Magnetawan.

• Position: Communities of opportunity - Economic and community development

Located in the Almaguin Highlands at Highways 124 and 520, Magnetawan is home to more than 40 businesses in the agriculture, retail, service. and tourism sectors.

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In July of 2011, the municipality of 1,454 suffered a major setback due to a devastating fire in the downtown core.

Undaunted, Magnetawan developed a community recovery plan to address downtown revitalization and also hired John Santarossa as its economic development officer, bringing with him more than 30 years of' experience in the profession.

An economic development advisory committee was also established to address development issues and projects.

With more than half of the population within the pre-retirement or retirement age, the municipality has been looking into affordable housing, along with other initiatives related to entrepreneurship, tourism, and green energy.

The town has a community energy partnership program to explore opportunities in renewable energy projects.

At more than 500 square kilometres, Magnetawan has four-season recreation, trails, attractions, numerous lakes and...