Dryden Development Corporation  looking at new opportunities

By Ally Dunham

New potential air travel opportunities and continued downtown revitalization are among the latest focus of the Dryden Development Corporation (DDC).

DDC chair Ernie Remillard, made a quarterly presentation to mayor and council at the Nov. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Remillard reported the DDC and Northwest Biz (NWBiz) will be launching an online “Air Carrier Survey” in November as a result of a site visit from Wasaya Air this past summer and previous requests from the Patricia Regional Tourist Council members. Thunder Bay-based Wasaya Air has expressed an interest in expanding their flight service to the Dryden airport.

Funding approval for the Downtown Revitalization project has been awarded from FedNor to develop a business plan for a mix-use business convergence centre and executive apartments in downtown Dryden as a means to revitalize the downtown core.

An open house has been scheduled to take place downtown on Dec. 2, just prior to and during the Santa Claus parade. Check www.exploredryden.ca event calendar for more information regarding hours and location as the event gets closer.

The DDC continues to market both the Centennial and Norwill business park properties, as well as the industrial and commercial properties available at the Dryden Regional Airport.

The DDC reports that they are continuing to communicate with Real-Flex regarding the construction of two built-to-spec buildings for Centennial and Norwill parks. The company is still awaiting their post-election approval from the Ontario Power Authority on their Micro-FIT applications for new building construction.

The DDC will host an investor workshop in Winnipeg in late 2011 or early 2012. Areas of focus include housing developments, resorts and restaurants, downtown revitalization and Centennial Business Park investment attraction opportunities.

The DDC is currently defining and building applications, with council direction, to a variety of funders to move forward with the revised vision for the Sustainable Waterfront Development Plan at Van Horne Landing, including marsh management and rehabilitation, boat launch improvements and parking, housing developments and the construction of an Outdoor Discovery Centre.

The DDC was awarded $59,000 from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and $92,000 from the Regional Tourism Organization (RTO13) for the development of a website with regional partners.

The end goal of this initiative is to work regionally and build experiential tour packages that can be marketed to target segments such as the Active Outdoor Traveler in new markets.