KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Business Count, a collaborative venture supported by Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, local chambers of commerce and the Lindsay Downtown BIA, provides insights into the region’s economic makeup. This annual survey is meant to enhance our understanding of local businesses and serve as a pivotal tool for guiding economic development and policy-making in the area.
From June to August 2023, City staff surveyed businesses and employment properties across Kawartha Lakes, including the vibrant commercial areas of Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls and Coboconk-Norland.
View the 2023 Business Count Report
The 2023 Business Count exposed several vital statistics:
- Total Businesses Surveyed: 672
- Total Employment: 6,479 jobs
- Occupied Floor Space: over 3 million square feet
- Independently Owned Businesses: 64% of businesses surveyed
- Chamber of Commerce or BIA Membership: 43% of businesses surveyed
- Business Expansion Plans: 12% of businesses surveyed plan to expand their floor space
- Future Hiring Plans: 64% of businesses surveyed plan to hire in the future
These numbers underscore the dynamic nature of Kawartha Lakes’ business environment and highlight the contribution of local businesses to Ontario’s economy.
Regional Insights
The survey provided granular data on various communities within Kawartha Lakes:
- Lindsay is a significant commercial centre and goods producing hub, with 484 surveyed businesses contributing to a diverse economic landscape.
- Downtown Lindsay displayed its unique character, with 189 surveyed businesses thriving in its historic and cultural setting.
- Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon’s 141 surveyed businesses stood out for their vibrant retail and service sectors, reflective of their tourist-friendly nature.
- Coboconk and Norland area, though smaller with 22 surveyed businesses, revealed a varied business community.
Sectoral Analysis
Businesses were grouped into four major categories: Arts, Culture, and Hospitality; Industry and Trades; Retail; and Services. The Retail and Services sectors (including accommodation and food services) dominated the number of businesses surveyed, illustrating the region’s strong consumer market. Meanwhile, Industry and Trades categories highlighted the importance of these sectors in providing employment in Kawartha Lakes.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Business Count 2023 brought Kawartha Lakes’ economic strengths to the forefront, it also identified challenges such as skill shortages in certain sectors. Addressing these gaps presents an opportunity for both local businesses and policy makers to foster a more resilient economic landscape.
This report serves as a resource for community partners and local businesses as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of fostering economic development in Kawartha Lakes.
For more detailed insights and to explore the full report, visit the Business Count webpage.
Surveying for the 2024 Business Count will take place this summer. Each year, these insights will become more representative of the Kawartha Lakes business community as the geographic scope of the survey expands and more businesses respond.
