The EOLC brings five regionally-minded organizations together to tackle shared/regional issues influencing the economic success and prosperity of Eastern Ontario. Formally launched in 2015, the EOLC is responsible for implementing the 2019 'refreshed' regional Economic Development Strategy (available on this website) and focuses on these themes:
- Workforce Development and Deployment (the EOLC's top priority since April of 2019; two initiatives are being showcased in the fall of 2022: a labour market "intelligence" platform and a resilience index with a focus on supporting labour market mobility)
- Integrated Intelligent Transportation Systems (a major EOLC initiative, One Window Permitting for Public Works, "went live" at the end of August 2022 and another initiative to help address the need for commuter transportation has been operating since October 2019)
- Technology Integration and Innovation (with an early emphasis on innovation procurement, including municipalities' role in helping start-ups and innovators bring solutions to bear in the municipal services arena)
- Digital Infrastructure (high-speed internet and mobile/cell coverage, through leadership by EORN).
The EOLC operates theme-based "working groups" through which stakeholders from across the region gather to bring insight to economic issues and serve as Steering Committees for projects designed to address priority issues. This website provides information through pages dedicated to their work.
The five partners in the EOLC are:
- Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
- Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus
- Eastern Ontario Regional Network
- Ontario East Economic Development Commission
- Community Futures Ontario East