economic development strategy and action plan 2009 ... - City of Barrie

5 SWOT Assessment ............................................................................................................................. 57
5.1 Strengths ..................................................................................................................................... 57
5.1.1 Quality of Life ...................................................................................................................... 57
5.1.2 Transportation and Connectivity to GTA ............................................................................. 58
5.1.3 Growth of Georgian College ................................................................................................ 58
5.1.4 Expansion of Royal Victoria Hospital .................................................................................. 58
5.1.5 Revitalization of Allandale Station ....................................................................................... 59
5.1.6 Youthful and Growing Population ........................................................................................ 59
5.1.7 Significant Infrastructure Investment ................................................................................... 59
5.1.8 Small Businesses Growth Reflects Entrepreneurial Culture ............................................... 59
5.1.9 Growing Support for Arts and Culture ................................................................................. 59
5.1.10 A Focus on Cultural Tourism ............................................................................................... 60
5.2 Weaknesses ................................................................................................................................ 60
5.2.1 Perceived Lack of Leadership ............................................................................................. 60
5.2.2 Lack of Support for Small Business .................................................................................... 60
5.2.3 Lack of Regional Collaboration ........................................................................................... 61
5.2.4 Availability of Serviced Employment Land .......................................................................... 61
5.2.5 High Levels of Commuting .................................................................................................. 61
5.2.6 Lack of a University ............................................................................................................. 61
5.3 Opportunities ............................................................................................................................... 61
5.3.1 Continued Focus on Barrie’s Downtown ............................................................................. 62
5.3.2 Elevate the Marketing Efforts of the City ............................................................................. 62
5.3.3 Greater Emphasis on Enhancing Quality of Place .............................................................. 62
5.3.4 Increase Levels of Business Support .................................................................................. 62
5.3.5 Develop Health Care Sector ............................................................................................... 62
5.3.6 Expand Post Secondary Education Opportunities .............................................................. 63
5.3.7 Develop Relationship with CFB Borden .............................................................................. 63
5.3.8 Continued Support of Simcoe Regional Airport .................................................................. 63
5.3.9 Focus on Creative Economy to Drive Growth ..................................................................... 63
5.3.10 Secure Office Park Development on Annexed Lands ......................................................... 64
5.3.11 Facilitate on Ongoing Dialogue with Local Business .......................................................... 64
5.3.12 Extend a Welcome to Newcomers ...................................................................................... 64
5.4 Threats ........................................................................................................................................ 64
5.4.1 Annexed Land not immediately available ........................................................................... 64
5.4.2 Declining Manufacturing Sector .......................................................................................... 64
City of Barrie Economic Development Strategy 3 | P age