Economic Development
In 2004 the Township of Central Frontenac created a committee of council for the purpose of assisting the Township with Economic Development. The committee currently has six members, two of whom are members of council along with the mayor who chairs the committee.
Mission
Create and foster a climate of sustainable economic growth within the Township of Central Frontenac
Goals
Diversify and widen the tax base to alleviate some of the current property tax burden.
Improve infrastructure such as broadband, transportation corridors, access to electricity and telephone service
Thriving local businesses and more year round business operations.
Heighten the profile of the Township of Central Frontenac. Increase awareness of its proximity to major markets for businesses seeking expansion and relocation opportunities.
Help residents build a strong sense of community and ensure local groups and not-for-profit organizations have the ability to thrive.
Objectives
Build and maintain partnerships with other organizations such as LOLTA, Frontenac CFDC, Northern Connections Adult Learning Centre, County of Frontenac
Create and distribute promotional materials.
Build community capacity by promotion and support of local initiatives.
Explore, lobby and support opportunities to improve local infrastructure such as broadband, roads, telephone service, electricity through other levels of government and partner agencies.
Review local policies to ensure they are designed to support and facilitate sustainable development.
Make recommendations to council.
Communicate regularly with local residents, businesses and partner agencies.
Monitor local business climate.
Promote Central Frontenac as desirable place to live, work play.
Initiatives
Central Frontenac Heritage Murals
Project commenced 2005 -ongoingThe Final Journey – a depiction of the passing of Sir John’s A Macdonald’s funeral train as it passed through Sharbot Lake on the way to his final resting place in Kingston
Garrett St, SharbotLake
The Parham Fair – a depiction of the 1950 fair which includes over 70 portraits of people who were actually in attendance.
Road 38 and Wagerville Rd, Parham
Iron Ore Junction – now known as Piccadilly the area was originally developed due to the presence of the iron ore.
Oak Flats Rd, Piccadilly
A Tribute to the Financial District – Thanks to the former K&P Railway, at the turn of the century Sharbot Lake was a bustling railway town hosting a number of banks, hotels, mills and related businesses.
Elizabeth St. and Garrett St. Sharbot Lake
Business Over Breakfast
Meetings commenced 2005 - ongoing informal meetings organized by the E.D. committee members bring opportunities for news, networking, speakers, and updates on items of interest to local entrepreneurs. Meetings which are open to all members of the public are held two or three times annually.Business Retention and Expansion
Conducted in conjunction with County of Frontenac.Survey done in 2006 –implementation of recommendations –ongoing
Full details of this extensive survey are available at www.frontenaccounty.ca
Frontenac Heritage Festival
This annual event held in February was created to build community pride and stimulate the economy in the off-season. A separate committee of council now manages the festival.Arden and the Arts
An annual piano concert and supporting artistic events intended to showcase and nurture the creative energies, which abound in the quaint Village of Arden.The piano concert is generally held the last Saturday of September.