Business development in Hastings County continued throughout the pandemic.
A report from Economic and Tourism Development Officer Andrew Redden to the Planning and Development Committee indicated nine new businesses opened during the the pandemic and last year.
There were 249 inquiries or requests for assistance.
“For every one dollar that Hastings County is investing through the budget, there’s three dollars approximately that’s reinvested back into the community from the businesses that we are working with and assisting, whether it’s a new business or expansion.”
Redden says it was a challenge for restaurant and travel businesses.
He indicated that through marketing the county did see good numbers.
He noted that reports from building officials show a hike in that activity.
“A 41% increase in the number of building permits overall compared to the first full year before the pandemic and also a 103% increase in the total dollar value of construction activity.”
The county has also seen an increase in the number of homes sold, and in the price of homes.
Redden indicated there was a five percent jump in the population of the county as well.
