Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa’s agriculture and rural affairs committee has approved a new Rural Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan to stimulate economic growth in the city’s four rural wards: West Carleton-March, Cumberland, Osgoode and Rideau-Goulbourn.
It is estimated that the rural economy contributes more than $1 billion to Ottawa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the new strategy five priority areas, with actions for each:
- Supportive business environment, which would help rural businesses learn about and access available supports, and identify gaps in rural programs and services
- Vibrant rural lifestyle, which would aim to improve quality of life for rural residents and their ability to respond to economic and social challenges
- Strengthened rural tourism, which would promote rural Ottawa as a visitor destination that offers a unique experience, separate from what visitors and residents can find in the urban core
- Innovation in agriculture and agri-food production, which would help local food producers take advantage of innovations in food production to keep them competitive and economically viable
- Advocating for rural priorities, which would ensure the City continues to seek solutions to emerging rural needs, especially if coordination with provincial or federal governments is needed
To support the Action Plan and help create jobs in rural communities, the city will invest $150,000 in 2020.
Also, the Official Plan and zoning amendments were approved to permit an age-in-place seniors community at 6139 and 6143 Perth Street in the Village of Richmond after the applicant revised plans for the site, building on work started by a previous owner that went bankrupt partway through development.
In addition to completing a partially built retirement home, the applicant proposes several low-rise apartments, which would make an appropriate addition to an age-in-place community.