Plan de développement économique rural adopté - Comité de l’agriculture et des affaires rurales - 08 May 26

Council’s main public item was the Economic Development Rural Plan, which staff said was shaped by consultation on Engage Ottawa from March 5 to April 4, 2026. Staff reported 63 survey responses, with 68 per cent supporting the plan, 13 per cent neutral, and 18 per cent opposed. The committee approved the plan and also passed motions on rural planning and zoning, the local economic effects of harness racing’s closure, and parking in Carp.

Topics Discussed

1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RURAL PLAN

Staff presented the final rural economic development plan after public consultation that drew 264 unique visitors and 63 survey responses. Jamie Hurst, Program Manager of Economic Development, told council: “I’m pleased to report that the consultation is now complete. Today, I’ll be sharing what we heard, how that feedback has shaped the final plan, and the next steps for implementation.”

The plan identifies five anchor sectors: agriculture, tourism, retail and services, development and construction, and manufacturing. Manufacturing was added after consultation feedback.

2. RURAL BUSINESS LIAISON AND OUTREACH

A central part of the plan is a rural business liaison position intended to serve as a single point of contact for rural businesses. Staff said, “Given the level of support for this position and the clear expectation from respondents that it serve as a genuine single point of contact, we've made this role central to the entire implementation framework of the plan.”

Staff also said the city’s first rural pop-up clinic is being planned for June, alongside work on marketing materials and identifying provincial and federal funding opportunities. Annual progress updates will be reported with broader economic development reporting to council.

3. PLANNING, ZONING, AND SERVICING BARRIERS

Councillors discussed barriers rural businesses face, including zoning, servicing, and development rules for unserviced land. Councillor Skolski said, “I think that the economic opportunity in rural Ottawa has been overlooked for too long. People expect us to create the conditions for businesses to thrive.”

A motion from Skolski directed staff to report back by the end of the third quarter of 2026 with recommendations on rural zoning, planning policy, and development processes, including options for greater flexibility for unserviced and legacy-sized lots and possible private servicing approaches.

Discussion also touched on the Carp corridor and employment lands. One councillor asked staff what constraints provincial rules on permitted uses in employment areas impose “particularly the corridor being the biggest has real opportunity to have a complete community diversity to it because of our large land mass.”

4. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS: HARNESS RACING AND PARKING IN CARP

Council approved a motion directing staff to examine the local economic impact of the closure of harness racing operations. The motion said the raceway has “historically played a significant role in supporting Eastern Ontario's horse racing community, including horse owners, trainers, boarders, and associated agricultural and rural businesses,” and warned of effects on “horseboarding operations, feed suppliers, hay producers, veterinarians, farriers, and other ancillary businesses.”

Skolski said the city should help respond to major economic shifts, saying, “the city has a role to play to support transitions like this when there's significant closures or shifts in the economy.”

Council also backed further work on parking in the Village of Carp through a separate motion on expanded public parking options.

5. INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTION, AND IMPLEMENTATION

Staff said implementation work will include outreach, promotion, and funding searches. In closing remarks, staff said: “Our first pop-up clinic is being planned for June. The development of marketing and promotion materials and the identification of provincial and federal funding opportunities. Progress on rural economic development will be reported annually.”

Councillors also emphasized moving from planning to action. Councillor Riley Brockington said, “I think we just all need to roll up our sleeves and start doing what we've been talking about and putting in reports and ideas for the past 25 years.”

Motions

Passed: - Economic Development Rural Plan — Carried - Motion directing staff to report back on rural zoning, planning policy, and development processes by Q3 2026 — Carried - Motion directing staff to assess local economic impacts of the closure of harness racing operations and report back in Q1 2027 — Carried - Motion to explore expanded public parking in the Village of Carp — Carried - Rural Community Building Grant Program applications — Carried

Attendees

• Councillor Skolski
• Councillor Riley Brockington
• Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
• Jamie Hurst, Program Manager of Economic Development