That’s a Wrap – CDAC 2024 Year in Review!
The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) members had a year of action, collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, working to enhance recreation, economic development, and overall well-being in Huron Shores. Here’s a look back at your key achievements in 2024!
🌱 Community Growth & Development
🔹 Youth Council Officially Launching – After strong engagement from local youth, a Youth Council will be formally established this week, pending Council approval. This initiative aims to give youth a voice in shaping their community.
🔹 Expanding Community Gardens – Improvements were made to the Little Rapids Community Garden.
🔹 Surplus Property & Housing Initiatives – CDAC supported identifying and preparing municipal surplus lands for development opportunities, including potential housing solutions.
🔹 Advanced Floodplain Mapping projects to provide better access to development information and support higher-density areas in flood-prone zones.
🔹 Discussions with Provincial and Federal Funders – The committee engaged with NOHFC and FedNor to explore collaborations for economic development opportunities.
🎭 Recreation & Trails
🔹 Multi-Use Trail Enhancements – New signage was added at various trail locations to support wayfinding and safety. Marketing efforts are in early stages to promote these trails under the new “Huron Shores Trails” brand.
🔹 Recreation Master Plan Nearing Completion – CDAC alongside consultants engaged the community through surveys and committee meetings to shape the final stages of the Recreation Master Plan.
🔹 Iron Bridge Recreation Centre Upgrades – Facility improvement planning and related grant applications advanced as part of the Sierra Group’s strategic and recreation planning.
🔹 Tourist Information Centre and Museum – Successfully launched summer “day-camp” activities!
🔹 Collaboration with the Huron Shores Recreation Committee to support events. ATV Run was a great success!
🤝 Social Initiatives & Community Well-being
🔹 Food Security & Volunteer Delivery Service
- A new grocery delivery service was initiated through volunteer efforts led by Councillor Currie, helping residents in need. Upgrades to website to promote!
- CDAC also received presentations from Love Soup and Meals on Wheels representatives, gathering insights on food security programs in the region.
🔹 Healthcare & Physician Recruitment
- CDAC heard updates from members on local physician recruitment discussions and discussed housing solutions for locum doctors.
- Also began working closely with the Healthcare & Wellbeing Committee, merging with CDAC pending Council approval this week!
🔹 Field trip to local EarlyON centre (supporting families from 0-6 years of age) to build local awareness.
📈 Economic Development & Business Support
🔹 Business & Investment Collaboration – CDAC works with economic development partners, including HNCEA and FedNor, to explore business attraction and retention options.
🔹 Completion of Certification in Sustainable Economic Development in Northern Ontario by two CDAC members.
Regional Events
🔹 Co-hosted the Funders Forum Event – Partnered with HNCEA and Town of Bruce Mines and saw 90 attendees!
🔹 Partnered with 6 neighbouring municipalities to initiate the Discover Huron North GeoTour!
🔹 Supporting Local Agriculture & Markets
- Planning continues to enhance community farmers’ markets, with interest in partnering with local vendors.
- Discussions continue on developing stronger links with local producers.
🎉 25th Anniversary of Huron Shores
To celebrate 25 years since the amalgamation of Huron Shores, CDAC helped lead efforts to:
✅ Recognize the milestone at the municipal level.
✅ Encourage community-led celebrations.
✅ Develop commemorative media to showcase Huron Shores’ history.
✅ Upgraded branding and marketing efforts to enhance year-round tourism visibility and engagement through Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association guides and maps.
Looking Ahead to 2025
CDAC has set the stage for an even stronger 2025, with plans to:
✅ Expand community garden initiatives.
✅ Strengthen youth engagement with the new Youth Council.
✅ Advance local trails marketing and infrastructure.
✅ Drive new economic opportunities through strategic partnerships.
✅ Complete and implement the Recreation Master Plan.
✅ And much more!
💡 A huge thank you to our volunteers, partners, and community members for making 2024 a success! A small but mighty team can make a big impact! 🚀 Shout out to our dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support these initiatives! ⭐
