COMMERCIAL SECTOR

 

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Trenton Ward

Downtown

Quinte West’s downtown offers a variety of shops and services to accommodate many consumer needs. Both historic and modern buildings that are ideally situated on a busy commercial thoroughfare, offer the ideal location for any business. The Trent Severn Waterway winds its way through the downtown and offers a very attractive view, along with a marina and park located in the centre of the downtown core. It also includes fine dining restaurants, retail shops, a theatre and many administrative services, such as banks, law offices, accounting firms and insurance offices. Many development opportunities exist in the downtown area of Trenton Ward.

The Quinte West Downtown Business Improvement Area supports the businesses within the downtown core.  The DBIA hosts the annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale in July which features many booths, displays, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

 

The Farmers Market

The Farmer’s Market is located in a new facility on Front Street in the centre of the Trenton downtown core. The market offers a variety of locally grown produce, crafts and home baking. The hours of operation are Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. from the Spring to Fall market season.

 

Dundas Street East

This area is characterized by a commercial plaza, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and other services established to meet the growing demands of the community. Located close to 8 Wing Trenton, it provides the convenience of amenities to both military and civilian residents.

 

Dundas Street West

Located south of the 401, this commercial district is characterized by a big box retailer, mini plazas, restaurants, automotive service centres, and a variety of retail businesses.

 

Frankford Ward

This area is characterized by a variety of shops, department stores and services to accommodate local residents and tourists. It is beautifully situated along the Trent Severn Waterway. It is also a short distance to the Frankford Tourist Park which offers camping, trails, a picnic shelter, new play structures, volleyball courts and hosts many popular events, such as Riverfest, Fiddlers on the Trent and the Christmas Fantasy Program.

 

Community Improvement Plan

The Quinte West Community Improvement Plan for the Commercial Core Areas provides a framework for the creation and implementation of various programs to achieve, promote and encourage improvements in the downtown and waterfront areas of Wards 1(Trenton) and 4(Frankford) in the City of Quinte West. It also establishes financial incentives for property owners to encourage them to improve the appearance of their storefronts.

The City of Quinte West is pleased with the success of its Community Improvement Incentive Program. In 2007 and 2008, the City has granted approximately $65,000 towards incentives for buildings façade improvements, signage and landscaping in the downtown business improvement area.  The CIP incentive program continues to grow and prosper in 2008 with additional funding of $55,00.00 for improvements.

 

Downtown Revitalization

In 2006, City Council created a new standing Committee of Council to deal with issues regarding economic development and community revitalization. The Committee consists of 17 members including 3 members of Council. The make up of the Committee brings a new perspective and energy and is community driven with representation from a cross section of the local business community.

The Quinte West revitalization project commenced in the summer of 2007 and encompassed the following:

    1. The completion of physical improvements to the streetscape of Dundas Street West in Trenton Ward downtown core including such items as street signage and banners, decorative lighting, benches, tree planting and general landscaping. The streetscape improvements to Front and Division Streets will be included in the City capital project program for 2008 and 2009 respectively.

    2. The design and construction of new signage at the main entrances to the City and the North Murray Industrial Park.

    3. The completion of a Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) survey for the downtown retail sector of the community.

    4. The creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan based on a central theme for the City - “Quinte West …A Natural Attraction”

The City has made it a priority to commit to ensuring the long-term vitality of the revitalization initiatives as demonstrated in its investment in the downtown core areas, the North Murray Industrial Park and the marketing plan.

 

Business Retention & Expansion

The City of Quinte West implemented a Business Retention & Expansion (BR+E) program for the Industrial and Manufacturing sector in 2007 and is currently completing a BR+E for the Commercial/Retail sector in 2008. This involves regular interviews with local businesses in order to identify their needs and concerns and assess where assistance can be provided. As a result of the benefits of the BR+E projects, the City of Quinte West will be incorporating BR+E initiatives in their business plans on a continual basis.

As a result of comments received from local businesses the City of Quinte West has responded with the following initiatives:

1. Completing specific infrastructure improvements

2. Implementing improved signage (i.e. Industrial Park monument signage, gateway signage, billboards)

3. Implementing several labour market initiatives

4. Organizing seminars and job fairs to assist local businesses

5. Establishing frequent interaction between City Hall and local industries to ensure industry satisfaction