Will the Orangeville of the future be a high-tech centre and a cultural mecca?

Such possibilities for the town were mapped out at the town council meeting Monday night in the Economic Development Strategy Final Report.

While conceding that the town was not without problems, it presented an overall picture of Orangeville potentially being involved in the scientific, technical and tourism and culture sectors, as well as manufacturing.

The 2007 capital budget that was approved by council included an allocation of $25,000 for completion of an economic development strategy for the town.

The study's criteria include establishing a comprehensive set of goals by addressing four questions: How will Orangeville improve levels of investor readiness, achieve economic sustainability through effective retention and expansion opportunities, pursue partnerships and outreach opportunities, and build on key clusters in the local and regional economy.

The town selected the Toronto consulting firm of Miller Dickenson Blais to prepare the study and the company came up with several conclusions.

The report pointed out some demographic factors that favour Orangeville. The largest portion of the town's population, which experienced a 25.2 percent growth rate between 1996 and 2006, cur- rently falls within the age category of 25 to 44.

Lauren Millier of Miller Dickenson Blais told council on Monday that these are "the primary productivity years, and a factor that potential investors are going to look at."

Over the past years, there has been the perception of a disturbing trend towards Orangeville losing its manufacturing base and relying more and more on being a bedroom community of sorts for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Nancy Huether, Orangeville's manager of marketing and special projects, points out that the economic report paints another picture.

"I don't believe the report shows (a bedroom community scenario) at all," says Ms. Huether. "It shows there's lot of potential in the manufacturing sector, as well as in professional, scientific and technical services.

"I'm actually encouraged by the growth in the number of businesses in the area," says Ms. Huether. The report says that, between 1999 and 2006, there was actually a 40.5-per cent increase in the number of businesses. The number of selfemployed individuals was up 119 per cent.

The self-employed often include such professionals as engineers, accountants and consultants who can contribute to the employment base as their perspective businesses grow.

While there isn't particularly visible business growth - such as an abundance of new factories - the report of a steady rise in selfemployed indicates that there is a "strong sense of entrepreneurship" in the community, figures Ms. Huether. She also points to a section of the report that suggests a strong possibility of growth in the tourism and creative industries.

The report didn't paint an entirely rosy picture of the business scene in Orangeville, however. It referred to the infrastructure servicing constraints, lack of serviced employment lands and a lack of professional office space as problems that could hinder potential growth.

On the other hand, Ms. Millier saw reasons for optimism, thanks to what the report concluded were the town's competitive tax rates, highly skilled and professional work force, a steady growth in population to fill work force requirements and an overall high quality of life in the area.

As well, the initiatives of both Georgian and Humber Colleges to either establish or enlarge their presence in Orangeville could open up avenues of new economic opportunity.

The town's proximity to Toronto and Pearson Airport, recent improvements in GO Transit, competitive hydro rates and its strengthened telecommunications infrastructure are also listed as positives in the report.

In regards to tourism and culture, the report praised the town's effort to beautify its downtown core. Such revitalization projects, notably the Broadway median, have been the centre of much controversy since the town began to undertake them.

Speaking to council, Ms. Millier said the downtown core is a "community's living room." Adds Ms. Huether: "The downtown is something that is looked upon as a barometer of the health of the overall community.

"Orangeville's downtown is revealing that it is a very healthy community from an economic standpoint."

The report also suggests that a way to boost tourism would be to stage large arts and culture festivals in cooperation with other Dufferin County municipalities; thus creating an environment where creative artists might like to live and pursue their craft.

There was also an idea of hosting a "Rural Arts Conference" to come up with effective ways to fund-raise, advertise and promote a cultural presence in the region.