As the St. Catharines economy continues to evolve, City Council has approved a new six year economic development strategy to help retain, grow and attract investment and employment to the community.
The City’s 2017-2022 economic development strategy was approved by City Council at its meeting on Sept. 25. The strategy outlines 15 objectives and more than 70 actionable items to expand existing businesses and attract new investments. The economic development strategy aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan and supports the City’s vision to become the most innovative, dynamic, sustainable and livable city in North America.
"City Council has set out a bold vision for the future and the new economic development strategy will guide us in supporting business, attracting investment and responding to changing needs," said Mayor Walter Sendzik. "We are competing to attract and retain local, national and global business. The new strategy will help us achieve this and continue to develop St. Catharines as Niagara’s urban and business hub."
The keys to economic growth outlined in the strategy include being flexible to emerging trends and maintaining competitive incentives and funding programs to support business growth. The plan emphasizes the importance of growing partnerships and collaboration with strategic stakeholders like the Niagara Region, Brock University, Niagara College, Team Niagara and the local businesses.
"We have already started to implement the strategy and we are seeing results through the new investinstc.ca website, award-winning marketing campaigns and by working together with our partners," said Brian York, the City’s director of economic development and government relations. "St. Catharines is an attractive place to do business and this plan will accelerate our efforts."
Click here to view the 2017-2022 Economic Development Strategy.