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WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Dylan Tenbrink Clementine Walton Caroline Verner Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
EDITOR’S NOTES One voloruntur aut ut laci verio mintusam non repudae. Itature nullestium quod exerovid qui cullab inctore veri aut et labor magnit fuga. Et que incipsa pedipsam ventium voluptatum asperum, commodita cus, ommodic torumenisque reiumque volorporis des dolupie nditia dis et earum in ra eumquiaspe plitaquas et enis eosam saerit ad moluptiant pra ni cum exeriostem quam que molest adio. Nam, quis illanda nimagni hillit excesti beris mos modis nus sunt doluptae. Nam fugias at et earundemquam aut molum aut idia inimillandam abo. Dita nem veliqui dolum quistem dunturitiam quis conse molles nata volupit voluptia dolupta sinctam nullab iustius rerspite nonsectate quiae volut etur aut voluptis voluptate con eos est, aut et diam dene nectotatibus que vollantist, cor abo. Ut voluptus num et inis aditem. Qui sequiataque pe dolorest eum eos dendebitis dolupta quat accuptur sitendem. Feri blatior rem ium a vendis doluptatis ea aut harcia nos nus rem que volorep erchictet lacitatiam voloriam est, ommolut planti occatii sincilique volorem siment. Tempor acipitin pelenit atetus accusandi nonsequas eostia con remperibus. Ignisque labo. Duci cor rerum labori commoluptas vername ipis et volorate lit vendita vendere laut latur rerferum erum autat fugitaque iderestia nobis pa dis nobit aut idit viti dolestis et ut doluptatus excearunda diciend istiur? Ide volora velendae rercientiati berovidus quat aut offic temolup tataquo omnis eliquat ecabore hendis eum fugitatibus. Lorumqu iasint quae. Nam verum, aut aditati dit quiate dolecatium qui volupta tatur, ulpa imusam hiliquid quam aboreca borecest harum quaecus qui dolorem que et acerum repre que sit aut ea quos moluptur sum atureped quam volupit, et ant vellanisto venis suntur? Ullabo. Ut odi odit que sitione venienissum fuga. Dae quia quiant, odio to corem et es volupidisqui conem volorem consecu ptatemporror autesci asperrum velestrum vero explate preptatum quam sim et hariae persper atemquo berum hilibus ad el intionsed elia doluptat iuntiumet am et plabor aliquam vene assequo stiasse es endam atur autem cum et odion et odita non rat volo blaccae nobis dolene perions equistist hit et enihici milluptatem adit endiaec aturepu daepudictor as imilia dest officient. Volo volor sa pra et liquosam labo. Et aut everibeaque nobita del et voluptincium explab iuscil inciis excearcium fuga. Ut anitetume venis nam et et untiore explit quia num lam, volorestrum aut od magnatem aut imus. Il magnam et que volupta tiorporempe mo quidus ipit ratiis imus alibust reperion conectust et volore doluptibusae expelita dus aute debit, volora dolore, sum res es estem doluptustio quod quam, a dolorest, ut ium hari quideliquas modiscilis perum aborumquat apicium corum autat aut rerit rehent la et hillate stiore, sincto dolupit volore apient vernatusanda qui cus acia sita doloreiciis molorem doluptatibus utesto cus dolendis sitat et unt fugition nos dipsam ullest ut poria destrum debis mo velesti amustio quassim inciusda veniendae. Mus sumendi res volupta denet del ipic te doluptas quidunt fugiatem aut ullacea veni aciuria que sit laborionsed mincim velesto omnimo te quasitatis doloressin re, sum volum quate sint auta nos aut quis enihit mi, aboriorae cusa volorpo rporero conseque labor restium nonsequis reiciendunt, vollor a volecessus consequid quati dolupta dolut pores estissi musciis volorrum aped expligeni renestin pellandandis remperiore sitium am, sum quam fuga. Voluptatest quae. Est lant. Nienien ihitiae pelenistecea voles molo officidem aliqui quam aut quodici bla cuptatinciis rerit porrumquae solorro beatis int laut eatium atibus. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
CITY VIEW 21 ALACHUA, FL Small-Town Roots with Big-Tech Vision 31 AUGUSTA, ON A Community of Opportunity 41 LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON Balancing Rural Charm and Urban Progress 51 PRESCOTT, ON Small Town, Big Moves 61 WEST NIPISSING, ON Northern Ontario’s Bilingual Powerhouse 71 BLACK DIAMOND, WA A Beautiful Destination VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 COVER TBD 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 81 CAMILLA, GA The Architecture of Big Ambitions 91 CLEMSON, SC Ambitious Plans in Motion 101 NEWBERRY, SC South Carolina’s Small-City Success Story 111 DOVER, DE Full Speed Ahead: A Capital City’s Bold Decade of Change 125 EASTHAMPTON, MA The Every-Persons Town 135 LAKEVILLE, MA Lakefront Paradise 145 SOMERSET, MA A Blueprint for Sustainable Small-Town Prosperity 155 EASTON, MD Main Street Meets Main Stage 165 DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD Rewriting the Suburban Playbook LAKEVILLE, MA LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON 135 41 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 175 EMPORIA, VA Crossroads and Comebacks 185 FAIRFIELD, CA A Vibrant City of Cultivated Growth and Community 195 SUISUN CITY, CA Seize the Day: From Vision to Vitality 205 FLORISSANT, MO A Historic City with Both Feet Firmly Planted in the Future 215 FRANKLIN, OH Along the Great Miami River 225 GLEN COVE, NY From Gatsby’s Shore to America’s Hidden Gem 235 LINDENHURST, NY A Model of Downtown Revitalization and Collaborative Growth 245 MILTON, NY How a Small Town Leverages Its Airport for Smart Growth 255 VAN BUREN, NY A Quaint and Welcoming Town VAN BUREN, NY OLIVE BRANCH, MS 255 285 265 SOUTH RIVER, NJ From Stagnation to Vision 275 GREENWOOD, MS A Historic City Forging a Vibrant Future 285 OLIVE BRANCH, MS Southern Hospitality At Its Best 295 WEST POINT, MS A Model Community Making Significant Leaps 305 LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI Growing with Purpose and Pride 315 SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI Big-City Assets, Small-Town Connectivity 325 MANITOWOC, WI Beyond the Factory Floor 339 MANOR, TX United in Vision, A Community by Choice 349 SOLON, IA Community At Its Heart 359 WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA The Strategic Heart of Bucks County’s Growth 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. EDUCATION 371 DILLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom 381 JAMES BAY LOWLANDS SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARD & MOOSONEE DISTRICT SCHOOL AREA BOARD Creating Futures in the Far North 391 MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A Community-Centric Approach to Education and Innovation 405 MIAMI TRACE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Building Futures, Grounded in Community 415 OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT Community-Driven Educational Excellence 425 FLORIDA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (FSBA) Empowering Local Leadership OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT DILLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 415 371 435 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (FASA) Shaping Florida’s Educational Future 445 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Innovating Education and Redefining Student Success 455 TORNILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A Rural District with a Big Vision 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH CAROLINA ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ONLINE ARTICLE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NJEDA) ONLINE ARTICLE MASSECON ONLINE ARTICLE NORTH CAROLINA LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS (TAB) ONLINE ARTICLE BLACK DIAMOND, WA A BEAUTIFUL DESTINATION PRESCOTT, ON SMALL TOWN, BIG MOVES ALACHUA, FL SMALL-TOWN ROOTS WITH BIG-TECH VISION AUGUSTA, ON A COMMUNITY OF OPPORTUNITY LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON BALANCING RURAL CHARM AND URBAN PROGRESS WEST NIPISSING, ON NORTHERN ONTARIO’S BILINGUAL POWERHOUSE 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
NEWBERRY, SC SOUTH CAROLINA’S SMALLCITY SUCCESS STORY CAMILLA, GA THE ARCHITECTURE OF BIG AMBITIONS CLEMSON, SC AMBITIOUS PLANS IN MOTION DOVER, DE FULL SPEED AHEAD: A CAPITAL CITY’S BOLD DECADE OF CHANGE SOMERSET, MA A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE SMALL-TOWN PROSPERITY SUISUN CITY, CA SEIZE THE DAY: FROM VISION TO VITALITY FRANKLIN, OH ALONG THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER MILTON, NY HOW A SMALL TOWN LEVERAGES ITS AIRPORT FOR SMART GROWTH FAIRFIELD, CA A VIBRANT CITY OF CULTIVATED GROWTH AND COMMUNITY EASTHAMPTON, MA THE EVERY-PERSONS TOWN FLORISSANT, MO A HISTORIC CITY WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY PLANTED IN THE FUTURE GLEN COVE, NY FROM GATSBY’S SHORE TO AMERICA’S HIDDEN GEM VAN BUREN, NY A QUAINT AND WELCOMING TOWN LINDENHURST, NY DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND COLLABORATIVE GROWTH DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD REWRITING THE SUBURBAN PLAYBOOK EMPORIA, VA CROSSROADS AND COMEBACKS LAKEVILLE, MA LAKEFRONT PARADISE EASTON, MD MAIN STREET MEETS MAIN STAGE 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
city view OLIVE BRANCH, MS SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST WEST POINT, MS A MODEL COMMUNITY MAKING SIGNIFICANT LEAPS SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI BIG-CITY ASSETS, SMALLTOWN CONNECTIVITY SOLON, IA COMMUNITY AT ITS HEART LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI GROWING WITH PURPOSE AND PRIDE MANOR, TX UNITED IN VISION, A COMMUNITY BY CHOICE MANITOWOC, WI BEYOND THE FACTORY FLOOR WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA THE STRATEGIC HEART OF BUCKS COUNTY’S GROWTH GREENWOOD, MS A HISTORIC CITY FORGING A VIBRANT FUTURE SOUTH RIVER, NJ FROM STAGNATION TO VISION 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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SMALL-TOWN R BIG-TECH VISIO ALACHUA, FL AT A GLANCE CITY OF ALACHUA, FL WHAT: A progressive small city balancing tech innovation with historic Main Street revitalization and sustainable infrastructure investments WHERE: Alachua County, Florida WEBSITE: www.cityofalachua.com 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
ROOTS WITH ONA THRIVING COMMUNITY BLENDING HISTORIC CHARM AND CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION TO CREATE A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH. Alachua, Florida embodies a rare duality. “Our history is a small town, but we match that with technological innovation and forward thinking,” says Interim City Manager Rodolfo Valladares. This forward-thinking spirit fuels Alachua’s economic vitality, where cutting-edge projects like the solar-powered San Felasco Tech City, home to 65+ tech companies, coexist with a bustling Main Street. With “several subdivisions under development” and infrastructure like debt-free electric substations, Alachua meets growth demands while preserving community. For families and businesses alike, Alachua proves tradition and innovation aren’t mutually exclusive. 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
COMMUNITY LIFE & MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION Alachua’s quality of life shines through its recreational gems and vibrant Main Street. The crown jewel is Legacy Park, a 105-acre facility opened in 2017. “It’s a top-notch facility and one of the largest in the County,” says Valladares. Its 40,000-square-foot gymnasium, amphitheater, and multipurpose fields serve as a hub for residents. This complements the longstanding Hal Brady Recreation Complex, forming what Valladares describes as “the original home of Alachua’s recreation program.” The city’s beating heart remains its historic Main Street. “The primary focus of our Community Redevelopment Agency is creating a vibrant downtown district,” explains Valladares. “Their projects range from beautification to helping prevent and remediate blighted areas within the corridor.” The Main Street’s unique winding layout, free from highway traffic, allows for easy closures for events. “It’s unique because it’s no longer a major thoroughfare,” Valladares explains, “It is conducive to hosting special events because it doesn’t cause a large burden on traffic.” The city frequently uses this unique ability to close streets for beloved community events. “We have an annual harvest festival, a tree lighting, and a Christmas parade that the community looks forward to,” Valladares notes, highlighting how these gatherings strengthen Alachua’s small-town character. Initiatives like facade renovation grants help local businesses thrive, preserving what Valladares calls “an historic and diverse main street” of mom-andpop shops, consignment stores, and tech-forward spaces like Michele Lee’s Good Life Station, a smart city café.“It is evolving,”Valladares adds.“Businesses are starting to find a good balance in what they offer to the community.” ECONOMIC BOOM: OPEN FOR BUSINESS Alachua’s economic landscape thrives on diversity and entrepreneurial energy. “The City is absolutely open for business,” says Economic Development 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
Manager David Wisener, “we’re blessed to be in a pretty good overall situation community-wide.” “I would say the most booming aspect of our local economy at the moment, we have a distribution center network where we have several local distribution centers ranging from Walmart to Sysco to Dollar General,” Wisener explains. He highlights Tower Hill Insurance’s upcoming headquarters as another key driver, noting it will bring “another three to four hundred jobs for our community.” The bio-life science sector, supported by UF Innovate, stands out as “one of the largest per capita in the state,” with Wisener noting its 30-year history of spinning off successful businesses. Entrepreneurs fuel this momentum.“We’re thankful for a lot of entrepreneurs that have already invested and continue to invest in our community,” says Wisener. “Mitch and Michele are two of those that have been incredible help to our community just with their entrepreneurial spirit and the developments that they’re a part of.” This synergy between established industries and innovators positions Alachua as a powerful hub.“It’s a very diverse economy that on the whole is thriving,” concludes Wisener. SAN FELASCO TECH CITY: A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH San Felasco Tech City represents Alachua’s bold vision for sustainable development. “It’s an 82-acre campus that is fully sustainable on solar. It’s the only campus like that in the world which is providing for commercial space, housing, and other ancillary services,” says Mitch Glaeser, CEO of Emory Group Companies. The mixed-use development combines commercial space with residential units and unique amenities including a brewery, preschool, and soon-to-open CrossFit gym. With 65 companies already calling it home and plans for an additional 270,000 square feet of tech space, the project demonstrates remarkable momentum. The development prioritizes eco-friendly living with 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Our commitment to Exchange members and customers: TRUST Tower Hill has been protecting homes and businesses since 1972. You can trust that we’ll be there when you need us, so you can have peace of mind all year long. No matter the square footage, location, or architecture, your home is your castle. It may be one of your largest financial investments on paper, but we understand that it’s so much more in all the ways that really count. Your home is where you and your family should feel safe, protected, and confident that, if the unthinkable happens, Tower Hill will be there to help you rebuild. When your home truly feels like your castle again to you, we know we’ve succeeded as your insurance company. To Protect Your Castle, Look to the Tower. To learn more about Tower Hill or find an agent near you... Visit THIG.com or call 800.342.3407
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME: TOWER HILL INSURANCE CELEBRATING 50+ YEARS & BEGINNING THE NEXT CHAPTER For more than half a century, Tower Hill Insurance has served as a trusted name in property insurance, safeguarding homes and businesses across Florida and beyond. Founded in 1972 in South Florida, today the company is one of the most respected regional residential and commercial property insurers.Tower Hill is known not just for longevity in the Florida marketplace, but for leadership, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to its customers and agencies. By its very nature, insurance is a business of risk. Of course, there are many strategies for managing risk and growing a company. For more than 50 years, Tower Hill has taken the view that marketplace challenges are — in reality — marketplace opportunities. From weathering Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to expanding its footprint across 10 states within the last decade,Tower Hill’s story is consistently one of evolution and purpose.With headquarters in Gainesville and over 550 employees, the company has steadily grown while staying grounded in its core values: service excellence, integrity, and trust. “Our purpose is simple but powerful, to deliver peace of mind,” says CEO Kirk La.“We’re here to protect what matters most to our customers, and to be there when they need us most.” That promise is lived out every day through Tower Hill’s wide range of personal and commercial products, from homeowners and flood coverage to policies for retail centers, assisted living facilities, and homeowners associations. Products are offered exclusively through a broad network of insurance agents, viewed as valued partners in delivering excellent service to Tower Hill customers. In 2026, Tower Hill will mark another milestone and begin a new chapter: the relocation of its corporate headquarters to a new facility in Alachua, Florida. The location of Tower Hill’s new home reflects the company’s deep Florida roots and long-term commitment to the state. What sets Tower Hill apart isn’t just its history or even its financial strength — it’s the trust built over decades with customers and partners alike. Through cutting-edge technology, a robust reinsurance program, and a focus on fair and timely claims handling, Tower Hill continues to evolve while always staying true to its mission: To Protect Your Castle, Look to the Tower.
walkable design and bicycles included with every rental home. “It really looks at taking a community and immersing itself in nature. It’s a fascinating proof-of-concept community,” Glaeser says. Its adjacency to 7,000 acres of nature trails with 30 miles of bike paths enhances its appeal. “We take advantage of a lot of the natural elements, including wetlands and also parks,” he adds. Strategically located just nine miles from the University of Florida, the tech hub taps into what Glaeser calls “some of the brightest people in the world.”This talent pipeline, combined with the city’s infrastructure and quality of life, creates what he describes as “a very warm and inviting community” for global companies. The project’s success validates Alachua’s progressive approach. “It was a bit of a risk but has certainly proven to be an asset to the community,” Glaeser notes, highlighting how the city’s support for innovative development has paid dividends in economic growth and community building. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING CRISIS Alachua is proactively responding to Florida’s housing shortage with strategic developments. “At the various stages of application and development review, there are a total of more than 2,000 units in process,” reveals Valladares. This surge follows a decade of commercial growth that outpaced residential construction, creating what Valladares calls “one of the larger challenges for our community.” PLACE HOLDER FOR ALACHUA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Bronze Sponsor 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
demonstrate the city’s approach of sustainable, integrated communities that complement existing infrastructure. CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: THE BACKBONE OF GROWTH Alachua’s infrastructure investments provide the foundation for its growth. “We wouldn’t have the positive growth we’ve undergone if decades of local leadership hadn’t prioritized infrastructure,” notes Valladares. “The city has invested millions of dollars in The challenge lies in balancing expansion with community character. “Some people want it to remain the same small town they remember from childhood,” Valladares acknowledges. “Our challenge,” he adds, “is maintaining our community’s character and historic appeal while balancing the reality that Florida’s population has been growing at a fast rate for several years, and we want to provide our residents with a high quality of life that includes affordable housing.” Developments like those in San Felasco Tech City 28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
infrastructure,” he says, highlighting projects like the new wellfield that addressed water resiliency after Hurricane Irma. The city’s dual electric substations, including a $5.5 million facility energized debt-free in 2020, now deliver “the lowest residential power rates in the state.” With wastewater treatment operating at just 55% capacity and proactive expansion plans underway, Alachua ensures it can support development without strain.“ For a city our size, we’re likely more equipped for smart growth than any city in the state Valladares states. By prioritizing infrastructure before demand peaks, Alachua avoids the growth pitfalls of overpromising, instead delivering reliable services that attract businesses and residents alike. VOICES OF ALACHUA: MICHELLE LEE’S STORY Michele Lee’s journey epitomizes Alachua’s appeal to modern entrepreneurs.“I came from Miami looking for some serenity and a lifestyle that was a little more gentle,” she explains. “At the same time, I couldn’t give up the tech contacts and vendors that I needed because we are an international company.” Drawn by San Felasco Tech City’s innovation ecosystem, she established her automation company, Optimal Station, while launching Good Life Station on Main Street, a hub showcasing local history while hosting tech workshops. Her Entrepreneur Thrive Success Series, offered with the Chamber, provides practical training for local businesses on keeping up with technology from social media to AI. “Those small businesses and boutiques that don’t necessarily have marketing departments, also have access to the resources and information,” Lee explains. For Lee, this hands-on support fulfills a deeper mission. “I fell in love very quickly with the 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 ALACHUA, FL
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Tower Hill Insurance www.thig.com Founded in 1972, Tower Hill Insurance is a regional leader among residential and commercial property insurers. Financial strength, product expertise, a comprehensive reinsurance program, and exceptional claims service are core business strategies. Headquartered in Florida with more than 550 employees, products are distributed through a network of insurance agencies. n Alachua Chamber of Commerce www.websitename.com community and got heavily involved into some of the organizations to make some initiatives come to life that were important as a business owner and to just support other business owners,” she explains. The community connection became personal when her children relocated to Tech City. Now meeting them weekly at the farmers market, Lee embodies Alachua’s winning formula, where career opportunities and family life strengthen each other. “I wear a couple of different hats in the community, but all focused on really just the initiatives to work together, and to build a community that we can thrive in,” she reflects, distilling the city’s collaborative spirit. PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE As Alachua looks ahead, Valladares outlines two clear priorities.“”Managing our residential inventory” he says, and revitalizing Main Street. “We always monitor infrastructure, but we’re at a place where we can focus more on molding our community character,” he says, noting plans to rejuvenate Main Street “into a unique destination for residents and visitors.” These goals reflect the city’s balanced approach, meeting growth demands while preserving character, proving strategic vision and community focus can thrive together. As Valladares notes, the challenge lies in doing it “with the big picture in mind and in a sustainable way,” a philosophy that has already made Alachua a blueprint for small-city success. 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
AUGUSTA, ON A COMMUNIT OF OPPORTU AT A GLANCE AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, ONTARIO WHAT: A growing rural community in Eastern Ontario, with much to offer WHERE: The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, Ontario, Canada WEBSITE: www.augusta.ca WELCOMING ECONOMIC EXPANSION WITH AN EYE TO TRADITION 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
TY UNITY A hidden gem in Eastern Ontario, Augusta Township is working to redefine its identity, thoughtfully preserving its rural charm while welcoming development and economic opportunity. Located between the city of Brockville and the town of Prescott, this growing community has a prime location on Ontario’s busiest corridor, and is becoming a vibrant place to visit, live and invest. 32 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
“We have the best logistical location for industry in Ontario,” boasts Mayor Jeff Shaver. “We are 10 kilometers from the Port of Johnstown. We have the country’s main rail running through our industrial park. We are close to two international airports. We are next to the 401 and 416 highways, and we’re in between two bridges to the U.S. For those reasons, we have had many inquiries from global companies looking to come into our location over the last two years.” BUILDING COMMUNITY AND PLANNING FOR GROWTH Augusta’s personality shines through its series of small settlement areas, each with their own distinct character, shaped by the generations of families who have called the township home. “One small little settlement may have a Labor Day parade, another one may have a Canada Day Parade, and another one’s known for something else. So, it’s really a good mix of the community,” describes Mayor Shaver. These communities are equipped with recreation facilities and a community survey has identified the importance of these spaces to Augusta’s 7,500 residents. To support this, the township has made major investments into revitalizing them over the past two years, with the help of a $2.9 million Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) grant. Mayor Shaver recounts, “We invested that into the recreation halls and parks. Of course, right at that time, pickleball caught on, so we put in a few of those courts too. Our residents wanted to see more recreation and enjoy it, and we accomplished that.” In an effort to showcase what makes the area special, the township’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee is working on an interactive map that will help guide visitors to key points of interest in the community. “They have been working really hard on marketing Augusta and what we have to offer, so that we can get tourists to come to our area, experience the community and some of the sightseeing opportunities we have here,” CAO, Shannon Geraghty shares. “Hopefully they will go back and tell their families and friends how beautiful this area is and look at relocating.” INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT With the goal of providing diverse housing options, Augusta Township has welcomed CABN, a Canadian housing technology company, who plan to develop a 67-unit, net-zero, micro grid community. “We’re excited about that, because a lot of people are moving from the GTA, or from Ottawa and Montreal, 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 AUGUSTA, ON
With no existing municipal water and sewer services, Augusta partnered with Prescott and neighboring South Grenville municipalities to successfully secure a $24 million grant through the Housing Enabling Water and Sewer Fund. The funding will allow the township to extend services from Prescott to the Merwin Lane development area, an initiative that has already attracted interest from multiple housing developers. and they’re coming to municipalities like us,” says Shaver. “We have that slower pace of life. We have the river, which is great, all sorts of historical things, Limerick Forest, and every sport you can think of.” Augusta is also undertaking water and sewer projects to support future residential development. “The only way the township can grow is through expanding our settlement areas,” the mayor explains. 34 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
“We call that area Riverside Heights, and that’s about half a kilometer from the town of Prescott,” Shaver reports.“Right now, we are estimating about 2000 homes for that area. We’ve got three different developers wanting in and they’re going ahead.” INFRASTRUCTURE, INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION AND BUSINESS ATTRACTION As the township works to ensure that critical infrastructure is in place, the Augusta Industrial Park is attracting interest from companies across North America.“We’ve got four players now that are interested in coming to our industrial park, which is great,” expands Mayor Shaver. “ In the meantime, we need more power, more gas, and any water we can get. I’m a firm believer in ‘If you build it, they will come.’” Recent developments include the establishment of 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 AUGUSTA, ON
Carleton Mushroom’s $68 million facility, a significant investment in the local economy. Additionally, a Dutch company plans to construct 21-acres of greenhouses in the area, with each greenhouse valued at approximately $50 million.“Those are the sort of things that will help this township,” Shaver asserts. “And of course, when you bring companies in like that, you have support companies, which is great for the community.” Moving forward Augusta Township continues to make investments that accommodate both current industry and future growth. Geraghty details, “A lot of the companies that we have been dealing with in the past have really high electricity demands, so we’ve been working actively with the Minister of Energy and Mines and really trying to advocate to ensure that we’ve got the availability for power when companies want to relocate here.” In addition, a proposed on/off-ramp at Highway 401 will help to divert heavy truck traffic away from residential streets. Geraghty acknowledges the importance of these improvements in attracting new businesses to the area. “Time is money for these companies, and they can’t wait 2,3,4,5, years for infrastructure to be built,” he says. “It needs to be built now, and that’s how I’ve seen this council working. They’re not looking at today, they’re looking at setting themselves up for the future.” halpenny.com (613) 722-7626 | info@halpenny.com The trusted insurance broker for Augusta Township and municipalities across Ontario for over 80 years. 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
PRIORITIZING CONNECTIVITY AND EDUCATION Along with the beautiful surroundings, and a high quality of life, Augusta’s appeal to newcomers often comes down to the availability of reliable high-speed internet and access to local schooling. With this in mind, the township commissioned an independent IPT (Internet Performance Test) survey last year to map existing speeds across North Augusta, Maynard, Maitland, and other villages.Thanks to that data, and a council member with IT expertise, the township has secured commitments from Bell and Cogeco to roll out fibre to every corner of Augusta by the end of 2025, a benefit for both new developments and existing homes. In 2018, when Augusta faced the potential closure of its sole K–6 school, Shaver took up the cause. “I said, I’m going to push for school,” he recalls, noting that he has since led delegations before both the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA). “I think we’ve got to a point where we’re going to be successful. We’ll end up closing two 1950 schools, our own and Prescott’s, and building a brand new school.” REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Geraghty emphasizes that partnerships with neighboring municipalities have been vital to the township’s ability to provide quality services and amenities despite its small size. “We know that water and sewer is a big component of bringing residential housing in, and certainly housing is what gets people to relocate to Augusta,” he notes. “But we’re in between Brockville and Prescott, which has the arenas, the grocery stores and all of that. We’ve been very strong collaborators with our neighboring municipalities, to create opportunities for us to thrive together.” As part of these efforts, Augusta has donated $75,000 toward the walking track at Prescott’s new arena and contributed to the construction of a new water tower in the town. As the township continues to grow, collaborations with neighbouring municipalities and communities within the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville are important. “We’ve done a really good job on 37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 AUGUSTA, ON
Jeff Shaver, Mayor Shannon Geraghty, CAO 38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 AUGUSTA, ON
utilizing everybody’s skill set and abilities to improve our community,” underscores Geraghty. Augusta is also part of the St. Lawrence Economic Development Corridor, which consists of a consortium of six neighboring towns and townships. Represented by each mayor and a local business leader, the corridor meets monthly to exchange updates, explore projects and facilitate introductions to potential investors, including angel networks. “There’s been a lot of success with that here in this area,” remarks Mayor Shaver.“That’s how we build the whole community. It’s all about collaboration.” LOOKING AHEAD As Augusta Township moves forward into a bright future, the focus will remain on water and sewer infrastructure, housing growth, and the new school. “To me, they all go hand in hand,” says Geraghty. “As you build more housing, your capacity for schools is more important. In the next 18 to 24 months, I see Augusta making our mark.” With an ideal location and available land, Mayor Shaver has also prioritized raising the township’s profile.“Nobody knows who we are or where we are,” he remarks.“We are on the busiest highway in North America, and we’re not telling anybody we’re here.” “Hopefully, a sign will go up this year that says, ‘Welcome to Augusta Township, A community of opportunity.’ We’re logistically situated in a great place, but it’s been a secret. It’s time to get that open,” he concludes. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Halpenny www.halpenny.com Halpenny Insurance Brokers has been the trusted insurance broker and partner of choice for municipalities in Eastern Ontario for over 80 years! Over 25 municipalities currently rely on Halpenny for their risk management solutions and extensive insurance advice. Our specialities include property, cyber, automobile, liability, employee benefits programs and group retirement services. 40 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON BALANCING RU AND URBAN PRO AT A GLANCE LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON WHAT: A scenic township in the Ottawa Valley, experiencing growth and transformation WHERE: The County of Renfrew, Ontario WEBSITE: www.lvtownship.ca 41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
URAL CHARM OGRESS A TIGHT KNIT COMMUNITY EMBRACING CHANGE AND A DYNAMIC FUTURE The Township of Laurentian Valley is a thriving, close-knit community, with a population of just over 10,000, and a prime location in the scenic Ottawa Valley. This growing township offers breathtaking views and rural tranquility alongside convenient access to urban amenities. Embracing a new chapter of growth and development, Laurentian Valley continues to invite progress while preserving the welcoming spirit that defines its identity. 42 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Surrounding the city of Pembroke and located only an hour and twenty minutes from the nation’s capital, Community Development Officer Chris Neff boasts, “Laurentian Valley offers a perfect mix of urban and rural living, with captivating forests extending to the boundary of Algonquin Park, stunning riverfront areas along the Ottawa River, and extensive multi use trail systems, alongside fully serviced residential and community commercial areas. Everything you need to live, work and play, can be found here.” AN IDEAL LOCATION The township has been experiencing steady growth, driven by a lower cost of living, proximity to larger city centers, and excellent access to the Ottawa market via Highway 17. Laurentian Valley is also conveniently connected to the Highway 401 corridor through Highway 41, and to Northern Ontario by the Trans-Canada Highway. Neff shares, “The township is becoming a popular area for people to locate, whether it be retirees looking to move closer to services, young couples looking to build a family, or remote workers choosing to move further out from major urban centers for a better work life balance and a more affordable community.” OPEN FOR BUSINESS Laurentian Valley is home to a number of major employers, including Roseburg Pembroke MDF, several aggregate operations, government services and large retail establishments. Many residents also work at nearby Garrison Petawawa or Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, making Laurentian Valley an ideal home base for the region. The township is definitely “open for business,” supporting both existing and future enterprises. “We’re good to work with. We hear that a lot,” Neff acknowledges.“As a small municipality we don’t take growth for granted. We’re there with you every step of the way, and we devote as many resources as we can towards seeing your vision come to life.” With 250 brick-and-mortar, and 50 home-based businesses, Neff says,“We’re really proud to say that those are growing, but there’s still room for others that want to start up.” New additions to the township include Battlefield Rentals, Petro Canada, Toppers Pizza, and A&W, with three more commercial units ready for fast food tenants. “We’re growing really fast,” Neff relays. “Many hands have worked very hard to make these projects come to life. Even though we are a small municipality, we are able to attract and successfully 43 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON
develop these larger businesses, which often have really unique and diverse needs that need to be met.” To further support growth, the township introduced a Community Improvement Grant Program in 2019. “We’re really putting our money where our mouth is and saying we’re supporting businesses,”Neff remarks. The program offers 50 percent matching grants of up to $10,000 per property, covering a wide range of categories including signage, facades, accessibility, landscaping, parking, brownfield rehabilitation, commercial roofs, and even agricultural value-added initiatives. In addition to the grant itself, the program includes a rebate for municipal application and permit fees, 44 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
Our Projects Partner with Us Contact Us www.creativedevventures.com A Vision for Purposeful Development At Creative Dev Ventures, we reimagine land development as a force for connection, creativity, and long-term impact. Our work goes beyond building structures—it’s about designing environments where people can live well, work meaningfully, and feel a true sense of belonging. Rooted in Ottawa and active across Canada, CDV leads purpose-driven projects that reflect the needs of evolving communities. We collaborate closely with builders, developers, investors, and local leaders to unlock the full potential of underutilized land—transforming it into thriving spaces that foster social cohesion, economic opportunity, and sustainable growth. By challenging conventional industry models and placing community well-being at the forefront, we’re helping shape a future where development isn’t just a transaction—it’s a responsibility. One that we take seriously, and pursue with strategy, heart, and vision."
CREATIVE DEV VENTURES: SHAPING LAND, BUILDING LEGACY At Creative Dev Ventures (CDV), we believe land development is more than construction—it’s a catalyst for community, innovation, and meaningful impact. Founded by Carina Guzmán, a visionary land strategist and educator, CDV is redefining the development landscape through co-creation, values-driven design, and strategic partnerships that prioritize people and place. We lead and support innovative development projects across Canada, with a focus on transforming underutilized land into thriving, inclusive communities. From urban infill sites to mixed-use neighborhoods, our projects are rooted in sustainability, equity, and long-term value. Whether advancing joint ventures, preparing turnkey investment packages, or advising municipalities, we offer deep market insight, robust stakeholder engagement, and streamlined execution. A core focus of our work lies in collaborating with strategic partners—developers, builders, and investors—who share our commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking development. These partnerships strengthen project delivery, reduce risk, and drive innovation, allowing us to bring high-impact ideas to life with greater speed and integrity. Carina’s leadership is central to our mission. With decades of hands-on experience and a gift for strategic thinking, she bridges the gap between visionary ideas and real-world delivery. Her ability to unite public and private stakeholders, unlock development potential, and navigate complex municipal frameworks makes her a sought-after voice in the industry. Her work has inspired a new generation of professionals to approach development not only as a business— but as a responsibility. Education is a cornerstone of our impact.Through the Land Development Academy, CDV delivers immersive, user-centered online programs that demystify the development process. Our flagship course, the Land Development Accelerator, equips aspiring and experienced developers with practical skills in zoning, finance, site planning, and deal structuring. Designed with accessibility in mind, our platform features tools for all learning styles, including transcripts, captions, and hands-on templates. What sets CDV apart is our commitment to empowering people—students, investors, landowners, and community leaders alike. Whether we’re building physical communities, designing educational experiences, or developing tools to simplify complex processes, CDV stands at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact. We see land not just as property—but as possibility. And we’re proud to help others unlock its full potential.
as well as a tax increment grant to lessen the impact of rising property assessments due to improvements. “We’re just getting started here in the township of Laurentian Valley, and we hope that more businesses come, and if they do, we’re ready,” Neff asserts. COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE Laurentian Valley supports a balanced lifestyle that values community well-being.The township is home to six public recreation facilities, varying in size and equipped with a variety of amenities, including recreation halls, playgrounds, green spaces, trails, rinks, and splash pads. Community spaces and events are supported not only by township resources but by an exceptional volunteer base. Mayor Steve Bennett emphasizes, “We’re very fortunate that we’re able to have over 100 volunteers who run all these rec centers, which allows us to keep our costs down and be able to offer more to our residents.”The township offers a number of unique events, including a popular Halloween Walk and winter skating opportunities at the LV Four Seasons Trail, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. When it comes to connecting the community, new residential developments are being designed with walkability in mind, adding active transportation routes as well as sidewalks. In addition, Laurentian Valley is working in collaboration with the County of Renfrew on the Algonquin Trail, which stretches from the community of Deep River all the way to Arnprior. “The township has also been working on acquiring and developing another trail system, connecting through several other municipalities,” Neff recounts. “We are actively trying to improve our recreation constantly. So if you’re a resident of Laurentian Valley or a neighboring community, or a tourist, you can rest assured that there’s always something going on here.” 47 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON
A RESIDENTIAL FOCUS In Laurentian Valley residential development is guided by provincial housing mandates and a strong focus on community planning. The township is experiencing rapid growth, with several key residential developments underway. These include the Taxton and Kirkland subdivisions, which will offer approximately 50 privately serviced lots near the Ottawa River. The River Point subdivision, currently in the draft approval stage, will add 156 residential units, with additional phases already under review. According to Neff, the East End growth area has the potential for up to 1,700 new units, while the West End is also poised for substantial expansion through the Laurentian Meadows subdivision and new projects in partnership with CreativeDev Ventures. “Those are really going to be kicking off in the next couple years, into the next 10 years,” he reports.“We think it is going to be a quality of life that a lot of people want to have, and hopefully they are going to come to the township of Laurentian Valley to get it.” A PROACTIVE PLAN With this volume of growth comes a need for infrastructure investment, and the township has already obtained funding to help lay the groundwork for future development.“We’ve secured $579,687.50 from the province of Ontario to develop roughly one kilometer of Robinson Lane to help connect critical infrastructure to new housing developments,” details Neff. This will support the construction of roads, sidewalks, and underground services to enable future homes to be built efficiently. “However, we’re still actively seeking funding to support the roughly $2 million in infrastructure needed to connect these developments for water and sewer and storm water to accelerate these projects,” he admits. To avoid delays in other parts of the township, officials are already planning the next step, working 48 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
www.InvestRenfrewCounty.ca Access to a skilled workforce and major transportation routes. Investment ready. in partnership with the County of Renfrew. “We’ve come up with a plan to develop an area of Drive-In Road,” Neff explains. “We’ve realized that even though we’re going to be doing this development at one end, the infrastructure is not going to connect to the other end, where there’s separate developments, until those houses are built.” This proposed project will see the installation of water, sewer, storm infrastructure, sidewalks, lighting, and electrical access to 700 metres of road. “It is estimated to cost roughly $7.5 million but it’s shovel ready pending funding approval,” he says. “We’re hoping that the partnerships, the planning, the foresight, will be looked on beneficially by funders to show that we’re ready to go, and we want to support the goal of building houses and getting more people living in homes.” A LOOK AHEAD With a plan and a vision, Laurentian Valley is ready for what comes next. “We have the land, we have the product that attracts people, and having a lower tax rate certainly draws the developers from larger areas to come here,” Mayor bennet conveys.“There’s so much that we can offer here for a laid back type of living.” Moving forward, Neff outlines, “What we’re looking at here in the next couple of years is a whole new urban community. We’re experiencing record growth, and it’s coming at a really good time.” He highlights infrastructure upgrades like the rehabilitation of Highway 148, which will include sidewalks and multi-use paths linking newer developments in the west to underdeveloped areas in the east. New subdivisions in the east end will feature active 49 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON
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