Final report released on Calmar's Economic Development Strategy

CALMAR -- The results of Calmar's Economic Development Strategy have been unveiled by town administration.

The goal of the framework for 2023-2025 was to establish the town's developmental goals and to complete several local projects. The town's staff released their final report this week, which highlights several key indicators. It's noted that all of the plan's listed objectives were completed, with the exception of their Wells Strategy. The town says they underestimated the amount of time it would take to get definitive information out of the well owners, and that their work will continue in the coming months.

Calmar staff say that some of the main takeaways from the Economic Development Strategy include the need for local roads to be improved to facilitate the "attractiveness" of the township. They add that the municipality needs to have more directional signs giving travelers on the highway a reason to stop or turn off the highway, and that there's a desire for more downtown parking.

Additionally, administration says that more work needs to be done to encourage residents to support local businesses. This includes more social media campaigns around shopping local, as the town notes they're currently in talks with businesses about possible ways forward. There's also ongoing discussion relating to the extension of Calmar Days.

Other takeaways from staff's final report relate to crime and disorder within the Town of Calmar. Staff say crime is too high, and that the troubled areas need to be dealt with. Local businesses have been consulted about the importance of reporting crimes and suspicious activity to the RCMP.

There's also a desire to attract new industry to the community. According to staff, plans are being made to increase the sale of town-owned lands at a cheap price to attract new businesses. This was already accomplished with the land behind Zirka and the land on Main Street. Some of the industries being looked at include manufacturers, food retailers, tech-related companies, home and apartment builders, and more.