Economic Recovery Plan for Peterborough & the Kawarthas
This plan was developed in consultation with other business support agencies such as the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough DBIA, Community Futures Peterborough and Innovation Cluster – Peterborough & the Kawarthas, and more importantly from hundreds of business responses received through direct calls and online surveys.
It is an outline of activities that will be undertaken by a joint Economic Task Force led by the Mayor of the City of Peterborough and the Warden of the County of Peterborough to help the local business community adapt and rebuild this regional economy by working together.
Mayor & Warden’s Economic Recovery Task Force Report Card
To view the status of the Economic Recovery Plan for the region, please see the progress tracker below. For detailed information on the issues/challenges being addressed by the task force, please view the report card, which will be updated on a monthly basis.
Last updated Dec 2, 2020.
Phase 1: Immediate Recovery Plan (Protect)
In line with the efforts of the Province of Ontario, this first phase of the plan is focussed on protecting and supporting our community. The primary focus must remain on the health and well-being of our community through steadfast commitment to following the recommendations of public health officials.
Timing: Short-term during the Ontario Declaration of Emergency Period
This first phase will remain in effect until the declaration of Emergency has been lifted. The primary purpose of this phase is to identify companies’ needs, challenges and opportunities. Identifying those companies at greatest risk and identifying ways to support them through this closure period. The goal is to assist them through this time period so that they may reopen when it is appropriate to do so.
COMPLETE
Identification of Mayor and Warden’s Joint Task Force for Economic Recovery
ONGOING
Support Buy Local Campaigns Across the Region
- Peterborough DBIA’s gift card program
- Kawartha Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Local
- Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Local gift card
ONGOING – HIGH PRIORITY
Proactive Outreach to Local Businesses Across All Sectors and Municipalities
As of May 15th, PKED staff have made more than 500 direct calls to local businesses across all sectors and municipalities in the region.
For a full overview of issues being experienced by local businesses see the monthly report card above.
ONGOING – HIGH PRIORITY
Report Challenges and Opportunities to all Levels of Government and Key Industry Associations
To view the issues that have been elevated by the task force see the monthly report card above.
COMPLETE
Support and Share Virtual Town Hall Events for Business
Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP hosted a series of virtual business recovery Town Halls
COMPLETE
Launch an online Business Collaboration Portal
ONGOING
Research & Study Recovery Response Plans, Identify Best Practices
Initial research has been been completed and ongoing research on current and emerging best practices will continue as the situation evolves.
ONGOING
Regular Connection with Local Media and City/County Communications Teams
COMPLETE
Connect with Commercial Landlords
ONGOING
Explore Business Mentor Program
A variety of online webinars and virtual networking events such as those from the Innovation Cluster, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and PKED are serving as places for business-to-business interaction.
ONGOING
Work with Local Partners to Host and Share Online Webinars on Topics Relevant to Managing COVID-19
ONGOING
Begin to Research and Build Marketing Plans to be Implemented in the Re-Start and Recovery Phases
Phase 2: Mid-Term Recovery Plan (Restart)
Inline with the efforts of the Province of Ontario, the second phase of the plan is focused on a careful, staged approach to loosening emergency measures and reopening Ontario’s economy.
In this phase, public health and workplace safety will remain a top priority, while balancing the needs of our community and our businesses. Guidelines are being created and communicated on an ongoing basis by the Government for workplace safety, and there will be careful monitoring to maintain public health.
For Peterborough & the Kawarthas, the key focus will be on business retention – doing whatever we can to help local businesses re-open and sustain operations during this phase, which will support local employment.
ONGOING
Identify businesses that are permitted to re-open. Track and report on needs
As the government makes announcements related to essential services and those businesses that are permitted to open, information will be sourced and shared.
ONGOING
Share re-opening Guidelines, Programs and Protocols as Announced
Share re-opening guidelines, programs and protocols as they are announced with Business Community through a variety of communication channels.
COMPLETE
Explore Launch of Local Business Hub for Business
- Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism
- Peterborough DBIA: The Boro
- Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism: Virtual Mainstreet
- Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce: Gift Cards
COMPLETE
Identify Adjustments to Future Ready Ec Dev Strategy and Destination Dev’t Plan
COMPLETE
Activate Business Count Survey for 2020
A brief voluntary count that will provide valuable insight into the region’s economy. Completed October 2020.
ONGOING
Report to City and County Council on Economic Recovery Task Force Progress
Monthly updates will be provided to both City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough Municipal Councils.
ONGOING
Work with Workforce Development Board to Understand Local Workforce Impact
ONGOING
Launch Recovery Destination Marketing Program
Phase 3: Long-Term Recovery Plan (Recover)
Inline with the efforts of the Province of Ontario, ensuring the health and safety of the public and workers will continue to be a key priority.
The third phase of the plan is focused on Recovery, and a return to what is sure to be a “New Normal”. The focus will be on transitioning from the recovery phase to routine business activity and to resume full implementation of the Future Ready Economic Development Strategy, with a renewed focus on new investment, growth of business, job creation and improved economic prosperity through innovation and sustainability.
ONGOING
Provide Input on Business Resiliency Against Future Disasters / Emergencies / Pandemics
IN PROGRESS
Create a Business Disaster Plan Toolkit for Businesses, add Disaster/Crisis mitigation planning for SME’s as ongoing programming from BAC
ONGOING
Explore Launch of Local Business Hub for Business
Over the course of the last 6 months a series of initiatives have been created by various local business organizations, which has fulfilled this action.
IN PROGRESS
Investigate Remote Working Strategy
ONGOING