Town of Midland Economic Development Information Package

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1 Economic Development Information Package 2011

2 Table of Contents 1. Municipal Profile Community Overview History Location Education Transportation Statistics and Demographics, Statistics Canada 2006 Information... 5 Figure 1 - Current Population Date... 5 Figure 2 - Age Characteristics Graph... 5 Figure 3 - Labour Force Activity... 5 Figure 4 - Occupation Graph... 6 Figure 5 - Industry Graph... 6 Figure 6 - Educational Attainment Graph... 7 Figure 7 Major Employers/Industries Building Department Information Building Permit Fees By-law Residential Development Charges Non-Residential Development Charges Tax Rates Figure 8 Number of Building Permits Figure 9 Value of Building Permits Planning and Development Department Information Planning Department Fees By-law Figure 10 Residential Development Projects - Chart Figure 11 Residential Development Projects - Map Figure 12 Vacant Commercial and Industrial Lands and Buildings - Chart Figure 12 Vacant Commercial and Industrial Lands and Buildings - Map Public Works Information Average Daily Traffic Counts Water and Sewer Rates Power Utility Corporation Rates... 21

3 1. Municipal Profile 1.1 Community Overview Situated on the southern shores of picturesque Georgian Bay, the is a thriving community of over 16, 000 residents. As the gateway to the 30, 000 islands, offers an engaging blend of culture, history, recreation and nature. Its idyllic surroundings make the economic hub of the North Simcoe region and the top tourist destination in the area, attracting visitors from all around the world. During the summer months, the population grows to over 100, 000 due to the various cottages, resort hotels and provincial and national parks in the area. From its idyllic setting to its strategic location 90 minutes from Southern Ontario's 10 million residents, Southern Georgian Bay is an area offering a perfect business setting. Adding to its attraction is a growing local population base, a modern and expanding manufacturing sector, full services, competitive - and stable - taxation rates, abundant housing and a co-operative atmosphere. Strong transportation links - three routes to nearby Highway two deep water ports, and a modern airport all connect the region to national and international markets. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, Southern Georgian Bay is the commercial and population hub of North Simcoe. The region is prized throughout Southern Ontario as both a historical centre and a cottaging and boating paradise. Over the years, it has developed from its early days as southern Ontario's playground, with a summertime economy, to a community supporting high-tech industries, manufacturing plants and a wide range of retail outlets. It's a top choice for those able to work from home; especially people who have attained a position where they can balance business and pleasure. Town Summary Latitude: N Longitude: W Elevation : m (660 feet) Little Lake Area: 131 ha Municipal Area: 30.2 sq. km Length of roads: 120,063 m Length of sidewalks: 64,531 m Village Incorporation: 1878 Town Incorporation: , 1965, 1978, Annexations: 1994, 1998, and 2004 Population: 16,900 (2006 StatsCan) Trade Area Population: 45,848 Page 1

4 1.2 History Settled by farming families in the 1840's, was originally known by several names (Mundy's Bay, Hartley's Landing, and Aberdare) before officially being named after the settlement was chosen as the terminus for the Railway in Adolph Hugel and George Cox formed the Land Company and purchased most of the acreage in the area from various farming families. In 1872, they had Peter Burnett survey the new village site, complete with large lots, wide roads and big plans for the future. They named the new community " City." With railway construction, expanded lumber operations, and an ever-growing commercial sector, City flourished. The Chew brothers established a grist mill in City soon reached a population of over 1,000 and was incorporated into a Village on October 24, On July 1, 1879, the completed railroad was officially opened for commercial and passenger service. In 1881, the first large grain elevator was completed and regular commercial shipping began. Unprecedented business growth continued to the point that the village status was upgraded to incorporation as a Town on January 6, A local consortium of business leaders headed by James Playfair, David Pratt and Douglas White, to name only three, was responsible for continued expansion in wholesaling, retailing, and industrial manufacturing. Although largely dependent on Georgian Bay pine forests, diversification in such companies as Canada Iron Foundry improved the area's economic health. The economic development devastation of the Great Depression of the 1930's virtually eliminated the regional capital base. Many companies moved away, or were sold. It took the Second World War and the revitalization of the shipyards to overcome the ravages of the Depression. In 1954, however, the shipyards moved their entire operation to Collingwood. This was a major blow to the local economy, but gradual and continued diversification in all sectors brought the Town's population to 11,000 by A Federal Government program, provided by the Department of Regional Economic Expansion, allowed for new industrial growth in A range of companies have setup shop in over the years, including: TRW, ELCAN, Kindred, Weber Tool, Baytech Plastics, Pillsbury, NEBS, and more. In 1993, the Financial Times newspaper referred to as a "high-tech super town". ELCAN, now part of the Americanbased Raytheon Corporation, is the largest employer in with over 900 employees. The North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC) opened in 2005 and has been a popular place for sporting events, conventions and trade shows, receptions, concerts, and more. The Public Library, located in the heart of downtown, underwent a multi-million dollar expansion that was completed in the Spring of There is now increased space for meetings, programs, and improved accessibility. The Cultural Centre (MCC) is currently in construction and expected to open in Spring The MCC will be a year-round facility for arts and culture designed to Page 2

5 attract and serve local members, residents, and visitors to the area. The MCC will house art galleries, classrooms, theatre, and an event centre. Throughout the changes that has witnessed, the Town continues to flourish economically with industrial expansions, commercial growth, tourism, and a good balance of residential development. truly lives up to its motto: Persequi qualitatem vitae, meaning "in pursuit of quality of life." 1.3 Location is conveniently located at the intersections of Highways 93 and 12, which are both accessible by Ontario s main transportation artery Highway 400. Thus, it is only a short drive from to many of the large metropolises of southern Ontario. In fact, is only 45 km west of Orillia, 50 km north of Barrie and just 1.5 hours north of Toronto, Canada s largest city. This proximity allows to enjoy the benefits big city amenities while retaining its small town charm so attractive to families and businesses. 1.4 Education supports schools from two of the areas school boards: the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. Public and Separate Schools Bayview Elementary School Huron Park Public School Mundy s Bay Public School Monsignor Castex School Sacred Heart School Secondary School St. Theresa s High School The Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (CSDCSO) manages French language public schools such as St. Louis, St. Joseph and Le Caron in neighbouring Penetanguishene. Students from may attend these schools. Community Colleges and Universities Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Barrie operates a regional campus in, dedicated to providing quality education and training opportunities to North Simcoe. The College offers various full-time and part-time study programs and accreditations as well as a many apprenticeships at local workplaces. Georgian College, in partnership with York and Laurentian Universities, also offers students the opportunity to earn university degrees in Simcoe County. Along with York University, Georgian College offers a collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing Page 3

6 Program in which students spend their first two years studying at Georgian College in Barrie and the next two years of study at York University in Toronto. At the end of four years, graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN.) from York University and will be eligible to write the Registered Nurse examination. Through Laurentian University at Georgian College, students can obtain four-year BA degrees in English, History, and Psychology (Specialized); a four-year BBA; three-year degrees in numerous disciplines; and a part-time MBA. Please visit their website for more information: Lakehead University of Thunder Bay operates a regional campus in the nearby city of Orillia, Ontario. It is the newest campus in Ontario, with courses focusing on social work, interdisciplinary studies, business and education. The Orillia Campus also offers a selection of courses through its Office of Continuing Education and Distributed Learning (CEDL). Please visit their website for more information: Other Education Skills and Learning The Learning Centre provides adult learners of all ages and abilities with a full range of opportunities to discover new knowledge, develop new skills and to achieve personal learning goals. Programs are available to assist students with achieving secondary school credits, improving language skills and to prepare for post secondary education. 1.5 Transportation Getting around the is easy with the transit system. Buses operate from Monday to Saturday, departing from King Street and Elizabeth Street every half hour on weekdays, beginning at 6:45 a.m and every hour on weekends, starting at 8:45 a.m. There is no service on Sundays or holidays. Getaway Tours Coach Lines offers daily bus service from to Georgian College, Downtown Barrie and Orillia with connections to Greyhound Coach Lines to Toronto. Page 4

7 2.0 Statistics and Demographics, Statistics Canada 2006 Information Figure 1 - Current Population Date Population and Dwelling Count Population in ,300 Population in ,214 % Change 0.5 Total Private Dwellings Dwellings Occupied by 6,897 Permenant Residents Density per sq. km Land Area (sq. km) 29.1 Figure 2 - Age Characteristics Graph 2006 Age Characteristics - Major Cohorts Population to 19 years 20 to 29 years 30 to 39 years 40 to 49 years 50 to 59 years 60 to 69 years 70 to 79 years 80 and over Cohorts Figure 3 - Labour Force Activity Labour Force Activity Total Male Female Population 15 years and older 13,470 6,315 7,160 In the Labour Force 8,180 4,285 3,895 Employed 7,575 3,985 3,585 Unemployed Participation Rate Employment Rate Unemployment Rate Page 5

8 Figure 4 - Occupation Graph Figure 5 - Industry Graph Page 6

9 Figure 6 - Educational Attainment Graph Page 7

10 Figure 7 - Major Employers/ Industries Organization Elcan Optical Technologies Business Activity Manufacturers of High Optics Employment Range Georgian Bay General Hospital Health Services Educational Institutions Teaching Professionals TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Automotive Parts Manufacturing New England Business Systems (NEBS) Business Forms Ltd. Baytech Plastics Inc. Business Forms Manufacturing Custom Moulding Thermo Plastic Manufacturing Municipal Services Kindred Industries Limited Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics Schott Gemtron Canada Corporation Molds - Steel and Nickel Shell Manufacturing Fibreglass Manufacturing Glass Fabrication, Molded Product Systems, Metal Fabrication, System Development 150 Community Living Huronia Special Needs Services Weber Manufacturing Ltd. Molds - Steel & Nickel Shell, Nickel Vapour Manufacturing Hillcrest Village Health Services Villa Care Centre Health Services 150 YMCA Fitness Centre 85 Page 8

11 3. Building Department Information 3.1 Building Department Fees By-law The Building Department established the Building Fees By-law to regulate the issuance of permits for construction, demolition, alteration of buildings, plumbing and sewage systems. For more information please visit the website at par_ pdf. Page 9

12 3.2 Residential Development Charges Page 10

13 3.3 Non-Residential Development Charges Page 11

14 Tax Rates Figure 8 Number of Building Permits Page 12

15 Figure 9 Value of Building Permits Page 13

16 4. Planning and Development Department Information 4.1 Planning and Development Department Fees By-law The Planning and Development Department established the Planning Fees By-law to regulate the issuance of permits for construction, demolition, alteration of buildings, plumbing and sewage systems. The follow is from By-law being the composite fee schedule for planning matter applications: PLANNING FEES FEES 3.7 Application for Official Plan Amendment $4, Application for Zoning By-law Amendment -Major $3,000 Application for Zoning By-law Amendment -Minor $1,500 Application for Temporary Use By-law $1,000 Application for Removal of H or D Symbol $ Application for Site Plan Control Approval - Major $2,000 Application for Site Plan Control Approval - Minor $500 Application for Site Plan Control Approval - Agreement $1,500 Preparation Application for Amendment to Site Plan Control Agreement $1, Application for Minor Variance/Permission to Expand $ Application for Provisional Consent New lot $1,200 Application for Provisional Consent Lot Addition/Adjustment $600 Application for Provisional Consent Easement/ROW $600 Application for Change of Provisional Consent Conditions $500 Application for Validation $ Application for Plan of Subdivision $5,000 Application for Plan of Subdivision - Deposit $3,000 Application for Plan of Subdivision Agreement Preparation $5,000 Application for Extension to Draft Approval/Change of Conditions $1, Application for Plan of Condominium $2,000 Application for Plan of Condominium - Deposit $3,000 Application for Plan of Condominium Agreement Preparation $5,000 Application for Extension to Draft Approval/Change of Conditions $1, Application for Deeming $ Application for Conversion to Condominium $5, Private Road Agreement $ Encroachment Agreement $1, Application for Part Lot Control $1,000. Page 14

17 Figure 10 Residential Developments Chart Page 15

18 Figure 11 Residential Developments Map Page 16

19 Figure 12 Vacant Commercial and Industrial Land Chart Page 17

20 Figure 13 Vacant Commercial and Industrial Land Map Page 18

21 5. Public Works Department Information 5.1 Average Daily Traffic Counts The Public Works Department updates and maps traffic volumes along various local streets in the Town annual. For more information lease visit the Traffic Volumes map at: wspar_ pdf Page 19

22 Water and Sewer Rates Page 20

23 Power Utility Corporation Rates Page 21

24 Page 22

Central Ontario. Canada s Heartland

Central Ontario. Canada s Heartland Central Ontario Canada s Heartland Canada ranked second in the G20 and stood 10th overall in a 139-country annual study by Forbes. Source: The Best Countries for Business Why Canada? Innovation + Financial