Milton charts course for future economic growth

Milton | Halton | Latest News |

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Published March 1, 2022 at 12:20 pm

Job creation and the growth of innovative business enterprise are the keys behind Milton’s new five-year economic plan.

Approved by councillors last night (Feb. 28), the plan is guided by four goals consisting of four priorities, and is expected to provide the framework for driving economic growth.

The goals, essentially, are to maintain and attract busines and to encourage clustering of like-minded industry; to bolster start-ups that can drive future competitiveness; to make the town a prime destination for diverse talent; and to promote Milton’s brand for new economic development.

To achieve these goals the Town will develop a plan for achieving sustainable enterprise and job creation, innovation growth, talent development and quality of place enhancements. Additionally, it wants to provide long-term prosperity, advance an innovative start-up ecosystem and engage private-sector and long-standing partners.

During the meeting, the presentation raised some concerns from Councillor John Challinor II, who questioned the associated costs and time frame for implementing the strategy, while Councillor Mike Cluett inquired about potential changes that may occur going forward in terms of the reduction of an urban boundary as the strategy develops.

The presenters, Michael Launslager and Andy Scott noted, however, that the plan was crafted through extensive research as well as community engagement.

Following the presentation, Mayor Gordon Krantz stated that the strategy “lays the foundation to deliver a balanced commercial, industrial, and residential tax base.”

“It’s this balance that makes Milton A Place of Possibility, where urban meets rural, businesses prosper, entrepreneurs innovate, and our complete communities thrive,” he added.

After the meeting, Councillor Mike Cluett took to Twitter to announce “great plans” ahead for Milton’s growth.

“Great plans coming forward in our Economic Development Strategy to attract those employers/industries to complement the Milton Education Village and more. This is just one part of the overall vision for Milton‘s growth council needs to support to ensure we are a complete community,” reads the tweet.

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