|
Ontario's small and medium-sized communities have between 80 and 120 million square feet of industrial space. According to Statistics Canada, small and medium-sized communities make up about 10 per cent of the total industrial and commercial investment in Ontario.
Smaller centre opportunities:Communities that want to be ready for investment when the opportunity arises are encouraged to identify ‘niche markets' for themselves and their unique community identities, and to consider investments other than traditional manufacturing and commercial venues.
Smaller centre competitiveness factors: The quality of life in smaller rural and urban municipalities is attractive to many potential investors. This can often counter the appeal of larger markets.
- A less costly location for firms that relocate means a brand new facility built to individual specifications.
- Inexpensive land in congestion-free locations is increasingly valuable to companies with ‘just-in-time' delivery systems.
- A good supply of lots between two and four acres will meet most needs. Site searches in small and medium sized communities are primarily for parcels less than 10 acres.
- Lightly traveled, major local arterial roads can successfully attract industrial investment if other investor requirements can be met (e.g. appropriate labour force).
|