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 (Communities in Bloom National Champions 2009)
·        Public washrooms

Number and Type of New Businesses Opened

·        Rite Trak Realty (2010)
·        Woodpeckers of Palmerston (2010)
·        Kempston & Werth Realty (2008)
·        Scrounge Around (2008)
·        Teeny Tiny Tots (2007)
·        Black's Financial (2007)

Major developments planned, underway and recently completed

·        The Palmerston Lions Heritage Park is in the process of being developed to include the following elements: interlocking brick walking trails, memorial Tree Park, amphitheatre, sports centre and numerous other elements.

·        Streetscape improvements which include public space enhancements, interlocking brick boulevards, lighting, plantings, street furniture and public art began in the fall of 2009.

·        "Palmerston, run with it!" has been developed and will be further developed to include joint advertising opportunities, events etc. 

Traffic Counts

0.5 km East of Wellington Road 8 - with a AADT of 4,984 (2007)

0.2 km East of Wellington Road 5 (Toronto St.) - with a AADT of 4,100 (2007)

0.1 km North of Wellington Road 123 - with a AADT of 3,837 (2007)