Hearst is in the process of putting together a sustainable development plan. This plan will define out future for the next generations and enable us to collectively make our community a better place to live, play and work. For the next forteen months the community will be asked to speak on a number of issues we are faced with today. Our economy, our resources, our future, our children, our town. Inlight of this process I have included the recommendations that were developped during the BioCom innitiative. Have a good reading and please call me me if you have any questions.

Reflections on the Bio-Com Initiative

We believe that the Bio-Com project made a difference in our community. It is difficult to demonstrate and quantify what were the overall impacts of the project and this may not be achievable. Nevertheless, Bio-Com initiated community debates and reflections on several aspects in our community:

A reflection on our history and what has changed since;
Awareness regarding the global situation with an emphasis on the environmental aspects;
Awareness regarding the decline of the forest industry sector;
Prompted curiosity and introduced some leads regarding potential solutions;
Receptivity with regard to pride – people like to be part of something different, to lead the way, to be in front.

Changing attitudes and values is a long term process. During the Bio-Com project, an impressive number of activities took place. They all led to a more resiliency community. New relationships and new ways of approaching situations were brought forward by Bio-Com.

As evidenced by the number of projects being pursued, the new bio-economy is at the centre of Hearst’s development efforts. Bio-Com has enabled the community to become part of these projects which are a continuation of this momentum:
The proposed green technology center;
Sustainable development plan for the municipality;
Food production cooperative;
And others…..

It is understood that the work is not completed. The community, its leaders and champions need to maintain this driving force towards change.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities approved this innovative project hoping that it could make a difference. The Hearst Economic Development Corporation believes that the project did make a difference and that it was efforts and money well invested.
Recommendations on Areas of Focus

As a community we need to pay more attention to key areas of focus to create an innovative cornerstone community for the world of tomorrow.

It is really up to us, the community, to ensure that our wealth of human and natural resources is used to sustain and enhance our lifestyle, to create interesting career paths for our youth and to ensure that our development is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

The goal is to have a healthy sustainable community.

The road to a healthy sustainable community will start with the development of a clear community vision. Key elements will also be required to achieve a constant progression towards this vision.

The Development of a Clear Community Vision
The community vision needs to be well communicated to all our citizens and everyone in the community must participate in the progression towards this vision.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Finalize a community vision and communicate to all our citizens
When: in 2008

Key Elements required:

1 - Increasing Citizen Involvement and Participation
Every citizen must participate and get involve. This is not a project of a few individuals. We all have a role in the process and we must share the responsibilities for the evolution of our community.
Who should lead: Every citizen of our community
How: Become actively involve, participate and take responsibility
When: In 2008

2 – Demonstrating Leadership
Our leaders and champions must standout even more, develop a collaborative approach, and show the way to ensure a progression towards the vision.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Bring together a group of champions and leaders composed of 15 – 25 people
When: In 2008

3 – Improving Community Resilience
Hearst has demonstrated resiliency in the past. This resiliency needs to continue and be developed further. A different and/or improved community model could increase community resiliency.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Bring together a group that will develop a different and/or improved community model
When: In 2008

4 – Rethinking the Use of Our Natural Resources
We need to re-think our forest and how we can better focus on the production of tomorrow’s value-added products using all available biomass and plants. All natural resources also needs to be utilized using a vision of maximizing its potential for value-added. We must be at the forefront of future changes.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Bring together key players, existing and new, that will develop local strategies
When: In 2008

5 – Capacity Building Towards Innovation & Education
Capacity building has to become a focal point of our development. Innovation is required in our community from all fronts. As a community, we need to think outside the box and been aware of our real potential. A dynamic environment for innovation and human capital capacity building must be in place.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Bring together the educational instances and look at how this dynamic environment can be created
When: In 2008

6 – Increasing the Numbers of Entrepreneurs
More entrepreneurs are required within our community. Hearst is home to very successful entrepreneurs but we need to continue this trend and develop it even more. Strategies and actions must be in place to also develop local entrepreneurs and attract new ones.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Strategies in place for development and attraction of entrepreneurs.
When: In 2008

7 – Paying attention to our Youth
We must pay greater attention to our youth. Strategies and actions must be in place to inform, involve, and attract youth. Youth must be aware of the existing and future opportunities that exist in our community. We need to remain in touch with our youth that is leaving.
Who should lead: Community based organizations & individuals
How: Strategies in place
When: In 2008

Acknowledgements

To the strategic working group
To the Mayor of the Town of Hearst
To individuals that have assisted
To the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
To collaborating organizations
And to all the several others ……