Municipality of Sioux Lookout

Economic Development is the process of creating wealth through the mobilization of human, financial, capital, physical and natural resources to generate marketable goods and services and improve the quality of life for all residents.

In July 2007 Mayor and Council voted in favour of establishing an Economic Development Commission (EDC) to undertake a number of mandates to move the Municipality forward in terms of community growth, job creation and supporting local business.

A call for Membership to the residents of Sioux Lookout brought forward a very pro-active, eager and open-minded group of individuals who held their inaugural meeting in September 2007.

Council had given a wide mandate and as a result the EDC proposed the creation of five sub-committees to assist with the achievement of the mandates. They include:

• Community Revitalization sub-committee
• Planning & Promotions sub-committee
• Cultural Centre for Youth and the Arts sub-committee
• Urban Reserve sub-committee

Achievements of the EDC to date include:

• Downtown Revitalization Projects including the restoration of the Heritage Train Station,  conversion of the former Sioux Hotel to accommodate the new Cultural Centre for Youth and the Arts, and the rehabilitation of Centennial Park to incorporate community events, Farmer's Markets and outdoor recreational programming
• Engaged the landscape architect firm of Hilderman Thomas Frank Cram
• Operating from the Sioux Lookout Library, business supports such as video-conferencing and a lending library to provide free training opportunities to small business
• Completion of a Residents Survey and Final Report
• Communications Strategy
• Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Urban Reserve Feasibility Study
• Marketing & Promotion Strategy
• Regional Marketing Initiative: www.escapetoontario.com