CK Communities in Action NOW – a free networking and information-sharing symposium – is being held on Saturday 16th November from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus in the Rudy H. Brown Building. Lunch will be provided.
Organized by the Community Strategic Planning Committee (CSPC) with support from the Municipality, the program allows volunteer community groups from around Chatham-Kent to share their local successes and challenges.
A “Marketplace” display area gives the opportunity to share information grouped by subject such as festivals, sporting and cultural activities, community projects, funding opportunities and more. Delegates are encouraged to bring pamphlets, fliers, posters and displays highlighting activities and amenities in their area.
The CSPC is pleased that three distinguished experts in community development have agreed to speak in the morning.
Dr. Wayne Caldwell, Chair of the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at University of Guelph, is an experienced facilitator with a primary focus on issues of change in rural and agricultural communities. Drawing on his practical as well as his academic experience, Dr. Caldwell will explore trends in economic, environmental and social areas, looking at how Chatham-Kent can use those trends for successful forward planning.
Dr. John Fitzgibbon, also with Guelph’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, is Chair of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition. The significance of agriculture and tourism in rural economic development will be the focus of his presentation.
Air climate scientist Dr. James Young currently consults world-wide for ARCADIS SENES as their Senior Air Quality and Weather Expert. Dr. Young will present an overview of how climate will change in Chatham-Kent over the coming decades and how those changes will present both challenges and opportunities for our agriculture, tourism, energy use and economic development.
All three professionals will be available as resources throughout the day. They will be joined by municipal staff as well as by Brent Kennedy, Director of the Regional Economic Development Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
There will be chances to break out into groups to examine common interests, ideas and problems. Members of volunteer community groups, service groups, BIAs and Chambers of Commerce are encouraged to participate and share ideas for community development.
Perhaps your area is working towards a change or has some specific problems which need a solution. Municipal staff will be on hand to take your contact information and basic details about your issue so they can direct your inquiry to the appropriate department so a solution can be started.
This is a free event but pre-registration is required. Telephone 519 360 1998 or visit your local Municipal Centre to register.
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