Southern Ontario Development Agency

[SteelTown]

Put development agency in city: mayor

January 31, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Business/article/505047

Mayor Fred Eisenberger is pushing for the federal government to headquarter a just-announced economic development agency in Hamilton.

This week's federal budget included more than $1 billion over five years for a new Southern Ontario Development Agency to help the region cope with the loss of close to 200,000 manufacturing jobs since 2005.

"Our city is in the middle of a transition as our economy diversifies from primarily steel-based industries to the new economy," Eisenberger said. "This unique experience makes Hamilton the ideal location for the new agency."

Eisenberger says Hamilton's advanced manufacturing sector and its educational institutions make the city the best choice.

Critics argue development agencies have not been effective and have been used for political manipulation.

[thistleclub]

And the press release:

Mayor Eisenberger pushes Hamilton as ideal Headquarters for New Southern Ontario Development Agency

Mayor Fred Eisenberger is inviting the federal government to headquarter its new Southern Ontario Development Agency in Hamilton.

“Hamilton has long been a pillar of Canadian industry and we are ready to continue our leadership role in helping Southern Ontario adapt to the changing economic circumstances,” says Mayor Eisenberger. “Our city is in the middle of a transition as our economy diversifies from primarily steel-based industries to the new economy. This unique experience makes Hamilton the ideal location for the new agency. City Council has previously spoken to the need for a development agency for Southern Ontario. We are pleased to see this idea become a reality"

As the hub of the region, Hamilton boasts expertise in advanced manufacturing and strong educational and skills training institutions including McMaster University and Mohawk College.

The weakening global economy has resulted in slower economic growth – creating hardships for workers and families in Southern Ontario.

This week’s federal budget has provided more than $1 billion over five years for the new development agency. Its programs will support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification and will help workers, communities and businesses in Southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of prime opportunities as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world.

[SteelTown]

MPs, MPP join mayor in push for agency

March 12, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/528525

Two local MPs and an MPP have joined Mayor Fred Eisenberger's call to Ottawa to locate a newly created economic development agency in Hamilton.

Conservative MP David Sweet, Hamilton Centre MP David Christopherson and Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale MPP Ted McMeekin are supporting the mayor's request to the federal government.

Eisenberger pushed for Hamilton to be the location of the Southern Ontario Development Agency shortly after it was announced in the January budget. He has also met with MPs and MPPs to find ideas to deal with the economic downturn.

"As southern Ontario's oldest industrial and manufacturing hub, Hamilton is the ideal location for the new agency," said Sweet, MP for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale.

The agency will have $1 billion to spend over five years to help southern Ontario deal with the loss of 200,000 manufacturing jobs since 2005.

[bornagainbiking]

Sorry I can't let go of this. it just seems logical.
Get the City Hall done and give it to the New Southern Ontario Development Agency. Lease it to them. Use it as a lure.

It is a great location for them and MORE downtown foot traffic.
Good luck.

[omro]

Originally Posted by bornagainbiking

Sorry I can't let go of this. it just seems logical.
Get the City Hall done and give it to the New Southern Ontario Development Agency. Lease it to them. Use it as a lure.

It is a great location for them and MORE downtown foot traffic.
Good luck.

That's actually a really good idea.

[SteelTown]

Here's a better idea....

Let SODA have it's office at City Centre instead.

[omro]

Who needs the most office space?

[SteelTown]

I doubt SODA will have more than 50 employees.

[omro]

Maybe they'll grow into the space.

[realcity]

So where did it end up locating? Downtown Toronto paying $300 sq ft?

[SteelTown]

Harper launches development agency for hard-hit southern Ontario

August 13, 2009
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/617653

KITCHENER -  Prime Minister Stephen Harper is launching a regional development agency for hard-hit southern Ontario.

The agency, which was previously announced in the federal budget, will be headquartered in Kitchener.

Harper says Minister of State Gary Goodyear will be responsible for the agency and will embark on a tour of the region in the coming weeks.

Harper says Kitchener was chosen because the government wanted a location central to Ontario, but one that was not in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has a $1-billion budget over five years.

Ontario has shed more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs in recent years.

When the agency was announced in January, The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said it amounted to little more than pork-barrel politics.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has applauded Ottawa's move to create the agency.

[SteelTown]

K/W is full of Conservative MPs. Guess it shouldn't be a surprise.

[drpgq]

$1 billion over five years? For what? This is just sad, although if it were located in Hamilton, I would have been ever so slightly less sad.

[SteelTown]

1 billion to help the economy. Hamilton Airport is in the lineup to get millions (50 million-ish).

[drpgq]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

1 billion to help the economy. Hamilton Airport is in the lineup to get millions (50 million-ish).

Like the other development agencies have been so fantastic. Slush fund city. I just wish there was a way for myself to get on the gravy train.