Economic Development

The Township of Bonfield is pleased to launch our new Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Initiative, titled “Growing Bonfield Together: Community Business Survey 2025”.

This project is designed to strengthen the local economy by engaging directly with businesses, identifying challenges, and uncovering opportunities for growth.

Building on the Township’s new Strategic Plan 2025-2030, the BR+E initiative will follow frameworks provided by our partners at the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Northern Economic Development & Growth. 

The first step involves the launch of our business survey, which will run from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. The survey includes a mix of standard and custom survey questions, to be overseen by our trained team of volunteer regional advisors - all economic development professionals - who will conduct one-on-one interviews with local businesses. 

Neither council members, nor Township staff, will engage directly with businesses during the initial interview process; however, staff will lead the coordination of the initiative, and will engage with the interviewers to analyze the results, and report on the projects’ findings.

All survey responses will remain confidential. 

Council’s role will primarily be to support community outreach on the initiative, by endorsing communications, sharing contacts, promoting the upcoming forums, and participating in broader awareness efforts.

An Executive Committee including Mayor Narry Paquette, Councilor Donna Clark, Township staff, and Ministry advisors, will oversee progress.