Region encourages green while focusing on attracting companies

York Regional Council recently approved a new economic development marketing initiative.

It will be aimed at promoting the natural and cultural attributes of the area as part of a strategy to increase visibility as a unique and desirable location for business investment and tourism.

"We have created and maintained prosperous communities that enjoy a balance between economic vitality, quality of life and environmental sustainability," said Regional Chairman Bill Fisch. "Through this initiative, we're going to exhibit our achievements proudly to the world so we can build on them."

The competition for new business investment in today's global marketplace is about attracting educated innovators and skilled labour to the area communities, according to a media release issued by the Region. Companies will relocate and expand in a community that offers a welcoming business climate in a competitive and prosperous economy with a high quality labour force and a diverse range of opportunities for social and educational upgrading.

"Our strategy recognizes the personal choices of senior executives as a key factor influencing site selection for investment," commented Regional Councillor Tony Wong of Markham, chair of the planning and economic development committee of Regional council. "We believe that respect for the environment results in healthy communities that are more economically sustainable."

York's Economic Development Marketing and Communications Initiative is aimed at: • Attracting new investment opportunities from companies that are leaders in their industries and have demonstrated a commitment to the principles of environmental sustainability. • Strengthening York Region's cluster of more than 170 companies already involved in environmental businesses, which is one of the fastest-growing markets. • Encouraging existing York Region businesses to enhance their competitiveness through environmentally-sound business practices.

The Region's leadership in environmental stewardship includes a record of preserving and enhancing environmental quality and social diversity to help sustain its economic base. York has 69 per cent of its land designated as protected green space located in either the Provincial Greenbelt or Oak Ridges Moraine lands.

York continues to manage rapid growth. Over the next 25 years, the population is expected to grow by about 550,000. The Region will need about 320,000 more jobs, generated through 63,000 more new business enterprises.