Economic Snapshot Project Expands Across Kawartha Lakes Communities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Businesses across Kawartha Lakes will once again be in the spotlight, this summer, as the 2026 Business Count survey officially gets underway.

Conducted in partnership with local Chambers of Commerce and the Lindsay Downtown BIA, the initiative will see survey teams visiting downtowns and employment areas, throughout the municipality, to gather information directly from business owners and operators.

“The Business Count survey is an opportunity to connect with the local business community,” said Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development at Kawartha Lakes. “Throughout the summer, our team, along with our partner organizations, will engage directly with businesses and respond to questions and gather data. At the end of the season, the data collected will be reviewed, to identify trends and patterns. The Insight Report will be produced, to give a 2026 snapshot of the local economy.”

Ms. Mustard said, the survey has become an important tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing businesses throughout the municipality.

“Each year we see stronger participation and more engagement from business owners,” she said. “The information gathered helps us better understand where businesses are succeeding, where there may be barriers to growth, and how we can continue supporting a strong and resilient local economy.”

She added, face-to-face conversations remain one of the most valuable aspects of the initiative.

“The survey gives business owners an opportunity to share their experiences directly with our team,” said Ms. Mustard. “Those conversations are incredibly valuable because they help shape future economic development programs and priorities in Kawartha Lakes.”

The project was first launched in 2021, when surveyors connected with 262 businesses. Since then, participation has grown significantly, with more than 1,000 businesses included in the 2025 Business Count.

Officials said, the survey provides valuable insight into the health and growth of the local economy, while helping inform future policies, programs, and economic development initiatives.

Local business owner, Sarah Thompson, of Lindsay, said, initiatives like the Business Count help ensure the concerns of small businesses are heard. “It’s encouraging to see the municipality and local business organizations taking the time to speak directly with business owners,” said Ms. Thompson. “Small businesses are dealing with changing customer habits, rising costs, and staffing challenges, so having an opportunity to provide feedback is important.”

Ms. Thompson added, the data collected through the survey can help strengthen the broader business community.

“When businesses participate, it creates a clearer picture of what’s happening across Kawartha Lakes,” she said. “That kind of information can help guide decisions and support growth in our downtowns and commercial areas.”

The Business Count initiative is led by Kawartha Lakes, in collaboration with: the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Lindsay Downtown BIA.

Business owners are encouraged to participate, when survey teams visit their locations, during the summer months. An online version of the survey will also be made available, for those wishing to participate digitally.

The completed findings will be compiled into the 2026 Business Count Insight Report, offering a detailed snapshot of business activity and economic trends across the municipality.

A copy of the 2025 Business Count Insight Report is available online, at www.kawarthalakes.ca/businesscount.