According to the 2006 Census, the population of the Frontenacs grew 9.25% to 26,600 over the last five years. The Region of Ottawa, Kingston CMA and the Greater Golden Horseshoe define the main trading area for the Frontenacs. The Frontenacs are experiencing significant residential growth as a result of the unprecedented growth occurring in each of these areas.
There are more than 750 businesses operating in the Frontenacs.
- The majority of businesses employ less than 5 people. Many are operated by the owner.
- The main sectors of employment are Agriculture, Seasonal Tourism (accommodations, food and beverage), Construction, Education and Retail Trade. The majority of construction, education and retail jobs are not located within the County.
- Tourism is the largest employer in North Frontenac however the relatively small economy elevates the importance of small resource-based operations and manufacturers.
- Cottage industries (art studios, custom wood products, etc.) and home-based businesses (professional, technical and business support services) are scattered throughout the Frontenacs. Self employment is common and wide-spread here.
- The tourism industry is heavily dependent upon the strength of the regional economy and a significant seasonal resident population.
- Business and residential development is concentrated along the main transportation corridors.
- The total number manufacturing-related jobs declined by 50% when the Armstrong Cheese plant closed in 2006.
According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 12,000 people in the labour force.
- More than 70% of employed residents (8,500) work outside of the Frontenacs.
- The workforce participation rate ranges from a high of 65% in South Frontenac to less than 50% in North Frontenac.
- More than 55% of the employed labour force in South Frontenac and Frontenac Islands works full-time. The percentage drops to 50% in Central Frontenac and 33% in North Frontenac.
- Average full-time income ranged from $22,894 in the North to $41,371 in the South. The average for Ontario was $47,299.
- The main source of income for residents in the South was from employment (>70%).
- The percentage of income from other sources (i.e. government, pension and self-employment) increases with distance from the urban fringe.
Areas of Growth
Residential development, permanent and seasonal, retirement
Cottage industries/home-based businesses
Miscellaneous (nontraditional) farming operations
Challenges
Agriculture Industry in transition
Small, rural communities with less than 1,000 residents do not meet the threshold to support
- retail/service centres - resulting in the export of most household expenditures
- large capital investments such as municipal water/sewage systems and road systems
- access to good quality, competitively priced broadband and cell phone services
More than 90% of municipal property tax revenues come from residential property owners.
Public service downloading continues as does the shift to user payment for mandatory public services.