “original thought on this ($10,000 for a trade mission to China) it supported the Carpere land sale.”
“A good point tonight if we are able to piggyback with the Province it would be good to do so,” he said.
Puffalt stated not once but twice that “the way it was prepared it would not have an impact on the mill rate.”
“We are fortunate we have people on the SUMA boards that covers some of the costs,” Puffalt stated, adding if the need came back and funds were needed funds could then be allocated out of the land development fund.
Councillor Chris Warren said he supported the initiative.
“I don’t find this to be a major issue,” Councillor Warren said, adding “I support the trade mission.”
The motion passed approving the trips to China, if required, in a 6 – 1 vote with Councillor Brian Swanson the lone Council member opposed.
Immigrant Worker Initiative
In other economic development initiatives Council approved assigning $5,000, out of a projected $75,000 needed, to fund the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP).
RNIP is a pilot program which will allow community businesses to hire foreign workers from abroad or from Canadian post secondary institutions without preparing a Labour Market Impact Study (LMIS). Some of the jobs which may be available require a high school diploma, English skills and one year related experience within a three year period. Part of the program may include local on the job training.
A LMIS is where employers must prepare a report for hiring foreign workers which details the employer's efforts in hiring Canadians for jobs. RNIP will also work with local agencies in settling the foreign workers making Moose Jaw their forever home.
Partners in the program will include, amongst others, the Southcentral Regional Immigration Partnership, Moose Jaw Multicultural Council, City of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce.
The motion to approve the initiative was passed in a 4 – 3 vote with Mayor Fraser Tolmie and Councillors Crystal Froese, Chris Warren and Heather Eby in favour.
Business Retention And Expansion Initiative
A final economic development initiative which would have seen $15,000 spent to hire a consultant to perform a Business Retention and Expansion project in the area of value-added agriculture and food production was defeated 4 – 3 with Mayor Fraser Tolmie and Councillors Crystal Froese and Heather Eby in support of the initiative.