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Bruce Strapp is entering a new chapter of his life.
The avuncular executive director of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) is stepping down after eight years. May 5 is his final day on the job.
“They always say retire in the spring, then you can go to the cottage and do the things you want to do,” said the 60-year-old Sault Ste. Marie resident.
“Basically, I want to look at doing something different,” said Strapp in explaining what factored into his decision.
Heading into a June provincial election, Strapp said the timing is right, though party politics didn’t play a part in his decision at all.
Post-election, he said, it’s always commonplace for the government to appoint a new minister to oversee the Crown agency. His remaining weeks will be spent working with NOHFC staff and his successor through a transition period leading up to the changeover.
The son of a United Church minister, the Alberta-born Strapp got into economic development in 1985 after running an expediting business that serviced the Red Lake mining camp.
He spent five years as executive director of the Red Lake District Economic Development Corporation before moving to spend two years heading up the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. By 1992, he was CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, where he would spend the next 18 years.
In 2010, Strapp received the Joseph Montgomery Economic Development Achievement Award – his profession’s highest – from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDAC).
At NOHFC, Strapp admitted it was an eye-opener to take on the responsibility of being accountable for a $100-million budget for the region and seeing that it’s spent wisely.
“You’re on the chase and you have a real responsibility to try and drive new investment.”
Over eight years at NOHFC, Strapp felt he’s helped push the “digital envelope” in doing things more effectively and efficiently. The programming is more reflective of community and private sector needs, and he’s excited by the new branding and web platform they’'ve recently launched.
“One of the things we wanted to do was showcase some of the success stories in a more visual way.”
As to any personal signature accomplishments in his career, Strapp said it’s difficult to pick out any given the sheer volume of deals and billions of dollars invested.
Strapp said he values the genuine relationships he’s made and been inspired by the “extremely dynamic” members of the NOHFC board.
“It’s really kind of fun to work with people who really care about their community.”
Many mentors and influencers shaped his career development and his understanding of the fundamentals that go into an investment deal.
Strapp reels off names like Monique Tougas, his first assistant in Red Lake, and retired judge Peter Bishop, who encouraged him to get into the profession.
Timmins businessman J.P. Aubé, Strapp called a “phenomenal leader,” and he mentioned associates in Sault Ste. Marie like Frank Sarlo, the late Don Watson, Greg Punch and Mike Barker.
Once in a leadership position, Strapp said it was important to him to encourage and mentor others.
Years ago, it was unheard of someone in their 20s to be running at economic development corporation. There wasn’t the diversity or the gender equality.
The EDCO board was “an old boy’s club. We made fundamental decisions to really change that.”
The organization’s conferences and events today are “so dynamic, all races and genders,” said Strapp.
“It’s kinda cool. It’s gotten to the point where there’s not a lot of grey hair. There are a lot more youth and vibrancy in the profession.”
Though the culture of economic development remains in his blood, Strapp said he needs a break from it. But he intends to keep his professional ties in EDCO and the Economic Developers Association of Canada. “There’s a real fellowship and lot of friends I have in this profession.”
He’s undetermined if he’ll try the consulting angle but he’s leaving the door open.
Strapp said he’s fully recovered from having surgery on both hips and is now a regular gym-goer.
His plans for this summer are to buy a new fishing boat, install a dock, and spend more time hanging out with his three brothers – Brian, David, and Craig – on Lake Windermere near Chapleau.
The Sault will remain his home where he lives with his wife Holly Goodison-Strapp and his two daughters, Ricki and Kaitlyn.
To check out the job ad for the NOHFC executive director's post, click here.
