The Economic Development Update was presented to council on Tuesday night and highlighted the economic growth in town for the first half of 2019.
In 2015, The Town of BWG signed a five year Economic Development Strategic Plan to help the municipality's economic development.
The plan’s strategy expires at the end of this year and includes key metrics pertaining to new business and job creation in town, the Community Improvement Plan, new infill projects, real estate activity and Request for Information inquiries.
From January to June of 2019, there was a reported 14 grand opening and anniversary events for businesses in town, including the new KFC, Starbucks West Location, Freshii and The Elden.
Employment data from the government shows there was a 3.5 percent increase in jobs since 2016.
At the meeting on Sept. 17, Manager of Economic Development, Michael Disano was asked about Nottawasaga Futures, NT Temps and other agencies that currently have a presence in Bradford – and whether they would be leaving the municipality due to provincial cuts to their annual budgets.
“Some of them might be losing their space or looking to co-locate, but none of them are leaving,” said Disano, assuring council that services will continue to be provided.
Coun. Gary Lamb mentioned a recent job fairs, that saw employers from BWG, Newmarket and Alliston’s Honda Plant.
“It’s nice to see there were employers here looking for Bradford people to work,” he said.
Mayor Rob Keffer noted that Bradford’s development charges are the lowest in the area and a great way to attract industry jobs.
“We’ve got the land now and the service land and we’re open for business, and we’ll look forward to more companies (coming to Bradford).”
"As a council, we all share the view that it is a goal to have a far greater percentage of our residents work nearby. In other words, live, work, and play in BWG,” says Coun. Gary Baynes.
“With the number of new businesses in town come new job opportunities. A few opportunities in various stores along with lots of opportunities in new businesses like the two new seniors residences and MedReLeaf/Aurora Cannabis. Plus expanding job opportunities in existing businesses in the Reagens Industrial Park and other commercial/industrial areas of BWG."
He noted that even more opportunities will be available, once the industrial development is built at the Highways 400 and 88.
"Coming soon will be lots of job opportunities within the 400 Employment Lands. We really want many of you to live, work, and play all within BWG,” said Baynes.