New business coming to downtown means more good news

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Kate Everson

EMC Business - Trenton - A new business in downtown Trenton means more good news for the city.

The Dollar Tree will be replacing the former Fields store on Dundas Street West.

"It will be a most favourable impact on the community," said Paul Whitley, chair of the Economic Development and Revitalization Committee. "It is one of the most successful dollar stores. It should be open in March."

Linda Lisle, manager of economic development, said the city is working with a company called Spdata, a contact centre that is considering locating in Quinte West.

Mayor John Williams noted that the Back of Front project is expanding its pedestrian walkway this spring with funding applications from Trenval. He said Veterans Affairs is moving into the Front Street office in April.

Chris Rose said Farm Credit Canada is opening its district office in Frankford by January 30. It is leasing space and has five employees.

John Harris reported that the Farmers Market will be open in April again for business. "There's nothing open this time of year," he noted. "Eat root vegetables." He said there is a push on for more vendors in the coming season. "We are looking forward to a big year," he added.

Brad Little said signage in the downtown core is under budget and they hope to put up new signs on the roundabout at Stockdale Road. A project for the roundabout will stay with the theme of Quinte West A Natural Attraction and include rocks, timber and grass to be put in by June or July.

John Harris suggested promoting the excellent quality of the city water by selling stainless steel water bottles with the Quinte West logo on it. Lynn Doyle said they could be at the Chamber of Commerce and tourist kiosks. Brad Little suggested a couple of promotional logos such as "Water you waiting for?" or "Tapped out."

Sylvie Ranger-Fernandes said they need trees to soften the entrance to the city so it isn't just a dingy industrial park. She said a median with a boulevard of trees past the roundabout would be nice. Paul Whitley said there is a lot of expansion happening, such as around Monogram Place and they have to be patient.

John Williams noted that Nestle is expanding 40,000 square feet on the west end.

A Mayor's Breakfast was scheduled for January 24 to present the findings of the BR+E surveys to the industrial sector.

Linda Lisle noted there have been a number of inquiries from downtown businesses regarding the CIP incentive program. "It is expected that the facade improvements will continue in 2012," she said.

Tourism co-ordinator Jennifer Rushlow presented her report, noting they are working with the regional tourism organization, The Great Waterway. A four-year sponsorship agreement with Canadian Golf Evolutions will bring the Canadian National Golf Tour to the area. It will be at Great Bear Ridge Golf Course in 2015.

The tourism committee supported a request from the Trent Port Historical Society to host a Doors Open Ontario event in Quinte West set for September 15 and 16 to highlight heritage buildings. Two new members to the committee include Darren Lobb, general manager of Batawa Ski Hill and Megan Rose of the Holiday Inn.