A look back at 1997 and the development of Vision 20/20

“By the year 2020, the GPA will be sought out by many, and admired worldwide, as a uniquely healthy, diverse, enriched community which balances and promotes vibrant economic and employment opportunities while honouring the natural environment and valuing its cultural heritage. “

– That is the vision statement from GPA 2020 – A Vision for our Future. For those of you who are not familiar with it, it was a community engagement exercise like no other.  Leading up to the final report in 1997, the steering committee led five action teams, each with co-chairs. Each action team was assigned 3 or 4 community sectors, each sector with 3 community at large volunteers.  These volunteers spread out across the city and county and spoke with more than 2,000 residents and businesses.

It was an impressive effort, and it presented 26 recommendations in 12 areas designed to inform all levels of government – federal, provincial, City and County. The 12 areas included:

1. Community-wide planning
2. Community Leadership
3. Economic Development & Employment
4. Community Marketing & Tourism
5. Building a Healthy Community
6. The Environment
7. Agriculture & Food
8. Education & Training
9. Housing
10. Regional Transportation
11. Arts, Culture & Heritage
12. Community Youth

Some of the recommendations have been accomplished including:

• the creation of an arms-length Economic Development Corporation
• the GPA promoted and recognized as a Regional Health Centre,
• the linking of the Trans Canada trail,
• the connecting of employment services providers into a network

and some are still wildly applicable to today, including:

• that the report be shared with all current and intended politicians and to all community leaders;
• an economic development marketing plan be created with a strong global focus in such areas as environmental technologies and services, services and products for the retiree/senior population, cottage industry, high-tech and tourism /resort development;
• a framework for resolving potential conflict between environmental and economic development or other interests be developed that will be inclusive, proactive and non-confrontational;
• co-ordinate agriculture stakeholders to achieve status for Peterborough as a regional centre from agri-food research and development;
• enhancement of local processing capacities be supported to maximize employment opportunities, develop products and encourage the export of unique Kawartha products;
• that the Peterborough Housing Advisory committee explore how to meet the community housing needs around affordable, social, alternative housing for seniors, planning and development strategies;
• a regional transportation plan;
• the development of a conference centre to spur economic development and recognition of the culture and heritage of the area;
• access the traditional knowledge of the indigenous peoples

2020 is here.  How does the reality stack up against the vision?

Read Vision 20/20