Kawartha Lakes business count highlights a vibrant economy and future possibilities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: From Lindsay to Omemee to Bethany, the 2025 Kawartha Lakes Business Count reveals a community full of economic potential and future possibilities. Presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting, on February 10th, the survey paints a picture of businesses thinking ahead, ready to hire, expand, and reach beyond the region.

Rebecca Mustard, Manager of Economic Development, said, the survey was a true community effort. Students and local partners went door-to-door, visiting nearly 1,200 businesses and employment properties to gather information. The result is a detailed snapshot of the local economy which will help guide planning, redevelopment, and business support strategies across Kawartha Lakes.

“Businesses here are looking forward,” Ms. Mustard noted. “Almost half of the businesses we surveyed plan to hire, and nearly one in ten plan to expand. More than half operate both locally and outside the region, which shows the reach and potential of our economy.”

The survey also highlighted opportunities in downtown areas. About a quarter of third-floor commercial spaces and 12 percent of second-floor spaces remain vacant, offering room for new businesses or community projects. This information will feed into upcoming initiatives, such as the downtown parking study, providing insight into workforce trends and employee numbers.

Mayor Doug Elmslie emphasized the value of the survey. “This gives us a clear sense of the health of our business community. It helps Council make informed decisions about infrastructure, planning, and business support, and it provides local organizations with the evidence they need to secure grants and develop programs,” he said.

The 2025 survey expanded, to include more communities, such as Kinmount, Woodville, Omemee, Bethany, Oakwood, and Rosedale. Summer students, working with local Chambers of Commerce and the Lindsay Downtown BIA, conducted the survey in person, by phone, and online, ensuring broad coverage of both urban and rural areas.

The data shows, Kawartha Lakes now has 8,300 jobs, up from 7,186 in 2024, and nearly 3.86 million square feet of occupied commercial space, compared with just under 2.8 million the previous year. While most businesses remain independent, about 43 percent belong to a Chamber of Commerce or the Downtown BIA.

Looking forward, the 2026 Business Count will expand its reach further, accompanied by a new public online dashboard which will allow residents and business owners to explore the data in greater detail, while keeping individual responses confidential.

“As our survey area and methodology grow, the insights we gather will increasingly reflect the broader business community,” Ms. Mustard added. “This information is invaluable for supporting economic growth and evidence-based decision-making, across the city.”

The Committee of the Whole received the 2025 Kawartha Lakes Business Count report and recommended it be brought forward for consideration at the next Regular Council Meeting.