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! ⭐