On Our Way to Endless Opportunity On Our Way to Endless Opportunity | Page 16

50%
of respondents
said their biggest
challenge
was reaching
customers.
What We Heard
Challenges
› › Competitive tax rates were mentioned as a challenge during the one-
on-one interviews.
› › Some businesses indicated the need to develop relationships with
Councils prior to commencing the business but fear a change in elected
officials could harm their ability to grow their businesses.
› › Many businesses and residents identified lack of promotion as a
challenge. Many residents, realtors or businesses did not know what
was happening in the region and the economic development activity
already taking place.
› › Local business could not find a good source of business contacts/
service providers to keep as much work local as possible. Local
businesses need to promote themselves, especially through the internet.
› › There are some pockets of distrust/confrontation between municipalities
in the region, however, intermunicipal cooperation is improving.
› › Although small town atmosphere is promoted as a strength, some find the
small town “politics/cliques” to be a challenge for new residents.
› › Many businesses raised staffing as a challenge, getting the right staff is
becoming increasingly difficult (both student employment and attracting
skilled and semi-skilled labour). Increased minimum wages was noted as
a significant challenge, especially when employing students or first-time
workers.
› › Residents and visitors identified it was difficult to access business
services (restaurants, food supplies, etc.) after 5 pm.
› › Small business owners are “getting tired” and do not want to keep regular
hours, so either close the business or move to a home-based business.
› › Although the region can provide most goods and services, the proximity
to major markets is a challenge, as shoppers bypass the local
business and support the major chain stores. Also, the housing choices in
the major centres are attractive, especially for the younger families.
› › Some felt there was not enough to do for youth and young families
(e.g. after school programs, recreation, etc).
› › “There are not enough people to support businesses and not enough
business to draw people.”
› › Some feel there is an oversupply of housing, but prices remain high.
46%
of respondents
said their biggest
challenge was the
economy.
16 | On Our Way to Endless Opportunity: An Economic Roadmap
33%
of respondents
indicated that high
speed and the
reliability of the
internet service
were challenges.
21%
of responses
cited municipal
processes
and red tape
as a business
challenge, as
well as lack of
support from the
municipality.