Canada - RFT2023-10 - Economic Development Strategy Update

Description

The Township of Lake of Bays is issuing this Request for Proposals to identify qualified and professional consulting firms to update the Township’s Economic Development Strategy (2017) that will allow the Township to recognize, prioritize and manage the Economic Development direction post-COVID, this term of Council strategically and beyond to meet the demands of today and prepare for the years to come. Below is an overview of the project scope and general process.Project ScopeThe Consultant's scope of work is to update the Economic Development Strategy (2017) for the Township of Lake of Bays with the input of Council, Staff, the public and stakeholders. The Consultant's actionable and measurable plan shall deliver on the following:Define clear priorities and an updated Economic Development roadmap;Examine the crucial issues and opportunities in the Township in relation to Economic Development;Engage with the public, service clubs/groups and other external stakeholders (including business and community stakeholders) through surveys, open houses, focus groups, etc.; andFoster public support and encourage engagement through enhanced communication (i.e. the Township’s website, newspaper print, social media platforms, etc.).General ProcessThe Consultant can expect a close working relationship with the Director of Planning Services, the Economic Development Officer, Senior Management Team members, and other key municipal personnel throughout the project. The following is a general description of the process anticipated in the development of the Updated Economic Development Strategy. The Township is open to modification of these general steps by the Consultant to achieve a more enhanced, efficient and/or effective outcome. Research and review the Township's resource information (Parks and Open Space Strategy, Community Improvement Plan, Cultural Tourism Strategy, etc.). For background, the Township has recently completed a Parks and Open Space Strategy and is in the process of a Community Improvement Plan for the Township’s four settlement areas.Initial meeting with staff to confirm and review the scope of work.Facilitate meetings and discussions with staff and Council as appropriate.Prepare a public consultation plan with input from Staff.Develop and conduct public consultation (in-person and virtual platforms) and provide a summary of the information received. The Township will be responsible for providing meeting facilities, in-person or virtual, as required.Provide information and presentation materials intended to reach a variety of audiences using a variety of mediums.Prepare a draft updated Economic Development Strategy for Council and public review, which identifies clear, actionable, measurable, and prioritized goals as well as a framework for how these goals will be delivered.Prepare revisions to the draft updated Economic Development Strategy to incorporate comments received.Present the revised updated Economic Development Strategy to Council.Finalize the Economic Development Strategy, incorporating Council, staff and community comments that will include a consolidated summary of the work completed.

Opportunity closing date

09 June 2023

Value of contract

to be confirmed