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2025 ACED Annual Report
Introduction
The Almaguin Community Economic Development (ACED) department is pleased to present the 2025 ACED Annual Report for the review and consideration of ACED’s members, municipal partners, and regional stakeholders. ACED remains a regionally inclusive economic development services organization, committed to supporting the long-term economic and social prosperity of the Almaguin region. Our work continues to focus on taking strategic action while stewarding strong, collaborative relationships between municipalities, businesses, community organizations, and economic development partners.
Economic development is a broad and evolving matter, shaped by local context, community priorities, and changing economic conditions. ACED recognizes that its definition and application can vary across the region. For this reason, ACED’s work in 2025 was guided by evidence-based research, established strategic frameworks, and ongoing input from member municipalities and partners. This approach ensures that initiatives reflect shared priorities and deliver meaningful value at both the regional and local levels.
Each year, ACED staff develop a work plan that outlines key focus areas, performance targets, and strategic rationale for the year ahead. This work plan serves as a foundation for accountability and progress, while allowing flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges. Throughout 2025, the ACED Board continued to play an active role in guiding this work through regular meetings, discussion periods, and collaborative decision-making.
The 2025 Annual Report highlights the outcomes of this collective effort. It reflects a year of continued service delivery, regional collaboration, and intentional groundwork to support future growth, investment, and community resilience across Almaguin.
Exiting Director’s note
I am writing this final Director’s note with a mix of emotions as I reflect not only on the 2025 year, but my history with ACED and BACED over the last thirteen years. The first of which is a profound sense of gratitude for having been afforded the opportunity to work with so many diverse, progressive, and committed community builders throughout my time in my various roles. The second emotion I find myself feeling is a sense of excitement for what the future will bring under a new agreement and new leadership. While it is true that the journey we have walked to date has been full of twists, turns, success, and learning opportunities, I remain steadfast and bold in my confidence that all of Almaguin benefits through enhanced collaboration made possible by strong, productive relationships. 2025 was an opportunity for ACED to reflect on the organization and rethink many facets of how services are delivered, how we ensure equity and equality, and how we ensure that our partners priorities are both reflected and embraced in the work that we do. It has been encouraging to see the ACED Board discuss and deliberate strategies for ensuring the growth and sustainability of ACED. To me, this is a reflection of a strong common will among communities and individuals who have demonstrated their immense passion for and investment in driving positive economic growth time and time again. It is with that kind of support that mountains get moved. I am confident that with our continued collaborative efforts ACED and its regional impact will continue to grow.
New Directors Note
As I step into the role of Director at the beginning of 2026, this Annual Report offers a chance to reflect on the work completed in 2025 from my perspective as Economic Development Officer. It was a year defined by steady progress, strong collaboration, and meaningful on-the-ground support for businesses, municipalities, and partners across the region. Much of this work focused on maintaining core services, advancing long-standing regional initiatives, and strengthening relationships that are foundational to economic development success. I am grateful for the leadership and direction provided throughout 2025, and for the trust placed in me to support this work during a period of transition. Looking ahead, 2026 represents both continuity and opportunity. As Director, my focus will be on building upon the strong foundation already in place, ensuring ACED remains responsive to community needs, and advancing strategic initiatives that position the region for long-term resilience, growth, and shared success.
Guiding Direction
ACED develops their annual plans and initiatives under the direction of the following guiding documents which have been created through comprehensive consultation and using a wealth of data and evidence-based research. These plans are listed below for reference:
The 2018 RED Plan The 2020 Ag Strategy
The 2021 Brand Strategy The 2016 BR&E Report
Collaborative Foundation
Developing and stewarding strong relationships with economic development stakeholders across the region is a core function of the ACED department. These partnerships strengthen initiatives through shared resources, expertise, and networks, delivering direct benefits to local businesses and communities. They also help reduce costs and improve overall efficiency, with collaboration continuing to serve as a cornerstone of regional economic development success.
2025 project partners include (in no particular order):
Almaguin’s Municipalities | Almaguin Brand Ambassadors | Discovery Routes Trails Org. |
A.H. Chamber | The Business Centre NPS | I.I.O.N |
FedNor | Explorers’ Edge / RTO 12 | N.O.H.F.C. |
O.M.N.D. | Explore South River | Almaguin Highlands Secondary School |
O.M.A.F.R.A. | A.H. Health Council | Women's Own Resource Centre |
Labour Market Group | NECO Community Futures |
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