Hants RDA Small in size, big in effort

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Hants RDA is recognized as the second smallest RDA in the province, but, for being so small, the group has accomplished many big projects -- and plans for more.

In a first RDA scorecard report, this group ranked strongly by meeting or exceeding eight out of 10 indicators of success and had a 4.9/5 rating for average client satisfaction.

Hants RDA executive director Ryan MacNeil said that, although the Hants RDA did score well, there were three major shortfalls in Hants County. “We’re running out of land… We need a trained professional… And we offer incomplete community information.”

However, there are plans to create a joint business directory for the Municipality of West Hants, Hantsport and Windsor websites and to leverage provincial and federal money for investment, MacNeil said. “The bottom of the cycle (in a recession) is the time to invest… We’ll be aggressive in economic development over the coming year.”

In 2009, the Hants RDA plans to start doing a lot more regional promotion by hiring a regional promotion officer and by attending two more international shows aimed at promoting this region. Also, there are plans to implement a new workforce action plan and to start building on a new tourism strategy for areas within Hants County.

“We have to keep an eye on the future,” MacNeil said. “It is going to be a tough time (in a recession), but we’re going to get through it. This thing is going to turn around.

“We have to take time now to get ready,” MacNeil said. “There will be a big surge and huge potential… with good opportunities to make really specific investments.”

Over the last year, the Hants RDA invested its time in implementing a Hants County Small Business Clinic, an interpretive centre plan and trial construction to help to restore the Cheverie Salt Marshes, organizing the second annual 84th Regiment of Foot Homecoming, starting up the Planters 250th anniversary project, planning a second Festival of Art and helping to find funding $675,000 for the Windsor Day Care.

Premier RodneyMacDonald also met with this RDA to discuss businesses and communities in East Hants. In 2008, the RDA helped to bring out a new Sustainable Fish Farming aquaculture facility to Centre Burlington and also assisted in attracting a new winery and equestrian business, owned by American newcomers, to an area near Avondale.