Economic Development Will Focus on Discovery Centre and Impact on Tourism with Rebranding

The meeting opened with a land acknowledgment and approval of the agenda, followed by adoption of the minutes from the July 22 and August 5, 2025, meetings. Over the summer, council meetings were held just once a month.

Several resolutions were passed, including the allocation of building funds for a new wastewater treatment project. Council also approved the purchase of a 2011 International dump truck and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, while declaring the old dump truck a surplus asset for disposal. In addition, a resolution was passed to approve and ratify July 2025 payroll bank debits.

Economic Development Officer Jamie Spadoni delivered his report, focusing on projects led by the Community Economic Development Committee. Highlights included meetings with partner organizations to discuss funding opportunities and upcoming initiatives. The Chamber of Commerce will now collaborate with the township to promote local business events. Other updates included two busloads of Viking ship tourists visiting the Discovery Center and the launch of a new gift card program to support local businesses.

Discussion then turned to the new Discovery Center brochure, which sparked debate over branding and logos. One councillor raised concern that the Discovery Center’s chosen logo had not received official council approval, a potential oversight in the strategic plan. Committee members explained that the Discovery Center logo was intended to function as a sub-brand within the larger Schreiber brand. Council agreed to send the matter back to the committee for further review and emphasized that future branding decisions should be formally approved. The new brochures will be professionally produced and are expected to be available next year.

Council also revisited the Northern Highway Safety Plan, reaffirming a motion previously passed. A brief discussion followed on the township’s police board, with one councillor noting the lack of funding to send a representative.

The meeting wrapped up with final updates and the scheduling of a follow-up discussion for the next council session.