About 96 per cent of all business owners in Bradford West Gwillimbury ranked the community as a good or excellent place to do business, with 89 per cent of them potentially planning to expand, according to an economic development report.
The report, submitted to BWG council earlier this month, breaks down some highlights of the local economy in the last year.
A survey, developed through a partnership between the town’s economic development office and Nottawasaga Futures, was sent out to business owners and 152 of them responded.
Of the people who plan to expand their businesses, 63 per cent mentioned increasing their workforce and 69 per cent mentioned growing their services, the report read.
As well, so far this year, 12 new businesses — including BradfordToday in April — have held grand openings in BWG, and four have held anniversary celebrations.
The latter includes the Bradford Farmers’ Market (11 years), Kumi Canada (20 years), Bradford Print Shoppe (35 years), and Simcoe Dance Academy (40 years).
“We take pride in promoting the long-term businesses, as well as the new ones,” said Mayor Rob Keffer during a council meeting Sept. 18.
What does $11 million buy you in BWG?
In the first half of this year, people bought more than than $28 million in properties and $188,000 in leased spaces, read the report.
The purchased properties ranged from an eight-hectare property at 2523 Canal Rd. for about $1.2 million, to two 3,502-square-metre spaces at 105 Reagens Industrial Parkway for $6 million and $11 million, respectively, according to the report.
As well, so far this year, there are five subdivision applications — at 70 Melbourne Dr., 3111 Sideroad 10, two on Concession 7, and one known as Block 128 51M-1051.
There are also 72 building permits, the most of which are for assembly (26), farm building (20), and mercantile (15), read the report.
Training, job numbers
Between January and August of this year, 265 new residents signed up with bradford WORKS for employment help, and 79 per cent of them found work.
At EPIC Social Innovation and Training Hub, which hosts training sessions for construction trades, to accounting, 35 people took five different courses from January through June this year, the report read.
According to an exit survey, 100 per cent of students said they felt the training was relevant to their growth and development and upgrading their skills.
Of the students who took general construction training, 88 per cent of them found jobs right after finishing the course.
“I really like having EPIC in our town. They have brought people some work,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc at the Sept. 18 council meeting, adding members of council have talked to Minister of Infrastructure Monte McNaughton about finding a more permanent space for the organization.
“We can see some good success stories in this report.”
