On Our Way to Endless Opportunity On Our Way to Endless Opportunity | Page 21

What We Heard
Key Themes
Taking all the information gathered from the surveys, business visits and meetings with Council and
staff, four key themes emerged that encompass the challenges that were identified.
1. Relationships. Council and administration were keen on improving regional cooperation.
However, relationships can go farther than that. It is also important to develop good working
relationships with business and industry within the region, as well as enhancing
the relationships within municipal offices between the various departments to ensure
economic development has a voice.
2. Rules & Regulations. Some felt that the rules and regulations were not applied equally
and fairly, and some of the overarching planning documents could use input from an
economic development perspective to enhance an open for business message.
3. Promotion. Many felt that the Onoway/Lac Ste. Anne Region was the “best kept secret”
in the province and many were not aware of the exciting business ventures that were
underway already, and the potential for many more exciting announcements in the
near future.
4. Infrastructure. Before any economic development can succeed, the region needs the
appropriate infrastructure. The region is blessed with excellent highway infrastructure,
but requires improved internet capabilities, and shovel ready land to accommodate
any new development.
21 | On Our Way to Endless Opportunity: An Economic Roadmap