2014-2017 2014-2017

Strategic Plan

Explore our Shores,

Experience our History

Your Council strongly believes in planning for the future to ensure that

we continue to address the needs of the community in a fiscally

responsible manner.

Strategic Planning is a process that establishes priorities on what will be

accomplished in the future and pulls the entire organization together

around a single plan. It serves as a roadmap that will carry our

community from where we are today to where we want to be in the

coming years.

The Town’s Strategic Plan will communicate, educate and

promote an understanding of our Mission, Vision, Core

Values and Strategic Directions. It will provide the

framework for Town Departments and the Staff Team to

align their goals and strategies in order to make budgetary

decisions more consistent, sustainable and transparent.

We invited you to provide input on the issues that were

important to you and Thank You for your feedback and

insights.

By looking ahead and asking our community what they need, we

establish a vision for what level of service we will provide, along with

an understanding of what resources will be necessary to provide them.

We believe that we have adopted a plan that reflects the community’s

priorities and will serve as the cornerstone for Council’s decision

making today and into tomorrow.

By carrying out this plan, together we will work towards making

informed decisions while:

Improving performance;

Promoting forward thinking;

Focusing on what is important to our community;

Providing direction on achieving our goals.

Planning for a Better Tomorrow

Embracing 400 years of history, 4 cultures and 4 seasons,

Penetanguishene is a picturesque bilingual community at the southern

tip of peaceful and beautiful Georgian Bay.

This thriving community has grown to approximately 9,600 residents

offering a unique combination of lifestyle and business

opportunities. The Town has a significant concentration of Franco-

Ontarians and Métis. It is one of the few communities in Central and

Southwestern Ontario where the population of francophone and Métis

exceeds the provincial average.

Penetanguishene is home to major provincial and

regional institutions such as the Waypoint Centre

for Mental Health Care, the Central North

Correctional Centre and Georgian Village. With

major industries located within its Business Park,

Penetanguishene has a stable and skilled workforce

to offer. Educational facilities include six (6)

elementary schools and two (2) secondary schools,

under the jurisdiction of five (5) different school

boards. Georgian College campus is located in the

nearby Town of Midland.

The tourism industry is also a major employer with five (5) marinas

and home of the Ontario Marine Operators Association. The Town

operates a Tourist Information Centre at the Historical Port of

Penetanguishene with marina and launching ramp facilities. The Town

also has over 69 hectares (170 acres) of parkland, three ball fields,

several playgrounds and kilometres of trail, including portions of the

Trans Canada Trail, perfect for biking with the family or taking a

leisurely walk or run.

Larger parks like Rotary Park, offer a wider range of recreational

facilities such as a dog park, Frisbee golf, picnic shelters, public

accessible washrooms and parking. Experience the beautiful open

spaces of Penetanguishene for yourself.

2014-2017

Town of Penetanguishene

2014-2017

Mission Statement

“The Town is committed to building on our distinct

heritage, cultural roots and natural environment to create a

dynamic community that makes Penetanguishene

exceptional.”

Vision Statement

“Our Town provides a wealth of recreational

opportunities, conscientious planned growth and

development, and safe sustainable infrastructure, through

responsible financial management.”

Core Values

Good Governance

• Fulfill our legislative responsibilities in a fair and equitable manner.

• Town is open, accountable and accessible.

Quality Personal & Professional Service

• Timely and cost effective responses.

• Courteous, qualified and well trained staff.

Well Maintained

• Town properties and facilities are well maintained.

• Infrastructure is updated and upgraded.

Mission, Vision & Core Values

2014-2017

“We are grateful for the many gifts which have been

bestowed on Penetanguishene and its citizens, including the

gifts of freedom, opportunity and peace that we enjoy.

May we be worthy custodians of all that has been entrusted

to us. We ask that all in attendance and those who could not

be here assist us in promoting good government.

May our decisions as Members of Council be enlightened and

may we all be strengthened in our awareness of our duties

and responsibilities.

May we be granted the wisdom, knowledge, will and

understanding to preserve the good fortune of the Town for

the benefit of all and to make good laws and wise

decisions.”

Council Commitment

Council 2010-2014

Government Action

Investment in:

Programs

Services

Infrastructure

Projects

What changes for each Stakeholder

Efficiency

Effectiveness

Enhancements

Transparency

Participation

Collaboration

Impact/Value for each Stakeholder

Social

Economic

Stewardship

Quality of life

Strategic

Political

“We are

At the foundation of the Strategic Plan are the Vision, Mission

and Value Statements that set the direction for the strategic

direction established through our municipal objectives.

These objectives are based on the public value logic model that

defines:

Setting the Course

Strategic visioning begins with an assessment of the current

situation, which includes an identification of strengths and

weaknesses, and opportunities and threats. Once this work,

known as an environmental scan, is completed, it can be used

to develop the key strategic issues to be addressed.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and weaknesses are those factors that are within the

direct control of the municipality. The strengths reflect

positive conditions and initiatives, and weaknesses are those

areas where the municipality could be doing a better job.

Opportunities and Threats

Opportunities and threats are different than strengths and

weaknesses. They reflect trends and external factors that are

beyond the control of the municipality. However, threats

could have a positive or negative impact on the community

and must be considered as part of a strategic planning

discussion.

During the course of the Fall 2011 and into 2012, several

Special Council meetings and planning sessions were held to

review the existing provisions contained within the Town’s

Strategic Plan.

In addition to Council input, over 20 consultation sessions

were completed to gain insight from the community and

special interest bodies on their strategic vision for

Penetanguishene.

Assessment of Today

Strengths

Location on Georgian Bay with Main Street leading to the

water and easy public access to the waterfront

Family oriented community with a wide range of housing types

and growth potential

Rich heritage and bilingual character

Institutional base

Communications

Library and Museum

Weaknesses

Stigma of Town institutions and need for a new image

Economic development (small business support)

Limited industrial/commercial tax base

Aging infrastructure (roadways)

Attractiveness of the community

Lack of Youth engagement

High taxes/low revenues

“End of the road"

Strengths & Weaknesses

Opportunities

For Town to seek the type of investment that it wants for

accommodations, ideally on the waterfront

(i.e. Ojibwa or Huronia Park)

Development of Town owned lands and infill lands via

private partnerships

Revitalization of Main Street

Community Development

Marketing the Community

Planning for growth

Waterfront potential

Tourism

Threats

Aging/low income demographic

Cost of infrastructure renewal

Attracting young families

Lack of soft services

Lack of funding

High Taxes

Opportunities & Threats

“The Town is committed

to building on our distinct

heritage, cultural roots and

natural environment to create a

dynamic community that

makes Penetanguishene exceptional.”

“Our Town provides a wealth of

recreational opportunities,

conscientious planned growth

and development, and safe

sustainable infrastructure,

through responsible

financial management.”

Sustainability Plan

Finance & Corporate Services

Planning & Community Development

Recreation & Community Services

Transportation & Environmental

Services

Quality Personal & Professional

Service

Good Governance

Well Maintained

Strategic Directions outline the priorities through municipal

objectives that support our collective Vision.

These objectives set the stage for the operations of the Town and

support the needs of our community. Pursuing excellence in these

objectives ensures our success in accomplishing a community

reflective of our Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Municipal Objectives

Vision

Mission Values

Objectives

Environmental Sustainability

EN1: Protect, restore and enhance natural heritage

EN2: Protect and enhance biodiversity

EN3: Reduce consumption of natural resources

EN4: Design efficient public facilities in harmony with natural

systems

EN5: Promote environmental education programs to encourage

respect for natural areas and habitats

Community Well-being

C1: Promote wellness of mind, body and soul

C2: Provide safe, healthy, diverse and affordable housing

C3: Protect and enhance a network of active living activities for all

ages and abilities

C4: Recognize and protect cultural identity and local arts and

heritage

C5: Retain and build diverse social networks

Economic Prosperity

E1: Create a sustainable, diverse and balanced economic base that

provides quality employment and sustainable wages for residents

E2: Improve the watershed’s communications and infrastructure

E3: Strengthen tourism and recreation development in a low-impact

manner

E4: Revitalize downtowns and main streets for residents and visitors

E5: Enhance the economic viability of sustainable agriculture

Sustainability Plan

The primary objectives of the Finance & Corporate Services

Department, as well as the Fire & Emergency Services Department

include:

Protect the financial assets of the Corporation and optimize the

income earned from those assets by safeguarding the Town’s

financial assets through implementation of internal controls.

Provide advice and direction regarding the Town’s fiscal planning

issues and cost efficiency measures, while ensuring that capital

infrastructure needs are adequately provided for through

appropriate and timely funding arrangements.

Prepare and compile Annual Operating Budgets and Five Year

Capital Plans in consultation with Council, CAO/Town Clerk,

Departments and the public.

Ensure that the programs and services of the Town of

Penetanguishene are delivered in accordance with Council

approved policy and within statutory requirements in a

professional, effective, coordinated, customer oriented and

accountable manner.

Provide strong leadership, focused on improving government by

developing and implementing better ways of doing things and

providing the best possible value for money spent.

Oversee corporate communications including website, media

releases, newsletters and community branding to ensure

consistent and accurate communication links between the Town

and its residents in an effective and cost efficient manner.

Continue to research and implement best practices for built and

customer service standards to ensure Town services remain

accessible in an integrated manner.

Provide a range of proactive programs promoting fire prevention,

public education/awareness and emergency preparedness.

Protect the lives and the property of our residents from the

adverse effects of fire and sudden emergencies.

Monitor police functions to ensure there is adequate and effective

police services in our community so that the Town remains a safe

place to live, work and play.

Finance & Corporate Services

Programs

•Community education on emergency management & fire safety

Services

•Financially sustainable services

•Courteous, qualified & well trained staff

Infrastructure

•Renewal of the Town’s technology and communication systems

•Awareness of accessibility needs of the community

Projects

•Policies that support good governance

Finance & Corporate Services

Municipal Objectives

The primary objectives of the Planning & Community Development

Services Department, as well as the Building & Enforcement Services

Department include:

Effectively update and implement the by-laws and policies in the

Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law to encourage development.

Implement the recommendations set out in the Town’s Growth

Management Strategy to promote planned growth.

Work cooperatively with the Town of Midland, as a Primary

Settlement Area.

Ensure public health and safety through the enforcement of the

Ontario Building Code and Municipal By-laws.

Achieve compliance with provincial and municipal legislation

through information, education and voluntary compliance.

Promote sustainable economic growth and establish an environment

conducive to maintaining and attracting industrial, commercial, and

residential investment consistent with the Town’s Growth

Management Strategy.

Build a strong community network and enhance communication to

identify and promote development opportunities within commercial,

industrial, institutional, and residential sectors.

Support the Town’s Downtown Improvement Area through

appropriate programs and partnerships and to revitalize the Town’s

downtown area through ongoing funding to enhance infrastructure

(streetlights, sidewalks, signage, planters, etc.) and streetscaping

(benches, banners, flower baskets, garbage/recycling bins, etc.)

Promote environmental integrity & protection, community well-

being and economic prosperity through participation in Sustainable

Severn Sound.

Planning & Community

Development

•Support local business through incentive programs

•Support local & regional economic development

Programs

•Streamlined

Planning processes

•Community Participation in growth & development

•Focus on customer service

Services

•Revitalize the Main Street

•Policies that support economic development

•Protection of environmental sensitive areas

Infrastructure

•Update policies to encourage planned growth

•Develop initiatives to create a complete community

Projects

Municipal Objectives

Planning & Community

Development

The primary objectives of the Recreation & Community Services

Department, as well as the Library and Museum include:

To manage, maintain and provide quality and accessible

recreational facilities, parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of

the residents and visitors of the Town of Penetanguishene.

To coordinate and provide quality, accessible and affordable

community programs and events that is reflective of the needs of

our community.

Support the efforts of the Simcoe County Coalition of Child, Youth

and Family Services Charter to ensure all children and youth enjoy

life-long good health and wellbeing.

Recognize the needs of seniors within our community by being a

progressive provider of vibrant programs and activities.

To proactively promote Penetanguishene as part of a regional

tourism destination through partnerships and marketing with our

neighbours.

Provide and be a community-oriented partner that focuses on the

literacy needs of our community while creating a warm and

inviting facility.

Foster leisure reading, viewing and listening, lifelong learning,

while striving to keep abreast of all new technologies that will

support these goals.

To provide quality bilingual library services that meets the needs

of all members of our community

Collect and preserve artifacts, stories and history to promote the

appreciation of our rich culture and common heritage,

illuminating our past, shaping our identity and inspiring our

future.

Encourage and invite residents and visitors to enjoy and benefit

from shared heritage through exhibitions, research, education,

programs and events.

Recreation & Community

Services

Programs

•Vast & varied recreational opportunities

•Inclusive programming

•Progressive programming

Services

•Friendly & welcoming

•Community engagement

•Enrich existing & develop new community partnerships

Infrastructure

•Enhanced & vibrant waterfront

•Accessible recreation and cultural facilities

•Well maintained natural facilities Projects

•Community based festivals & events

•Celebrating our history

Recreation & Community

Services

Municipal Objectives

The primary objectives of the Transportation & Environmental

Services Department, including Roadways, Water and

Wastewater services include:

To preserve and maintain the existing infrastructure network

through preventative maintenance and expand that inventory as

required to satisfy existing and future demands.

To provide our residents with effective and timely maintenance

of the Town’s road network to the standards established by the

Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards.

To provide Town Departments with vehicle and equipment

maintenance services and to establish a maintenance program

that ensures vehicles and equipment reach their service life.

To meet the Province of Ontario Drinking Water Standards and

the Town’s licensing requirements for the taking and treating of

water.

Ensure that the residents in our municipality have sufficient, safe

potable water to drink.

Monitor and control treatment processes to ensure plant effluent

meets all M.O.E Certificate of Approval requirements so that the

water in Penetang Bay is suitable for aquatic life and recreational

use.

To ensure that stormwater is effectively managed and treated

before being discharged into Georgian Bay.

Through the pillars within the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan,

promote environmental sustainability and source water

protection through managed environmental resources.

Transportation &

Environmental Services

Programs

•Cross Connection control /back flow prevention programs

•Source water protection

Services

•Proactive delivery of services

•Efficient and cost effective replacement of equipment

•Improvements to services through partnerships

Infrastructure

•Timely replacement of aging infrastructure

•Conscious financial planning to sustain existing infrastructure

•Redevelopment of key transportation routes/ underground services

Projects

•Development of active transportation routes

•Innovated methods for service delivery

Transportation &

Environmental Services

Municipal Objectives

2014-2017

It is important to note that the Town’s Strategic Plan is a living

document that will evolve and change as we are faced with

challenges and opportunities. Your Council believes that having a

solid Strategic Plan in place will help us tackle those challenges head-

on as we sail forward towards 2017.

Recognizing this, the Town has instituted a process that allows

updates to the plan annually to ensure it meets the changing needs of

the community. The annual review builds upon the overall direction

of the plan and is supported by the strategic directions and initiatives.

By carrying out this plan, together we will work towards making

informed decisions while:

Improving performance;

Promoting forward thinking;

Focus on what is important to our community;

Provide direction on achieving our goals.

Sailing Forward

“A Town committed to building on our distinct heritage, cultural roots and

natural environment to create a dynamic community that makes

Penetanguishene exceptional.”

Explore our Shores, Experience our History