Economic Base Analysis - Investment Focused Strategy
Collingwood 2000/2005

Development Activity

Significant Finding 5

Residential development in Collingwood is outpacing non-residential, leading to an imbalance in the local economy. Replenishing the inventory of serviced employment land in Collingwood must be one of the highest priorities int he new economic development strategy.

Collingwood has grown visibly since the previous economic development strategy was completed in 2000.

From 1996 to 2003, total construction in Collingwood rose from $24.8 million per annum to $36.7 million representing a 48% increase in the pace of new development. 2004 was an extraordinary year due to a flood of residential building permit applications (2 to 3 times normal for a total value $64.7) in anticipation of the imposition of Development Charges beginning in 2005.

However residential growth is outpacing non-residential (industrial, commercial and institutional) development by a substantial margin. Between 1998 and 2003, residential construction more than doubled (an increase of 102%) while non-residential construction rose 39.7%.

This trend has significant implications for Collingwood’s ability to sustain economic growth in the future.

Collingwood prides itself on being a “Four Seasons Community in which to Live, Work and Play”.

Without a significant increase in the rate of non-residential development and the associated jobs it brings with it, this balance will be lost. Collingwood will lose a vital leg to its economy.

We recommend Collingwood adopt the “Ratio of Residential to Non-Residential Development” as one measure of economic sustainability.

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