1. BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2008 WORK PLAN

COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES AFFAIRES - RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2007 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2008

Committee RecommendationS

That Council:

1) receive the 2007 Annual Report of the Business Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and

2) approve the objectives contained in the 2008 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.

RecommandationS du comité

Que le Conseil :

1) reçoive le rapport annuel de 2007 du Comité consultatif sur les affaires, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe n^o 1; et

2) approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2008, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe n^o 2.

Documentation

1. Chair, Business Advisory Committee’s report dated 25 March 2008 (ACS2008-CCV-BAC-0001).

2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 15 April 2008.

Report to/Rapport au:

Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee

Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique

and Council/et au Conseil

25 March 2008 / le 25 mars 2008

Submitted by/Soumis par: Rob Sproule, Chair/président

Business Advisory Committee/Comité consultatif sur les affaires

Contact/Personne-ressource: Carole Langford,

Committee Coordinator/coordonnatrice du comité consultatif

580-2424, ext/poste 28934/ Carole.Langford@ottawa.ca

Ref N°: ACS2008-CCV-BAC-0001

SUBJECT: BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2008 WORK PLAN

OBJET: COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR LES AFFAIRES - RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2007 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2008

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Business Advisory Committee recommend that the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council:

1) receive the 2007 Annual Report of the Business Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and

2) approve the objectives contained in the 2008 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité consultatif sur les affaires recommande que le Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique recommande que le Conseil :

1) reçoive le rapport annuel de 2007 du Comité consultatif sur les affaires, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe n^o 1; et

2) approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2008, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe n^o 2.

BACKGROUND

City Council, on 6 December 2006, reconfirmed its governance structure. This included the advisory committees, and the requirement for each to complete a workplan outlining proposed projects and activities for the upcoming year. The workplan is to identify each and every activity the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year, whether they have a budgetary impact or not. Each item should be identified with a brief description of the project or activity.

The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the workplans of the Committees tie into that workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department. The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.

There was no funding approved for the advisory committee 2008 workplans.

DISCUSSION

The attached 2007 Annual Report outlines a brief description of the accomplishments and activities that the Committee undertook in 2007.

The attached 2008 Workplan is based on the Committee’s priorities for 2008. Both reports were approved by the Committee at its February 12, 2008 meeting.

The mandate of the Business Advisory Committee is to provide a local perspective and advice to City Council, through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee, on City services and communications affecting Ottawa’s business community, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and the overall business climate.

CONSULTATION

All departments were consulted and the following comments were received:

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

The Business Transformation Services department supports the Committee’s work and is pleased to see a focus on e-business for its 2008 work plan. City management has already identified a need to enhance existing online functionality, and approved the Client Services Public Information (CSPI) Web-based Service Strategy (WBSS) in 2007. One of the priority projects in this comprehensive strategy is to enhance the online functionality offered to businesses on ottawa.ca.

The business channel is an important part of ottawa.ca and existing feedback supports the need to focus on it. However, due to budget constraints and competing priorities the City has limited resources to proceed on the WBSS, and therefore this project was not added to the CSPI 2008 work plan. If the Business Advisory Committee plans to pursue an e-business strategy, CSPI would be available for collaboration, as would Information Technology Services. Going forward, work plans for CSPI, ITS and other city branches as appropriate, may be adjusted to respond to e-Government Task Force recommendations, as approved by Council, as they relate to the BAC work plan.

As the Business Advisory Committee proceeds with their 2008 work plan we encourage its members to continue to make use of the information provided by the City's corporate reporting tools.

PLANNING, TRANSIT AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

The Planning, Transit and the Environment Department is supportive of the proposed Workplan for 2008. The Business Advisory Committee provides input and advice from a business perspective on City policy, service and communication issues that are of particular concern to small and medium-sized businesses. Input is directed to the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and City Council to assist the City in its decision-making process. In addition to maintaining regular contact with policy makers, the Business Advisory Committee keeps businesses informed of developments at city hall and of opportunities and to also advise on economic and community development opportunities within the City.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1 – 2007 Annual Report of the Business Advisory Committee

Document 2 – Proposed 2008 Workplan of the Business Advisory Committee

Document 3 – Business Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (on file with the City Clerk)

DISPOSITION

The Business Advisory Committee will work to complete the workplan tasks approved by City Council.

Document 1

2007 Annual Report

Business Advisory Committee

INTRODUCTION

The mandate of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) is to ‘provide a local perspective and advice to City Council, through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee, on City services and communications affecting Ottawa’s business community, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and the overall business climate.’

During the 12 month period of this report, the BAC met 10 times to develop and comment on an awareness and understanding of the issues and concerns affecting businesses in the City of Ottawa.

PRESENTATIONS AND STAFF UPDATES

The Business Advisory Committee received presentations and updates from City staff pertaining to the issues below. The Committee provided comments and recommendations to most of these topics.

· Planning, Transit and the Environment – 2007 Priorities

· Beyond Ottawa 20/20: Consultation Strategy for the Official Plan Review, the Long-Range Sustainability Plan, the Transportation Master Plan Review and Infrastructure Master Plan Review

· Official Plan - Employment Land Strategy

· Official Plan - 2006 Employment Survey Results and Employment Projections for 2006 to 2031

· By-Law Services - 2007 Workplan

· Proposed Recommendations for the Harmonization of the Licensing By-Law Regarding Refreshment, Itinerant Vending and Designated Spaces

· Alternate Service Delivery Models

· Immigration Ottawa Initiative

· City of Ottawa’s Quarterly Performance Report

The Manager of Economic Development attended the Committee’s monthly meetings on a regular basis and provided updates on the following items:

· Economic Strategy Refresh

· Broadband in Rural Areas

· SME Outreach & Needs Survey

· Refresh of Ottawa.ca Business Channel and Ottawa.com

Two members of the Committee participated in the IC&I Stakeholder Advisory Committee (IC&I SAC) meetings, which were held throughout the year. Comments were provided on the IC&I SAC recommendations to Committee and Council.

PRESENTATIONS FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

· Presentation from the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce on the 2007 Budget

· Federal-Provincial Activities affecting Municipalities

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ON-GOING ISSUES

MOTIONS

Staff presented the items below to the Business Advisory Committee and sought support. All motions were sent to the respective Standing Committee Members for consideration.

Remembrance Day By-Law

That the Business Advisory Committee support the proposed amendments to the Remembrance Day by-law and that it be closer aligned with the Retail Business Holidays Act.

Ottawa Ethical Purchasing Policy

That the Business Advisory Committee support the content of the Ottawa Ethical Purchasing Policy, although expressed concern with the scope of the language.

Graffiti Removal Program

That the Business Advisory Committee, although strongly supports the 4E’s Strategy, does not support the report that was presented at the BAC meeting on March 13, 2007.

PRESENTATIONS AT STANDING COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

2007 Budget

As part of its 2007 Work Plan, the Committee provided input into the 2007 City of Ottawa Budget and its process. The Chair, Mr. Rob Sproule, made a presentation to the Committee of the Whole on behalf of the BAC in early December 2005.

City Strategic Directions

As a result of the 2007 Budget, City Council seeked input from advisory committees and members of the public on the City’s Strategic Directions from 2007 to 2010. The Chair made a presentation on July 9, 2007.

Proposed Recommendations for the harmonization of the Licensing By-Law regarding refreshment, itinerant vending and designated spaces

The Committee received a comprehensive and well put together presentation consolidating pre-amalgamation regulations in this very complex area. Overall BAC commended By-Law Services for a job well thought out and presented a few recommendations on the Lottery to Award Vacant Spaces, A Reserve of Vacant DSP sites to relocate vendors disrupted by Construction and, License and Permit Fees.

Document 2

City of Ottawa

Business Advisory Committee

2008 Work Plan

Established in June 2005, the mandate of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) is to ‘provide a local perspective and advice to City Council, through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee, on City services and communications affecting Ottawa’s business community, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and the overall business climate.’

The BAC is composed of representatives of business organizations and of business persons-at-large who have an interest in working collaboratively with the City to improve Ottawa’s business climate. The BAC recognizes that improvements to the City’s communications, transparency and accountability will benefit all businesses in both the City’s urban and rural areas.

To guide its work in 2008, the following set of focus areas and key objectives are proposed:

AREA OF FOCUS 1: COMMUNICATIONS WITH BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The BAC will invite presentations from key business groups to provide input on City policy and long range planning.

Action 1: White Papers for Beyond 20/20

Identify areas of interest arising from City White Papers developed to stimulate debate and public input on key policy issues in the City Official Plan. Invite key business groups/boards to receive presentation on the white papers identified by BAC and receive business input.

Action 2: Presentations to Local Business Organizations

Led by the BAC Chair, seek opportunities to meet with local business organizations to keep them aware of what is going on within the City and to encourage two-way dialogue with the BAC (i.e. Greater Ottawa Chamber, NCBA, BOMA, BIA’s etc..)

Timelines: January – March 2008

AREA OF FOCUS 2 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

To better understand the City’s economic development model and range of activities with the aim of providing the City of Ottawa and OCRI feedback and recommendations on what the Committee considers to be priority focus areas and new opportunities for economic development.

Action 1: Presentations from City of Ottawa , OCRI, and Ottawa Tourism

Outline of budget history and existing funding model. What are the primary focus areas for 2008 (entrepreneurship centre, global marketing, destination marketing). Who else partners with the City and OCRI (Province, Federal Government, NCC).

Action 2: Identify and Prioritize Economic Development Focus Areas –

Identify areas of interest and opportunities in economic development that the Committee would like to see the City and OCRI pursue on behalf of the business community. (e.g. e-business services; employment land strategy; downtown area improvement initiatives, City economic and environmental strategy)

Action 3: Make recommendations/provide input on Focus Areas

§ E-business strategy

o Does the City have one

o What services are available

o Are they effective

o Best Practice

o Prepare candidate list for new initiatives

§ Employment Land Strategy

o Review existing City policies

o Supply and demand factors

o Identify impediments

o Identify incentives

§ Downtown Area Improvement Initiatives

o Identify issues and priorities for the downtown

o Identify City/Other programs and activities influencing downtown development and seek presentations.

§ Near term Transit Investment options

§ LRT –Downtown Tunnel and EA

§ Rideau Street Revitalization Study/ next steps

§ New Congress Centre–Tourism industry support

§ Homelessness Partnering Strategy - City Housing and HRSDC

§ Lansdowne Park Design Competition

§ Concert Hall –150 Elgin

§ Portrait Gallery of Canada RFP

Timelines: April- September 2008

AREA OF FOCUS 3 – REGULATORY BURDEN

Action 1: Pursue recommendations from the Red Tape Task Force

Identify priority areas for implementation arising from recommendations of the Red Tape Task Force.

§ Research initiatives in other municipalities

§ Identify regulatory burdens on business imposed by the City as issues to be reviewed as part of the City’s Performance Measurement Framework (e.g. building code, business taxes etc)

Action 2: Monitor Provincial and/or Federal Legislation Affecting Ottawa Business

Monitor and assess proposed legislation and/or potential amendments to existing Provincial and/or Federal policies.

Action 3: 2008 and 2009 Budgets

Review the annual draft budget and provide input and advice to Council to ensure that the views of the business community are fully considered as part of the budget approval process. The BAC will also work with City staff to ensure that budget information is communicated to the business community effectively.

Action 4: Tax Policy

Review and monitor the tax policy with a particular focus on policies impacting Ottawa businesses.

Timelines: October- December 2008

Document 3

BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Corporate Services Committee February 15, 2005

City Council February 23, 2005

Terms of Reference

MANDATE

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Business Advisory Committee will:

· Review and recommend appropriate communication strategies to disseminate City information to the business community;

· Be a sounding board for City council and staff to share ideas and provide input before initiation of formal policy/program/by-law development and/or review process;

· Assist in the development and/or review of policies, programs and by-laws (e.g. annual City budget and tax policies) that affect the business climate of the City;

· Solicit and facilitate business input on matters of significance to the City;

· Identify, research, consult and bring forward to Committee local, national and international issues which may affect Ottawa’s business climate;

· Advise on economic and community development opportunities within the City of Ottawa;

· Consult with and receive submissions from local business organizations and report with recommendations; and

· Create and prepare an annual report and work plan.

ORGANIZATION

The Business Advisory Committee shall have a maximum citizen membership of 14, composed of representatives of business organizations and of business persons-at-large. The Committee will have a representative cross-section of business organizations in Ottawa, as follows:

· Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)

· Business Improvement Areas

· Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

· Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce (GOCC)

· National Capital Business Alliance (NCBA)

· An agricultural organization active in rural Ottawa

· Regroupement des gens d’affaires (RGA)

· Business persons-at-large (7), at least one of which shall be from the rural area.

Each organization will be asked to provide resumes or curriculum vitae of at least two nominees, one of whom will be appointed by Council. Nominated members must be residents of, or own businesses in the City of Ottawa.

In addition, the Business Advisory Committee shall have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:

One staff representative – Manager, Economic Development or other senior staff member from the Economic Development and Strategic Projects Branch;
Up to two (2) members of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as a liaison; and
A Committee Coordinator from the Clerk's office.

The Business Advisory Committee will hold a minimum of six official meetings per year.

The process for choosing the membership for the Business Advisory Committee will follow the approved Appointment Policy.

LEAD DEPARTMENT/REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Planning, Transit and the Environment Department shall be the lead department for the Business Advisory Committee. The Business Advisory Committee shall report through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee to City Council.

RESOURCES

The Business Advisory Committee shall report annually to City Council through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee (timing to be determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee Coordinator and City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the current year and on the Committee’s work plan for the following year.