Threshold Analysis for Swift Current

Research prepared for:

Onagon International and The City of Swift Current

October 2013Doug Elliott

Sask Trends Monitor444 19th Avenue

Regina, SaskatchewanS4N 1H1

306-522-5515sasktrends@sasktel.net

www.sasktrends.ca

Background and Notes

This material summarizes research that was conducted by Sask Trends Monitor for Onagon International and the City of Swift Current.

A threshold analysis looks at the number of businesses in a city or region and calculates how that compares with cities of similar size. As an example, if Swift Current has two shoe stores (0.11 per 1000 population) and North Battleford has three shoe stores (0.16 per 1000 population) then it is probable that the city could support another shoe store or an expansion of the existing ones.

Several factors need to be considered as well as the number of businesses. • What is the size of the trading area? Swift Current should probably draw on a larger trading area than

North Battleford in our example.• Are the businesses particularly large or particularly small? For example, one large shoe store may be

equivalent to two small ones from a consumer’s point of view. For this reason, the analysis took the size of the establishment into account. There were grouped into small (less than 5 employees), medium (5 to 19 employees), and large (20 or more employees).

• Are demographics and socioeconomic factors different than in other cities. Lower incomes and/or more seniors, for example, would have a dampening effect on some kinds of consumer spending and increase spending on other kinds.

This analysis makes the most sense for service-producing industries that service the local population rather than the goods-producing industries with a provincial, national, or international market. One would not expect, for example, the number of potash mines, oil well service companies, or farms to be affected by population. (Construction is an exception because it tends to behave like a service industry.) For this reason, only industries that are thought to be “population sensitive” were included in the analysis. Appendix A has the list of industries and whether or not they were classified as “population sensitive”.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 2

Background and Notes (continued)

This analysis was performed using 2011 population counts from the Statistics Canada Census and number of business establishments as of June 2011 from the Statistics Canada Business Registry.

For comparison purposes, Swift Current was compared with the eight large urban areas in the province. That is, one would expect the city to have the same number of businesses per capita as the aggregate of Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Yorkton, Swift Current, North Battleford, and Estevan. Together, these urban centres accounted for 60% of the provincial population in 2011.

Swift Current probably has a larger potential trading area than North Battleford or Estevan and is located on the busy Trans Canada Highway so one might expect a larger number of businesses affected by vehicle traffic. On the other hand, it is obviously smaller than Regina or Saskatoon and is the second smallest city among the eight so one might expect a smaller number of businesses that are normally attracted to larger centres.

The Threshold Analysis is only one tool to be used in business attraction and retention. It should be considered in the context of other initiatives and analysis.

The analysis was done at 4-digit NAICS code level.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 3

Background and Notes (continued)

When we refer to Swift Current and the other seven urban centres, we are including the surrounding “bedroom communities” as well as the city proper.

For Swift Current, this means that we are counting the number of businesses and the population in both the city proper and the surrounding RM#37 of Swift Current (see map).

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 4

Waldeck

Swift Current

Swift Current No. 137

Construction Sector

Swift Current has a relatively large number of residential and non-residential construction firms.

On a per-capita basis, there are more than expected in five out the six categories including residential construction and building finish contractors.

The one shortfall is for foundation and structure contractors. The data suggest the city could support another three such firms.

An examination by size suggests that there is, in particular, an opportunity for small firms in this category.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 5

-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8

2361: Residential Construction

2362: Non-Residential Building Construction

2381: Foundation, Structure and Building ExteriorContractors

2382: Building Equipment Contractors

2383: Building Finishing Contractors

2389: Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Surplus/Deficit in Construction Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Retail Trade (1 of 2)

Swift Current has more than it’s fair share of gas stations. In fact, with 24 service stations, the city has the fourth highest number after Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. This will reflect its location on the Trans Canada Highway.

There are also a relatively large number of clothing stores, florists, and grocery stores.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 6

0 5 10 15

4471: Gasoline Stations

4481: Clothing Stores

4531: Florists

4543: Direct Selling Establishments

4532: Office Supplies, Stationery and Gift Stores

4483: Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores

4529: Other General Merchandise Stores

4451: Grocery Stores

4431: Electronics and Appliance Stores

4413: Automotive Parts, Accessories and Tire Stores

4421: Furniture Stores

4422: Home Furnishings Stores

4411: Automobile Dealers

4441: Building Material and Supplies Dealers

4512: Book, Periodical and Music Stores

4452: Specialty Food Stores

4521: Department Stores

surplus

Surplus of Retail Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

Retail Trade (2 of 2)

Within the retail trade category, there would appear to be an opportunity for:

• several more health/personal care stores (e.g. pharmacies, health food stores);

• two “other” motor vehicle stores (e.g. recreational vehicles);

• one shoe store; and• one store selling used

merchandise.

Examined by size, the opportunities for health and personal care stores would be in all size categories.

The shoe store should probably be in the medium-size category, or one of the existing smaller ones could expand.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 7

-5 -4 -4 -3 -3 -2 -2 -1 -1 0 1

4541: Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses

4542: Vending Machine Operators

4453: Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores

4442: Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores

4539: Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers

4511: Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical InstrumentStores

4482: Shoe Stores

4533: Used Merchandise Stores

4412: Other Motor Vehicle Dealers

4461: Health and Personal Care Stores

deficit

Deficit of Retail Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

Transportation

The analysis shows that there are a large number of both specialized and general trucking companies in Swift Current compared with other Saskatchewan cities.

The city could apparently use another one or two more small taxi companies.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 8

-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

4841: General Freight Trucking

4842: Specialized Freight Trucking

4855: Charter Bus Industry

4812: Non-Scheduled Air Transportation

4881: Support Activities for Air Transportation

4859: Other Transit and Ground PassengerTransportation

4851: Urban Transit Systems

4811: Scheduled Air Transportation

4852: Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation

4854: School and Employee Bus Transportation

4885: Freight Transportation Arrangement

4889: Other Support Activities for Transportation

4884: Support Activities for Road Transportation

4853: Taxi and Limousine Service

Surplus/Deficit in Transportation Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Communications

Within the communication sector, the city is well served by radio, television, and newspapers compared with other similar sized urban centres in Saskatchewan.

There may be an opportunity for one or two small video production shops.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 9

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

5151: Radio and Television Broadcasting

5171: Wired Telecommunications Carriers

5172: Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (exeptSatellite)

5191: Other Information Services

5111: Newspaper, Periodical, Book and DatabasePublishers

5152: Pay and Specialty Television

5174: Satellite Telecommunications

5122: Sound Recording Industries

5179: Other Telecommunications

5182: Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services

5121: Motion Picture and Video Industries

Surplus/Deficit in Communication Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Business Services

Within the business services group, the city has an above-average number of accounting, legal, and general consulting firms.

There may be an opportunity for another advertising/public relations firm and for an increase in the number of architectural or engineering firms (of all sizes).

The city has three small computer systems design firms whereas cities of similar size would normally have ten to fifteen.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 10

-12 -6 0 6 12 18 24

5412: Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping,…

5617: Services to Buildings and Dwellings

5629: Remediation and Other Waste Management

5419: Other Professional, Scientific, Technical…

5416: Management, Scientific, Technical Consulting

5411: Legal Services

5611: Office Administrative Services

5417: Scientific Research and Development Services

5614: Business Support Services

5615: Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services

5622: Waste Treatment and Disposal

5414: Specialized Design Services

5619: Other Support Services

5612: Facilities Support Services

5621: Waste Collection

5616: Investigation and Security Services

5613: Employment Services

5413: Architectural, Engineering and Related

5418: Advertising, Public Relations, and Related

5415: Computer Systems Design and Related

Surplus/Deficit in Business Services Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Personal and Household Services

Along with the large number of service stations, the city also has a relatively large number of auto repair shops.

The city is also well served with personal care services, funeral services, and dry cleaning establishments.

The relatively small number of “civic and social organizations” will probably not be affected by any business recruitment or retention strategies.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 11

-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

8111: Automotive Repair and Maintenance

8121: Personal Care Services

8131: Religious Organizations

8114: Personal and Household Goods Repair andMaintenance

8122: Funeral Services

8123: Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services

8133: Social Advocacy Organizations

8112: Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair andMaintenance

8129: Other Personal Services

8139: Business, Professional, Labour, Organizations

8132: Grant-Making and Giving Services

8134: Civic and Social Organizations

Surplus/Deficit in Personal and Household Services Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Accommodation and Food Services

As expected, the city has a relatively large number of hotels, motels, and restaurants.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 12

-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

7211: Traveller Accommodation

7222: Limited-Service Eating Places

7212: RV Parks and Recreational Camps

7224: Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)

7221: Full-Service Restaurants

7213: Rooming and Boarding Houses

7223: Special Food Services

Surplus/Deficit in Accommodation and Food Services Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Entertainment and Recreation

There are relatively few independent artists and writers in the city.

Swift Current should be large enough to support a performing arts (theatre or dance) company.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 13

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

7112: Spectator Sports

7121: Heritage Institutions

7139: Other Amusement and Recreation Industries

7132: Gambling Industries

7113: Performing Arts, Sports and Similar Events

7114: Artists, Athletes, Entertainers and Other PublicFigures

7131: Amusement Parks and Arcades

7111: Performing Arts Companies

7115: Independent Artists, Writers and Performers

Surplus/Deficit in Entertainment and Recreation Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Finance and Insurance

The number of banks and other financial institutions is above average for a city the size of Swift Current.

While there is an above-average number of firms leasing commercial and industrial equipment, the number of consumer rental centres including auto rental firms is below what one might expect.

Although there are 20 real estate agencies in Swift Current, they are all small. In other cities of similar size, there would be 23 including at least one medium-sized businesses.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 14

-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

5324: Commercial and Industrial Machinery andEquipment Rental and Leasing

5222: Non-Depository Credit Intermediation

5221: Depository Credit Intermediation

5322: Consumer Goods Rental

5223: Activities Related to Credit Intermediation

5242: Agencies, Brokerages and Other Insurance RelatedActivities

5323: General Rental Centres

5241: Insurance Carriers

5313: Activities Related to Real Estate

5321: Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing

5312: Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Surplus/Deficit in Finance and Insurance Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Health, Education, and Social Services

This group of industries is dominated by the public sector. It is included here for completeness and because there are opportunities for private sector initiatives in some of these industry groups.

The figures suggest that there may be a need for a medical lab, a residential care facility for seniors, and more physicians offices.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 15

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

6213: Offices of Other Health Practitioners

6214: Out-Patient Care Centres

6114: Business Schools

6219: Other Ambulatory Health Care Services

6111: Elementary and Secondary Schools

6231: Nursing Care Facilities

6216: Home Health Care Services

6221: General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

6112: Community Colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s

6232: Handicap, Mental Health, Substance Abuse…

6212: Offices of Dentists

6115: Technical and Trade Schools

6117: Educational Support Services

6222: Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals

6223: Specialty Hospitals

6244: Child Day-Care Services

6243: Vocational Rehabilitation Services

6113: Universities

6242: Community Emergency and Relief Services

6241: Individual and Family Services

6116: Other Schools and Instruction

6233: Community Care Facilities for the Elderly

6215: Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories

6239: Other Residential Care Facilities

6211: Offices of Physicians

Surplus/Deficit in Health, Education, and Social Services Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Other Sectors

Adjusted for size, there will be an opportunity for a medium-sized lumber yard or the expansion of an existing business.

Most cities the size of Swift Current will have at least one bakery.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 16

-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4

4931: Warehousing and Storage

4921: Couriers

1114: Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production

4922: Local Messengers and Local Delivery

4911: Postal Service

4163: Lumber, Millwork, Hardware and Other BuildingSupplies Wholesale

3118: Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing

Surplus/Deficit in Other Firms (all sizes), Swift Current, 2011

deficit surplus

Top Ten Opportunities for Expansion or Attraction

This is a summary of where a business retention or expansion strategy might be expected to have the most success.

October 21, 2011 DRAFT 17

Industry GroupActual

NumberExpectedNumber* Difference

5415: Computer Systems Design and Related 3 14.8 11.84461: Health and Personal Care Stores 6 9.9 3.94853: Taxi and Limousine Service 6 9.6 3.62381: Foundation, Structure and Building Exterior Contractors 16 19.3 3.35312: Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers 20 23.1 3.15418: Advertising, Public Relations, and Related 1 4.0 3.05413: Architectural, Engineering and Related 13 15.7 2.74412: Other Motor Vehicle Dealers 0 2.3 2.35121: Motion Picture and Video Industries 3 5.3 2.35321: Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing 1 2.6 1.6

* based on similar sized cities in Saskatchewan

Appendix AList of Industry Groups (4-digit NAICS)

PopulationNAICS Sensitive? Industry Number1111 No Oilseed and Grain Farming 2891112 No Vegetable and Melon Farming 21113 No Fruit and Tree Nut Farming 01114 Yes Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Production 31119 No Other Crop Farming 441121 No Cattle Ranching and Farming 1091122 No Hog and Pig Farming 21123 No Poultry and Egg Production 01124 No Sheep and Goat Farming 01125 No Aquaculture 01129 No Other Animal Production 1241131 No Timber Tract Operations 01132 No Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products 01133 No Logging 01141 No Fishing 01142 No Hunting and Trapping 01151 No Support Activities for Crop Production 111152 No Support Activities for Animal Production 21153 No Support Activities for Forestry 12111 No Oil and Gas Extraction 52121 No Coal Mining 02122 No Metal Ore Mining 02123 No Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying 22131 No Support Activities for Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction 662211 No Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution 12212 No Natural Gas Distribution 12213 No Water, Sewage and Other Systems 02361 Yes Residential Construction 422362 Yes Non-Residential Building Construction 102371 No Utility Systems Construction 142372 No Land Subdivision 62373 No Highway, Street and Bridge Construction 72379 No Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction 22381 Yes Foundation, Structure and Building Exterior Contractors 162382 Yes Building Equipment Contractors 302383 Yes Building Finishing Contractors 412389 Yes Other Specialty Trade Contractors 183111 No Animal Food Manufacturing 23112 No Grain and Oilseed Milling 03113 No Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing 03114 No Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food

Manufacturing0

3115 No Dairy Product Manufacturing 23116 No Meat Product Manufacturing 33117 No Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging 03118 Yes Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing 03119 No Other Food Manufacturing 0

3121 No Beverage Manufacturing 13122 No Tobacco Manufacturing 03131 No Fibre, Yarn and Thread Mills 03132 No Fabric Mills 03133 No Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating 03141 No Textile Furnishings Mills 03149 No Other Textile Product Mills 23151 No Clothing Knitting Mills 03152 No Cut and Sew Clothing Manufacturing 03159 No Clothing Accessories and Other Clothing Manufacturing 03161 No Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing 03162 No Footwear Manufacturing 03169 No Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing 03211 No Sawmills and Wood Preservation 03212 No Veneer, Plywood and Engineered Wood Product

Manufacturing0

3219 No Other Wood Product Manufacturing 13221 No Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills 03222 No Converted Paper Product Manufacturing 03231 No Printing and Related Support Activities 23241 No Petroleum and Coal Product Manufacturing 03251 No Basic Chemical Manufacturing 03252 No Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibres

and Filaments Manufacturing0

3253 No Pesticide, Fertilizer and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing

0

3254 No Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing 13255 No Paint, Coating and Adhesive Manufacturing 03256 No Soap, Cleaning Compound and Toilet Preparation

Manufacturing0

3259 No Other Chemical Product Manufacturing 03261 No Plastic Product Manufacturing 13262 No Rubber Product Manufacturing 03271 No Clay Product and Refractory Manufacturing 03272 No Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing 13273 No Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing 13274 No Lime and Gypsum Product Manufacturing 03279 No Other Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing 03311 No Iron and Steel Mills and Ferro-Alloy Manufacturing 03312 No Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel 13313 No Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing 03314 No Non-Ferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and

Processing0

3315 No Foundries 03321 No Forging and Stamping 03322 No Cutlery and Hand Tool Manufacturing 03323 No Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing 13324 No Boiler, Tank and Shipping Container Manufacturing 03325 No Hardware Manufacturing 0

3326 No Spring and Wire Product Manufacturing 03327 No Machine Shops, Turned Product, and Screw, Nut and Bolt

Manufacturing6

3328 No Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating and Allied Activities 03329 No Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 03331 No Agricultural, Construction and Mining Machinery

Manufacturing4

3332 No Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 03333 No Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing 0

3334 No Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing

0

3335 No Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing 13336 No Engine, Turbine and Power Transmission Equipment

Manufacturing0

3339 No Other General-Purpose Machinery Manufacturing 03341 No Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing 03342 No Communications Equipment Manufacturing 03343 No Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing 03344 No Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component

Manufacturing0

3345 No Navigational, Measuring, Medical and Control Instruments Manufacturing

0

3346 No Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media

0

3351 No Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing 03352 No Household Appliance Manufacturing 03353 No Electrical Equipment Manufacturing 03359 No Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing 0

3361 No Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 03362 No Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing 03363 No Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing 03364 No Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing 03365 No Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing 03366 No Ship and Boat Building 03369 No Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing 03371 No Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet

Manufacturing3

3372 No Office Furniture (including Fixtures) Manufacturing 03379 No Other Furniture-Related Product Manufacturing 03391 No Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing 23399 No Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing 34111 No Farm Product Wholesaler-Distributors 64121 No Petroleum Product Wholesaler-Distributors 54131 No Food Wholesaler-Distributors 44132 No Beverage Wholesaler-Distributors 14133 No Cigarette and Tobacco Product Wholesaler-Distributors 04141 No Textile, Clothing and Footwear Wholesaler-Distributors 0

4142 No Home Entertainment Equipment and Household Appliance Wholesaler-Distributors

0

4143 No Home Furnishings Wholesaler-Distributors 04144 No Personal Goods Wholesaler-Distributors 14145 No Pharmaceuticals, Toiletries, Cosmetics and Sundries

Wholesaler-Distributors1

4151 No Motor Vehicle Wholesaler-Distributors 24152 No New Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Wholesaler-

Distributors3

4153 No Used Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Wholesaler-Distributors

0

4161 No Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors

2

4162 No Metal Service Centres 24163 Yes Lumber, Millwork, Hardware and Other Building Supplies

Wholesale4

4171 No Farm, Lawn and Garden Machinery and Equipment Wholesaler-Distributors

13

4172 No Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Industrial Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors

10

4173 No Computer and Communications Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors

0

4179 No Other Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors

3

4181 No Recyclable Material Wholesaler-Distributors 44182 No Paper, Paper Product and Disposable Plastic Product

Wholesaler-Distributors0

4183 No Agricultural Supplies Wholesaler-Distributors 84184 No Chemical (except Agricultural) and Allied Product

Wholesaler-Distributors4

4189 No Other Miscellaneous Wholesaler-Distributors 64191 No Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers 44411 Yes Automobile Dealers 74412 Yes Other Motor Vehicle Dealers 04413 Yes Automotive Parts, Accessories and Tire Stores 54421 Yes Furniture Stores 44422 Yes Home Furnishings Stores 54431 Yes Electronics and Appliance Stores 94441 Yes Building Material and Supplies Dealers 64442 Yes Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores 14451 Yes Grocery Stores 104452 Yes Specialty Food Stores 44453 Yes Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores 14461 Yes Health and Personal Care Stores 64471 Yes Gasoline Stations 244481 Yes Clothing Stores 174482 Yes Shoe Stores 14483 Yes Jewellery, Luggage and Leather Goods Stores 64511 Yes Sporting Goods, Hobby and Musical Instrument Stores 6

4512 Yes Book, Periodical and Music Stores 24521 Yes Department Stores 14529 Yes Other General Merchandise Stores 64531 Yes Florists 54532 Yes Office Supplies, Stationery and Gift Stores 64533 Yes Used Merchandise Stores 04539 Yes Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers 54541 Yes Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses 14542 Yes Vending Machine Operators 14543 Yes Direct Selling Establishments 74811 Yes Scheduled Air Transportation 04812 Yes Non-Scheduled Air Transportation 14821 No Rail Transportation 04831 No Deep Sea, Coastal and Great Lakes Water Transportation 0

4832 No Inland Water Transportation 04841 Yes General Freight Trucking 354842 Yes Specialized Freight Trucking 254851 Yes Urban Transit Systems 04852 Yes Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation 04853 Yes Taxi and Limousine Service 64854 Yes School and Employee Bus Transportation 04855 Yes Charter Bus Industry 24859 Yes Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation 04861 No Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil 24862 No Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas 04869 No Other Pipeline Transportation 04871 Yes Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land 04872 Yes Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water 04879 Yes Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other 04881 Yes Support Activities for Air Transportation 14882 No Support Activities for Rail Transportation 04883 No Support Activities for Water Transportation 04884 Yes Support Activities for Road Transportation 14885 Yes Freight Transportation Arrangement 14889 Yes Other Support Activities for Transportation 04911 Yes Postal Service 04921 Yes Couriers 84922 Yes Local Messengers and Local Delivery 24931 Yes Warehousing and Storage 65111 Yes Newspaper, Periodical, Book and Database Publishers 25112 No Software Publishers 05121 Yes Motion Picture and Video Industries 35122 Yes Sound Recording Industries 05151 Yes Radio and Television Broadcasting 45152 Yes Pay and Specialty Television 05171 Yes Wired Telecommunications Carriers 25172 Yes Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (exept Satellite) 15174 Yes Satellite Telecommunications 0

5179 Yes Other Telecommunications 05182 Yes Data Processing, Hosting and Related Services 05191 Yes Other Information Services 25211 No Monetary Authorities - Central Bank 05221 Yes Depository Credit Intermediation 95222 Yes Non-Depository Credit Intermediation 85223 Yes Activities Related to Credit Intermediation 35231 No Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and

Brokerage3

5232 No Securities and Commodity Exchanges 05239 No Other Financial Investment Activities 885241 Yes Insurance Carriers 15242 Yes Agencies, Brokerages and Other Insurance Related

Activities8

5261 No Pension Funds 15269 No Other Funds and Financial Vehicles 05311 No Lessors of Real Estate 795312 Yes Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers 205313 Yes Activities Related to Real Estate 115321 Yes Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing 15322 Yes Consumer Goods Rental 45323 Yes General Rental Centres 05324 Yes Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment

Rental and Leasing10

5331 No Lessors of Non-Financial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)

0

5411 Yes Legal Services 235412 Yes Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping and Payroll

Services38

5413 Yes Architectural, Engineering and Related Services 135414 Yes Specialized Design Services 35415 Yes Computer Systems Design and Related Services 35416 Yes Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services 35

5417 Yes Scientific Research and Development Services 45418 Yes Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services 15419 Yes Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services 185511 No Management of Companies and Enterprises 1065611 Yes Office Administrative Services 125612 Yes Facilities Support Services 05613 Yes Employment Services 05614 Yes Business Support Services 45615 Yes Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services 45616 Yes Investigation and Security Services 25617 Yes Services to Buildings and Dwellings 295619 Yes Other Support Services 45621 Yes Waste Collection 05622 Yes Waste Treatment and Disposal 15629 Yes Remediation and Other Waste Management Services 8

6111 Yes Elementary and Secondary Schools 36112 Yes Community Colleges and C.E.G.E.P.s 16113 Yes Universities 06114 Yes Business Schools and Computer and Management Training 3

6115 Yes Technical and Trade Schools 16116 Yes Other Schools and Instruction 56117 Yes Educational Support Services 16211 Yes Offices of Physicians 236212 Yes Offices of Dentists 96213 Yes Offices of Other Health Practitioners 206214 Yes Out-Patient Care Centres 116215 Yes Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories 06216 Yes Home Health Care Services 26219 Yes Other Ambulatory Health Care Services 26221 Yes General Medical and Surgical Hospitals 16222 Yes Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals 06223 Yes Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse)

Hospitals0

6231 Yes Nursing Care Facilities 46232 Yes Residential Developmental Handicap, Mental Health and

Substance Abuse Facilities3

6233 Yes Community Care Facilities for the Elderly 06239 Yes Other Residential Care Facilities 06241 Yes Individual and Family Services 46242 Yes Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other

Relief Services0

6243 Yes Vocational Rehabilitation Services 16244 Yes Child Day-Care Services 67111 Yes Performing Arts Companies 07112 Yes Spectator Sports 47113 Yes Promoters (Presenters) of Performing Arts, Sports and

Similar Events2

7114 Yes Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers and Other Public Figures

0

7115 Yes Independent Artists, Writers and Performers 17121 Yes Heritage Institutions 27131 Yes Amusement Parks and Arcades 07132 Yes Gambling Industries 27139 Yes Other Amusement and Recreation Industries 87211 Yes Traveller Accommodation 167212 Yes RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps 7

7213 Yes Rooming and Boarding Houses 07221 Yes Full-Service Restaurants 187222 Yes Limited-Service Eating Places 247223 Yes Special Food Services 27224 Yes Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) 48111 Yes Automotive Repair and Maintenance 28

8112 Yes Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

2

8113 No Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance

24

8114 Yes Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance 88121 Yes Personal Care Services 308122 Yes Funeral Services 38123 Yes Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services 38129 Yes Other Personal Services 28131 Yes Religious Organizations 188132 Yes Grant-Making and Giving Services 18133 Yes Social Advocacy Organizations 38134 Yes Civic and Social Organizations 28139 Yes Business, Professional, Labour and Other Membership

Organizations11

8141 Yes Private Households 19111 No Defence Services 09112 Yes Federal Protective Services 09113 Yes Federal Labour, Employment and Immigration Services 09114 No Foreign Affairs and International Assistance 09119 Yes Other Federal Government Public Administration 09121 Yes Provincial Protective Services 09122 Yes Provincial Labour and Employment Services 09129 Yes Other Provincial and Territorial Public Administration 09131 Yes Municipal Protective Services 09139 Yes Other Local, Municipal and Regional Public Administration 39141 Yes Aboriginal Public Administration 09191 No International and Other Extra-Territorial Public

Administration0

1  

CONSTRUCTION AnalysisOverviewTheconstructionsectorwasidentifiedasaprioritytargetforthefollowingreasons:

‐ The sector is leading growth in other cities but is lagging in the city and as a result isidentifiedasaretentiontargetintheCAAanalysis.

‐ The provincial boom is presenting growth opportunities for the sector that may not bebeingrealizedinthecity.

‐ The market threshold analysis targeted the Foundation, Structure and Building ExteriorContractorsub‐sectorasbeingundersuppliedincomparisontoothercities.

‐ Constructionisasectorthatservicesthecity’sdrivingsectoroftheeconomy,oilandgas.Thoughtheanalysishasidentifiedtheconstructionsectorasanareaofprioritytheanalysisdoeshave limitations. It is recommended that engagementof the city’s sector stakeholderswouldbeprudentforamorequalitativeassessmentofthesector.SurveyOverviewTheattachedreportprovidesageneralassessmentbytheconstructionsectorofthelocalbusinessenvironment. The survey obtained a response rate from fourteen businesses that appear to berepresented in the sub‐sectors of: construction of buildings; heavy and civil engineeringconstruction;andspecialtytradecontractors.Themajorityofrespondentsare locallyowned,singlestand‐aloneorhome‐basedbusinessesthatbegantheiroperationsinthecommunity.Thebusinesseshaveincreasedfull‐timeemploymentby73%overthelastthreeyearsanddecreasedpart‐timeandseasonalemployment.Allrespondentsexpectthatoverallemploymentwillincreaseorstaythesameinthenextthreeyears.Thereasonfor thegrowthofemployment in thesector is largelydue to increaseddemandandexpansionofbusinesses. Hourlywages in the sector range from$12 ‐ $30with a gross annual payroll over$100,000byamajorityoftherespondents.Themajorityofthesectorat77%ofrespondentsidentifiedashavingrecruitmentchallengeswithconstructionworkers.Reasonsforrecruitingproblemsrelatedlargelyto inadequatelabourskills,poorworkattitudesandcompetition foremployees. Thesectoruses internetadvertisingon jobboardsandwordofmouthastheirmaintoolsforrecruiting.Majorityofrespondentsdidnotfeeladditionaltrainingwasneededfortheirworkersormanagers.For those that felt trainingwouldbeneeded, itwasmainly for general skills and safety training.Ninetytwopercentofrespondentssaidtrainingisdonein‐houseorthroughapprenticeships.Thesectoralsocommissionsbothprivateandpublicvendortodoon‐sitetraining.Thesectorstatedthatanaverageof68%ofgrosssalesis local(within40km)with29%ofsalesgoingtotheregional(40km‐160km)market. Remainingsaleswerewithintheprovinceandonlyonerespondenthadsalesoutofprovince.

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On the supply side, the majority of supplies are purchased locally and provincially with theremainder purchased regionally or outside the province but in Canada. The main productspurchasedlocally/regionallyarebuildingmaterial,electricalcomponents,equipment,concreteandaggregates.Similartypeproductsarealsooutsourcedtootherdistricts.Products/servicesidentifiedasneededbutnotavailablelocallywere:qualitysod,steeldoorsandframes, commercial hardware, lighting fixtures, cabinets, carpets, refurbished equipment andrepairs.Otherkeyproducts/servicesbeingimportedarespecialtyconstructionsupplies,electricalcomponents,engineeredsteelbuildings,andsub‐trades.Theneedtoinventoryproductswasnotedbyonerespondentduetoinabilitytogetproductslocallyinatimelymanner. Whenrespondentswereaskedwhytheypurchasedsuppliesorservicesbeyondlocal/regionalthemajoritysaiditwasbecauseitjustwasn’tavailablewhilecostandthenpoorqualitywereotherleadingfactors.As far as innovation and new technologies, 85% of respondents indicated that they have madeinvestmentsinnewtechnology,equipmentandorimprovementstotheirprocessesinthelastthreeyearsanddonotplantomakeanyfurtherinvestmentsinthenextthreeyears.ThesectoralsodoesnotreallyforeseeanyfuturedevelopmentsthatwouldhaveanaffectotherthantworespondentswhonotednewinnovationsinLEDlightingandTransCanadapipelineashavingapossibleimpact.Inregardstooverallbusinessownershipandmanagement,85%ofrespondentsowntheirfacilityand15%rentorlease.Nineofthirteenbusinessesareoperatingwithoutabusinessplanhowevereight out of thirteen have a succession plan. When asked if the businesses had any plans tomodernizeorexpandpresentbuilding(s)orequipment62%saidno.Thosewhosaidyesestimatedexpansionswouldhappenwithintwoyearsandcostswouldrangefrom$5,000toover$100,000.Thissectorsourcesfinancingfrombanks/creditunions,andfamily/friend.In assessing the sectors plans for the future, 46%of respondents indicated they are consideringexpandingattheircurrentlocationwhiletheremainderindicatedtheyareconsideringexpandingbyaddinganotherlocation,selling,closingorjustmakingotherchangestotheirbusinessplan.OnerespondentwillberetiringandonewillbeexpandingtoKindersley.Thoserespondentswhosaidtheywouldnotbeexpandingtheirbusinessidentifiedthatthereasonsfornotexpandingwerethatthemarkethadtoomanynewbusinessesstartingup,theyjustexpanded,theydonotseeenoughnewbusinessesbuildinginthecity,housingmarket,orretirement.Overallthesectorissatisfiedwiththelocalbusinessenvironment. Areaswherethesectoris lesssatisfied pertain to availability of skilled labour, cost of land, cost of buildings, andtelecommunications / broadband costs. Other areas included economic development authority,incentivesforbusinessinvestmentinfacilities,housingcosts,propertytaxes,spendingpriorities,budgetprocessandfinancialmanagementLeastimportantfactorstotheconstructionsectorwhenselectinganewlocationwere:airandrailservice.The sector is also satisfied with the quality and availability of retail stores and nine out of 12respondentsfelttheoverallatmosphereinthelocalshoppingareawasaverageoraboveaverage.Theonlyareasflaggedassomewhatpoorincludedparking,prices,andvarietyofbusinesses.Regardinglocalattractions,eventsandprograms,thesectorfeltthatcommunitydiversity,festivalsand events and lodging facilities had a positive impact on their business. Facilities attractions(museum,artgallery,casino,etc)weresplitasbeingapositiveorhavingnoimpact.Allotherareas

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wereidentifiedashavingnoimpactontheirbusiness. Whenaskedwhatareaof focusshouldbeusedforamarketingimageofthecommunity,firstchoicewasdowntownatmosphere.Overallthesectorispleasedwiththecommunityasaplacetodobusinessandlive.

1  

MINING,QUARRYING,ANDOILANDGASEXTRACTIONAnalysisOverviewThemining,quarrying,andoilandgasextractionsectorwasidentifiedasaprioritytargetforthefollowingreasons:

‐ Oilandgasextractionisaneconomicdriverandastrengthforthecityandareawithaveryhighconcentrationofemployment.

‐ Thesector is leadinggrowth inotherurbancitiesand isgrowingmorerapidly in thecityandarea.

‐ Oilandgassupportactivities isasub‐sectorflaggedasaretentiontargetandit is leadinggrowthinothercitiesbutlagginginthecityandarea.

‐ Thestrengthofthissectormayaffordforsmallclusteringopportunities.Though the analysis has identified the sector as an area of priority the analysis does havelimitations.Itisrecommendedthatengagementofthecity’ssectorstakeholderswouldbeprudentforamorequalitativeassessmentofthesector.SurveyOverviewTheattachedreportprovidesageneralassessmentbythesectorofthelocalbusinessenvironment.The survey obtained a very low response rate from only three businesses and as a result,moreresearchwouldberecommendedtoattainamoreaccurateassessmentof thesector. Due to thelow response rate the survey results of the three respondentswill not be distributed to ensureconfidentialityismaintained.Responsestovariousquestionsweresporadicandasaresultanoverviewwillonlybeprovidedforquestionswhereatleasttwoofthethreebusinessesprovidedaresponse.Thethreerespondentbusinessesidentifiedthattwoofthebusinesseswerelocallyownedandonewasnot.OnewasaheadquarterofficeinAlbertawithbranchofficeselsewhere,onewasabranchofficewithheadofficeelsewhereandonwasasinglestand‐alonelocation.Two of the three respondents feel their primary products or services would be increasing orremainingstableandnoneofthethreearethinkingofaddinganynewofferings.Recruitmentisnotanissuefortwoofthethreecompanieshoweveronedidindicatethattheyhadrecruitmentproblems in theareaofunskilledmanufacturingworkers. Thereasons identifiedbythis business for their recruitment problem was competition for employees and workers notwantingtocommuteorrelocatetothearea.Twoofthethreebusinessesindicatedthattheyuseallthe available resources noted in the survey for sourcingworkers butmost preferred are: hiringtheirownapprentices; internetadvertisingon jobboards;promoting fromwithin; referrals fromexistingemployees;andwalk‐ins.

2  

Commute time for themajorityof employeesof the threecompanies iswithina15minutedriveoneway.Two of the three businesses expect the number of employees to increase by a total of nineemployees over the next three years within the areas of: professional/managerial; informationtechnology;engineers,scientistsandtechnicians;andofficeadministrative.Respecting attitude toward work and productivity, two of the businesses stated attitude andproductivitywasfairwhileoneofthebusinessesratedattitudeandproductivityofemployeeswasexcellent.Whenasked if trainingwouldbeneeded foreitherworkersormanagers, tworespondednoandonesaidyesforpossibly80employees.Allthreebusinessesindicatedthattrainingisdonelargelybyin‐housetrainingaswellas,apprenticeships,commissioningprivateandpublicvendorsforon‐sitetraining,self‐taughtorbysendingemployeestotrainingoffice.Respondents indicated that thegreatestpercentageofgrosssalescomemostly fromtheregional(40km‐160km)economyandsecondly,outsideoftheprovincebutinCanada.Onthesupplyside, thegreatestpercentageofcosts forsuppliesaremade locallyandoutsidetheprovincebutinCanadafollowedbyprovinciallyandlastlyregionally.Products / services purchased locally and or regionally are: oilfield supplies, fuel, oil, officesupplies,equipmentrepair itemsandbuilding lease. Productspurchasedprovinciallyareoilfieldsupplies and equipment repair items. Products purchased nationally are: equipment, oilfieldsupplies, and equipment repair certification. When asked if therewere products / services thebusinesseswouldliketobuylocallybutcannot,onerespondentsaidyesbutsaidthatsuppliersarenot available for the sector and many of their suppliers are in Alberta. Overall reasons forpurchasing beyond local by all three respondents were: not available locally, head office doespurchasing,andcost.Estimatedvalueofannualimportsforproductsandservicesrangefromunder$50Ktoover$1M.Nonewtechnologicalinnovationsareonthehorizonthatmayaffectthesector. Twoofthethreebusinesseshaveinvestedinnewtechnology,newequipment,andorimprovementstoproductionprocessesinthelastthreeyearsanditappearsthatnonewinvestmentswillbemadeinthenextthreeyears.Regarding overallmanagement and ownership, two of the businesses own their facility and onerents/ leases. Noneofthebusinesseshaveabusinessplanhowevertwohaveasuccessionplan.One of the businesses is planning to expand their location immediately. The businesses areconsideringexpandingtheircurrentlocation,expandingbyaddinganotherlocation,mergingwithoracquiringanotherbusiness, selling,movingor closing. Allbusinessesare in facilities thatwillallowforexpansion.Thebusinesses aregeneral satisfiedwith their current locationas aplace todobusiness. Areaswherethemajorityofbusinesseswerenotsatisfiedpertainto:airservice;energycosts;broadbandspeed;chamberofcommerce;andincentivesforbusinessinvestmentinfacilities,workerskillsormoreworkers.Thebusinessessuggestedmoremaintenanceandrepairofexistingfacilities/roadspriortonewcapitalspending.Onebusinesssuggestedaneedforairservice.

3  

The least important factors to the businesses when selecting a new location were: economicdevelopmentauthority;planningandzoning;andcodeenforcement.Thebusinessesarealsosatisfiedwiththequalityandavailabilityofretailstoresandtwooutofthethreefelttheoverallatmosphereofthelocalshoppingareawasaveragewhileonefeltitwasbelowaverage. The only areas flagged as poorwere parking and special events or promotions in theshoppingarea.Ofthetwoflaggedparkingwasidentifiedasthemostimportanttobeimproved.Regardinglocalevents,attractionsandprograms,thebusinessesfeltrecreationandsportactivities,arts and cultural events, downtown atmosphere, community diversity, festival events, lodgingfacilities, meeting/conference facilities, eco‐tourism, and outdoor recreation all had a positiveimpactontheirbusiness.Whenaskedwhatareaoffocusshouldbeusedforamarketingimageforthe city, recreation and sport was the first choice, arts and cultural events second choice andfestivalandeventsthirdchoice.Overall opinion of the community as a place to do business or livewere considered average oraboveaverage.

1  

PROFESSIONAL,SCIENTIFIC,ANDTECHNICALSERVICESAnalysisOverviewTheprofessional,scientific,andtechnicalservicessectorwasidentifiedasaprioritytargetforthefollowingreasons:

‐ SectorisleadinggrowthinothercitiesbutislagginginthecityandareaandasaresultisidentifiedasaretentiontargetintheCAAanalysis;and

‐ Threesub‐sectorsofthisindustryweretargetedintheMarketThresholdAnalysisasbeingundersupplied (Computer systems design and related, advertising, public relations, andrelated,andarchitectural,engineeringandrelated).

Though the analysis has identified the sector as an area of priority the analysis does havelimitations.Itisrecommendedthatengagementofthecity’ssectorstakeholderswouldbeprudentforamorequalitativeassessmentofthesector. SurveyOverviewTheattachedreportprovidesageneralassessmentbythesectorofthelocalbusinessenvironment.The survey obtained a response rate of 20 businesses that appear to be represented in the sub‐sectors of: legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services;architectural,engineeringandrelatedservices;computersystemsdesignandrelated;management,scientificandtechnicalconsultingservices;advertising,publicrelations,andrelatedservices.Themajorityofrespondentsarelocallyownedprofessionalofficesorsinglestand‐alonelocationsthatbegan theiroperations in the community. Fifteenpercentof respondentshaveheadquarterofficeswith branch offices elsewhere, or branch officeswith head offices inAlberta andQuebec.Thirty percent of respondents have multiple locations throughout western Canada andinternationally.The sector expects salesof theirproducts and services to increaseor remain the same. Eightofnineteenrespondentsarethinkingofaddinganewproductorservicetotheirofferings.Thesectorhas increasedemploymentby18%over the last threeyears.Majorityofrespondentsexpect thatoverallemploymentwillstaythesameorincrease.Noneexpectadecrease.Thereasonforgrowthofemployment in thesector is largelydue togrowth indemandwithother reasons identifiedasexpansion or the business did not exist three years ago. Average hourly starting wages for:professional/managerial positions range from $17.5 ‐ $150; information technology $17‐$25;engineers, scientists and technicians $15‐$25; office administration $11‐$30; unskilled serviceworkers$16.50;andrepairandskilledmaintenance(notjanitorial)$15‐$16.Grossannualpayrollwasestimatedover$100Kby26%oftherespondentsandover$200Kby32%ofrespondents.Regardingrecruitmentofemployees,themajorityofrespondentsdidnotidentifyhavingproblems.However, the majority of those that did have a problem identified: professional/managerial;information technology;andengineers, scientistsand techniciansaspositionshard torecruit for.

2  

Thetwomainreasonsforrecruitmentproblemswereworkersnotwillingtorelocatetotheareaand inadequate labour skills. Respondents use internet advertising on job boards as theirmainsourceforrecruitingfollowedbyreferralsfromexistingemployees,wordofmouth,andadinlocalcommunity papers. When asked how respondents would rate their employees with respect toattitudetowardworkandproductivity,themajorityidentifiedaboveaverageorexcellent.Sixtypercentofrespondentsdidnotfeeltheirworkersormanagerswouldneedtraining.Forthe40%thatfelttrainingwouldbeneededitwasmainlyintheareasofgeneralskills,managerial,skillsandsalesandmarketing.Training isdonemostlyby in‐house trainingor self‐taught. Tenoutoftwentyrespondentsalsosaidtheycontractwithprivatevendorsforonlinetraining.Thesectorstated thatanaverageof59%ofgrosssales is local (within40km)with26%ofsalesgoing to the regional (40km‐160km) market. Remaining sales go outside the province atapproximately 23% then within the province at approximately 21%. Only one of the twentyrespondents exports internationally with gross sales under $50K. When asked what preventsrespondentsfromexporting71%saidtheirbusinesswasdesignedtoservethespecificareawhileotherrespondentssaidrestrictivestateandorfederalregulations,costs/risksaretoohighandlackof knowledge of foreign countries/markets as other reasons. When asked if respondents whocurrently export orpreviously exported experiencedproblems, fourbusinesses responded. Twoout of the four respondents said they had no problems while another indicated that theyexperiencedridiculouspaperworkandbordercrossingfeesasaproblem.On the supply side, the majority of supplies are purchased locally and outside the province.Products /services purchased locally/regionally are: office supplies/equipment; informationtechnology; vehicles; marketing products; professional development resources; atvs; trailers;survey stakes; and repairs. Items purchased provincially include: information technology; officesupplies/equipment; research and data collection; vehicles; professional development resources;and vehicles. Items purchased nationally / internationally include: office supplies / equipment;training; reference materials, information technology; franchise; and professional developmentresources. The majority of respondents at 90% indicated that there were not anyproducts/servicestheywantedtobuylocallybutcouldnot.Whenaskedwhythebusinesseswerepurchasing products/services beyond local/regional the top three reasonswere itemswere notavailablelocally/regionally,costandheadofficedoesthepurchasing.Regarding innovation and new technologies, 45%of respondents indicated that therewere newinnovations on the horizon that may affect their industry. Innovations such as: cloud services,paperless transactions, new advancements in hardware and software; and availability and cost‐effective fibre optics in the region. As a result, seven out of nine respondents felt that trainingwould be required. In the last three years sixteen of twenty respondents have invested in newtechnology, equipment or made improvements to production processes. Only three businessesplantomakenewinvestmentsinthenextthreeyears.Asfarasoverallbusinessownershipandmanagement,53%ofrespondentsowntheirfacility.The47% that rent or lease, their agreements are due within one to eight years. Of the overallrespondents,50%haveabusinessplanand40%haveasuccessionplan.Overthenextthreeyears,five of ten respondents plan to change theirmix of goods and services or add or subtract theirproductlines.Whenaskedifthebusinessesplantomodernizeorexpandtheirpresentbuildingsorequipment,10of19respondentssaidno.Thosewhosaidyes,estimatedexpansionswillhappeninthenexttwoyearsandcostsrangedfromanestimated$3K‐$75K.Whenaskedwhattypesofland,buildings, and space needs did they foresee the majority identified a need for more parking.

3  

Fourteen of fifteen respondents source their financing through a bank/credit union, family andfriends,andgovernmentprograms.Inassessingthesectorsplansforthefuture,themajorityat47%areconsideringexpandingattheircurrentlocationwhiletheremainderplantoexpandatanotherlocation,mergingwithoracquiringanotherbusiness,moving,sellingordownsizing.Sixofthenineteenbusinessesindicatedtheyweremoving, selling or downsizing and of those six three are retiring. Other reasons are changingmarketconditions,overcrowdedbuilding,insufficientlaboursupply,anotherbusinessopportunity.Overallthesectorissatisfiedwiththeircurrentlocationasaplacetodobusiness. Oneparticularareawherethesectorislesssatisfiedpertainstoairserviceatelevenoutofeighteenrespondents.Other priority areas flagged were: availability of skilled labour; higher education within areasonable drive; technical training programs; telecommunications broadband cost and speed;incentivesforbusinessinvestmentinfacilities,workerskillsormoreworkers;andhousingcosts.The least important factors to the sector when selecting a new location were: availability ofunskilledlabour,proximitytorawmaterialsandrailroadservice.Thesectorisalsosatisfiedwiththequalityandavailabilityofretailstoresand88%ofrespondentsfelttheoverallatmosphereinthelocalshoppingareawasaverageoraboveaverage.Theoneareaflaggedbynineofseventeenrespondentsaspoorwasparking. Whenaskedwhatareasaremostimportant tobe improvedparkingandavarietyofplaces to eatwere the top selections for firstchoice.Secondandthirdchoiceswereparkingandvarietyofbusinesses.Thesectorwasaskedwhatimpactvariousprograms,attractionsandeventsinthecommunityhadon their business. All itemswere identified as positive however recreation and sport activities,downtownatmosphere,andmeeting/conferencefacilitieswereflaggedasthemostfavorableforapositiveimpact.Whenaskedwhatareaoffocusshouldbeusedforamarketingimageofthecommunity,majorityoffirst choice votes went to downtown atmosphere, festivals and events, recreation and sportactivitiesandartsandcultureevents. Secondchoicemajorityvoteswenttohistoricatmosphere,festivals events, and downtown atmosphere. Third choice majority votes went to historicatmosphere,meetingandconferencefacilities,informationfortourists,andoutdoorrecreation.Thesectorsoverallopinionofthecommunityasaplacetoconductbusinesswaspositivewith41%selectingaverage,29%selectingaboveaverageand23.5%selectingexcellent.Thesectorsoverallopinion of the community as a place to live was also very positive with 41% selecting aboveaverage,23.5%selectingaverageand35%selectingexcellent.

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