At a townhall meeting this week, Mayor Jim Hegadorn said there had been many recent successes in the commercial and industrial sectors in Loyalist Township. Speaking on the financial strategy over the last term, Hegadorn noted that more jobs were brought into the area.

"One of the visions was to increase commercial and industrial activity in the township, and thereby providing improved employment opportunities. This is one area we have had great success in the last term," said Hegadorn.

The Loyalist East business park has been most sold out over the past term. The Taylor-Kidd industrial park, where the Tomlinson Ready-Mix facility and Umicore are located, was also a topic of interest, having already provided lots of new employment opportunities, with many more on the way. Latham Pools, which was built on a parcel of land just outside of the Township, was also mentioned for having brought many new jobs to the area.

Local businesses have seen an uptick as well; Hegadorn mentioned their ongoing success.

"There's also existing businesses which are expanding and growing, and increasing their footprint, as well as their employment in the township," said Hegadorn.

Along with new employment opportunities, these new developments will also provide diversity in the range of products produced in the area, as well as a boost in income, the mayor said, noting the importance of money coming in as well.

"The taxation income will be a great benefit for the township, the county, and the province. So when we succeed, actually the two levels above us succeed as well," said Hegadorn.

When it comes to new developments, Loyalist Township says it looks to streamline approvals whenever they can.

"The more we can streamline it, the quicker and easier that they can continue to grow while still meeting all of the requirements," Hegadorn explains. "This continued growth in all land uses helps diversify the tax-base, which helps reduce pressure on the residential tax-payers."

The financial strategy that helped guide most of this development will be updated this fall to help guide staff within the next term.

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