Market Strengths and Trends

Information obtained from the Minto Business Retention & Expansion Survey (2007) 66 Businesses were surveyed

Impression of the Community

  • 73% of the businesses surveyed said that Minto is a good to excellent place to do business.
  • 70% of businesses surveyed indicated that they had no change in attitude in the last three years. Of those who did express a change in attitude 50% had a more positive attitude.
  • 86% of businesses strongly agree or agree that there is plenty of convenient parking in the downtown.
  • 77% of businesses believe the downtown is an excellent place to do business.
  • 76% feel that the look and feel of the downtown helps their business.
  • 76% believe that the existing business mix in the downtown helps their business.

Advantages of Doing Business in Minto

  • Location on major traffic routes
  • Friendly community
  • Central location – one hour from cities and one hour from beaches
  • Lower business and housing costs
  • Rural lifestyle

Factors for doing business in Minto that were rated as good to excellent by 70% or more of the businesses

  • Quality of life
  • Support from local business
  • Telecommunication infrastructure capacity
  • Access to markets, customers and clients
  • Availability of utilities
  • Labour costs
  • Access to suppliers

Improving the Retail Business Environment

  • Façade Improvement Grant Program (announced in 2009)
  • Streetscape Plan (completed in 2008, implementation in 2010 & 2011)
  • Business Recruitment Program (2010)
  • Clean streets, sidewalks and landscaping
  • Public washrooms

Number and Type of New Businesses Opened

  • Minto Farmers’ Market (2009)

Major developments planned, underway and recently completed

  • Streetscape improvements which include public space enhancements, interlocking brick boulevards, lighting, plantings, street furniture and public art began in the fall of 2009.
  • Clifford, your stop along the way” had been developed and will be further developed to include joint advertising opportunities, events etc.

Traffic Counts

Highway 9 6,100 (AADT) 2006 Ministry of Transportation