Thoughts from the LocalMotive regional strategy meeting

Thank you to all who attended the LocalMotive regional strategy meeting at Around the Sound Local Food Market. Special thanks to Anne for the last minute accommodation of a higher than expected number of people.

A good amount of discussion was had around the role of the LocalMotive Project as a regional network of the various transition movements in the region, as well as its role beyond the activities of the transition communities.

Currently there are active transition groups in Teeswater, North Bruce Peninsula, Durham, Owen Sound, and Neustadt; with Wiarton and Meaford trying to get organized in the near future. In regard to these community transition initiatives, it was generally agreed that the role of the LocalMotive Project is to provide networking between communities to facilitate the sharing of ideas, inspiration, and resources.

Beyond the community transition groups, several roles were identified that the LocalMotive Project does or should fill. These include taking on issues that are more regional in nature, such as a regional transportation strategy or better working relationships between municipalities. More on this in a moment.

Discussion around priorities revealed some variation regarding each person's understanding of our economic, ecological, and social situation. For example, differences in opinion regarding how soon we will feel the major impacts of energy prices, or climate change, resulted in some differences of opinion around what priorities are most important or most feasible; but there was general agreement around 6 critical issues that need to be addressed immediately if we are to ensure the viability of our regional economy and culture over the next 5 to 10 years.

1. We must work to educate citizens about the critical economic challenges and opportunities that we are facing. Citizens are not getting the full story from politicians, economists, or the media, so we must work to raise awareness as a means toward better preparedness.

2. As fuel prices continue to rise in a volatile manner, an efficient and affordable transportation strategy is critical. It must be regional in scope, and address the needs of an increasing seniors population as well as keeping the critical movement of goods and people intact in a future of expensive oil and climate change.

3. The future economic viability of the region will depend largely on the hard skills of our citizens. In a less complex and contracting economy, many more people will again need to know how to make, produce, grow, and repair things. Re-skilling citizens will help provide meaningful work in an age of volatile economics.

4. It is critical that our local governments understand the challenges facing us and are able to listen to and provide creative solutions to turn these challenges into opportunities. This requires a clear understanding of the global economic situation, and new models of regional cooperation between municipalities and counties. t also requires a much higher level of community engagement.

5. Many critical economic re-localization initiatives are being hindered by the very regulations that are supposed to protect us. This is most obvious in the area of local food production/distribution/retail. It is critical that we push for regulatory reform resulting in "smart regulations" that account for the unique needs of small businesses and changing economic realities.

6. Recent economic problems have demonstrated the fragility of global finance, and its failure to meet the needs of individuals and communities. It is critical that we establish a local pool of financial capital to enable entrepreneurship as this role is being neglected by the major financial institutions. It is also critical that we expand our local currency/trading group, the Saugeen Trading Community, to encourage local transactions and provide an alternative to the contracting mainstream economy.

Finally, some specific actions were discussed to begin addressing some of these priorities.

• Anne Finlay-Stewart and Christy Hempel agreed to investigate possibilities around the upcoming municipal elections, such as presenting relevant questions at debates, or organizing debates.
• A series of educational meetings is being organized for the week of October 25th to 30th with Mike Nickerson as our speaker. Priorities will be service clubs, business organizations, and high schools. Suggestions can be referred to me (Shane).
• The LocalMotive Rideshare will be launched this fall in partnership with PickUp Pal. Promotional options such as bumper stickers, or Kijiji were discussed.
• Gayl Creutzberg agreed to liaison with the Saugeen Trading Community in an effort to encourage expansion and promotion of the local trading system.
• Funding for LocalMotive activities was briefly discussed with no solid direction. (John??)
• An Owen Sound transition meeting will be hosted by Ron Schweitzer & Ang Freeman to discuss Owen Sound specific projects.
• Lynn Morgan will investigate the possibility of establishing a flag incentive program to reward communities for progress on transition initiatives.
• Douglas Nadler suggested promoting regional/community actions in partnership with 350.org.
• Dave Kalistchuk offered the possibilty of banner advertising behind his aircraft on local flights.
• Possibilities were discussed for a local food event at the Owen Sound farmer's market on Oct. 23rd.