There were a couple of common themes in a survey of businesses involved with the retail/commercial and technology sectors in the City of Quinte West.
A telephone survey of 60 Quinte West businesses found the main concerns were the need for the revitalization of the downtowns of Trenton and Frankford and the lack of high speed internet.
In response, consulting firm Strexer Harrop & Associates suggested to the Quinte West Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee that it develop strategies to attract both large and small businesses, update a trade area analysis, change and keep promoting its Community Improvement Plan with a focus on the downtowns of Trenton and Frankford, and continue advocating for better and faster internet coverage.
Creating “walkable” downtowns was seen as a good idea in the consultant’s report as well as toughening property bylaw standards.
Expansion of downtown Trenton’s Farmers Market’s hours and months of operation were also suggested.
The survey found that despite the problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, 90% of respondents were satisfied with their operations in Quinte West and almost a third of them planned to expand their businesses. Most of the rest had no major changes planned one way or another.
The main advantages of doing business in Quinte West were seen as its proximity to Highway 401, CFB Trenton, and Prince Edward County along with the fact that the community and area is growing.
The primary disadvantages of operating in the city were seen as a perception the area has low incomes, the appearances of the downtowns, and the lack of high speed internet.
While acknowledging the concerns respondents had in the survey, Mayor Jim Harrison said as far as he is concerned the glass is half full when it comes to business prospects in Quinte West.
“We have had many people want to open new businesses. We still have a number of requests, which is great, and we have some organizations that want to expand some of the activities that they have related to athletics.”
The consultant’s report will be formally presented to the business community sometime next month.
