Oro-Medonte Business Engagement Program

The economic well-being of Oro-Medonte Township is directly impacted by the successes and challenges facing its business community. In recognition of this, action is being taken by the Oro-Medonte Economic Development team to engage with local businesses and landowners to understand future needs and opportunities. The data and feedback collected will assist the Township with creating an action plan to develop a sustainable economy and build on the Township’s current Economic Development Strategy and integrate findings from other key initiatives, such as the Tourism Action Plan and the Employment Land Strategy, completed over the past few years.

As part of the process, we are looking for input from owners and operators of local businesses and landowners. Your input and perspectives are invaluable and will help inform the direction, goals and priorities for Economic Development activities going forward. Data responses will be aggregated and analyzed, a final report and recommendations for next steps will be presented in 2025.

All businesses of all sizes and types are welcome to provide their feedback through our questionnaire, it will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Please book a 30 minute timeslot with our project coordinator to meet in person or over the phone. Book a time. If timing does not permit you to meet with our coordinator please complete online by selecting the questionnaire below that best represents you.

You could win one of four Oro-Medonte gift packs with a value of $125 including a gift card to a local business! To enter the draw, you must be 18 years or older, own/operate a business/land in the Township of Oro-Medonte and complete the full questionnaire and select to participate in the contest. Contest Rules. Winners will be notified the week of January 9, 2025. *Please note dates are subject to change.

Please complete the following questionnaire, by 4:00pm EST on December 16, 2024 (date is subject to change). Only one questionnaire per business should be submitted.

This project is funded in part by the Ontario government through the Rural Economic Development Program.

Vacant & Underutilized Land

Manufacturing, Services & Tourism

Agriculture Businesses

If you are unsure of which questionnaire to complete please refer to the below descriptions:

Vacant & Underutilized Land Owners

This questionnaire is intended for vacant and underutilized land that are currently zoned appropriately for business use and are located in the Highway 11 corridor, within a proximity of 3kms to the highway.

Owners of vacant lots: If you own land that is currently not in use, whether it's a small plot or a large expanse.
Owners of underutilized properties: If you have land that is not being used to its full potential, such as partially developed sites or properties with unused buildings.
Developers and investors: If you are involved in the development or investment of land that is currently vacant or underutilized.
Community stakeholders: If you are a community member with a vested interest in the development of local land.

Manufacturing, Services & Tourism

This survey is intended exclusively for businesses whose primary operations involve manufacturing, services and tourism activities. If your business’s main activities include producing goods, processing materials, engaging in commercial trade, providing services, or tourism please proceed with completing this survey.

Agriculture/Farming

This questionnaire is intended exclusively for businesses whose primary operations are centered around agriculture and farming. If your business’s main activities involve farming, crop production, livestock management, or any other agricultural practices, please proceed with completing this questionnaire.

Map

Please click to view the full map.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this survey important?

The data collected through the business engagement questionnaire will provide insight into the challenges/needs of the local business community, identifying barriers that businesses/ landowners are experiencing. This will inform the next steps and the development of a road map for the Township and partners, and for consideration creating annual work plans/budgets and can inform policy direction.

What will the information be used for?

The Business Engagement Program (BEP) supports the recommendations in the Township’s endorsed Economic Development Strategy, Employment Land Strategy and Corporate Strategic Plan. These strategies identify the following actions:

Enhance the Township's readiness to attract and retain new investment
- Engage/survey landowners/developers, understand status of land and current/future needs
- Inquire if businesses would like investment attraction support
- Identify specific community needs
- Gather data on target markets/sectors in preparation for future available land or buildings
- Understand if there is a retail/service-gap
Inform the Township/partners about opportunities to develop/implement investment attraction initiatives for existing land/buildings/businesses
Understanding/awareness to facilitate the development of lands
Support strategic development in identified growth areas that preserve and enhance Oro-Medonte’s rural character
Support to expansion plans of existing Oro-Medonte businesses.
Consider improving the marketability and feasibility of developing vacant employment lands learning about the necessary pre-screening studies and assessments

How can I fill out the survey online or with a Township staff member?

Businesses can book an appointment with one of our staff members to complete the questionnaire in person or over the phone. For further information you can also email business@oro-medonte.ca or call 705-730-3149.

If you would prefer to complete the survey online yourself please click the above corresponding link that is best for your business.

Why should a business/landowner of Oro-Medonte complete the survey?

This is your chance to share your opinions and needs of your business to the Township, the outcomes will contribute to the development of programs that will positively impact the local business community and economy. This is the chance for your business to identify immediate challenges, concerns or opportunities you are facing.

How are the surveys being conducted?

Questionnaires can be completed by meeting with a Township staff member, the approximate time it takes will be 30 minutes. Book an appointment time. If this doesn’t work for you, you can also complete the questionnaire online through the provided links on the webpage

How long is the questionnaire?

All questionnaires will take approximately 15-20 minutes, when completed online.

What is the deadline?

Please complete the survey by 4:00PM on December 16, 2024.

How can I enter into the Contest?

To enter the contest for the Business Engagement Program, you must be 18 years or older, own/operate a business/land in the Township of Oro-Medonte and complete the full questionnaire, one submission per business. By entering you have a chance to win one of four Oro-Medonte gift packs with a value of $125 including a gift card to a local business and Oro-Medonte Swag! (one entry per questionnaire type will be drawn). Details on the draw are included at the end of the survey. Winners will be notified the week of January 13, 2025.

**Please note dates are subject to change.

View the contest rules.

Why is the Township creating a local directory?

A local directory will have several benefits including but not limited to:

Awareness of businesses in the Township
Opportunity to build business to business connections
Encouragement to support local businesses
Strengthen the local community and overall economic growth

Notice of Collection

Information collected through the Township of Oro-Medonte Economic Development team, for the Business Engagement Program, will be used for municipal purposes and to maintain a public list of businesses across the Township. Information not published will be used for internal analysis and aggregation, for reporting to Council and informing future plans.

Is the information provided in the survey confidential?

Data collected will be strictly confidential. Aggregated data and analysis will be provided by the Township through a final report. The information contained in this survey is to understand the business climate within Oro-Medonte, no personal information will be shared publicly.