Economic Development | Township of Bonfield

The Township of Bonfield is pleased to launch a series of economic development initiatives under the title "Growing Bonfield Together." Check out the information below for further details.

2026 Economic Development Strategy

The Township of Bonfield is developing a five-year Economic Development Strategy, and we want it built with the community. The Township seeks to grow its tax base, diversify its local economy, and strengthen investment readiness – all while protecting the small-town character that residents value. The Province of Ontario, through the Rural Ontario Development Program has provided funding to assist the Township in reaching its goals.

Community Survey – Share your opinions by completing the following survey by July 10, 2026. 2026 Economic Development Strategy | Township of Bonfield

The goal of the project is to:

Engage the community and project team throughout the process through focus group sessions, a town hall meeting and surveys.
Conduct a review and determine the baseline economic drivers and disruptors. Provide recommendations to support and grow the competitive edge of the local economy as well as identifying the under-recognized assets of the community.
Analyze existing demographic and social-economic data, labour market and other relevant data. As well, use this information to determine where local employment talent lives and how to attract gaps.
Execute a strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities exercise with strategies to overcome or take advantage.
Perform a baseline lands review for economic and employment areas within the Township.
Identify where supply chain growth opportunities for the community exists.
Ensure where appropriate, to provide recommendations that enhance sustainability, plan for climate resilience, and green infrastructure for rural communities.
Reference all applicable sources of information, and best practice examples, alongside recommendation on the most suitable investment opportunities and/or “talent” which the Township should be seeking to attract to help manage gaps.
Prepare a measurable implementation plan, with key performance indicators, timelines, and identifying realistic target market sectors, for the Economic Development Strategy that is reflective of Bonfield’s priorities and available resources to achieve the goals.

Want to make your voice heard?

Share your opinions by completing the Community Survey by July 10, 2026. https://www.research.net/r/7FS2SLR
Our Team will also be attending the Canada Day Celebrations so please be sure to visit us.
A Town Hall meeting will be held July 2, 2026 at the Community Centre starting at 7:00 pm

Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Initiative

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.

Desired Results

The results of the surveys will be processed using the Ministry’s Qualtrics platform, an advanced analytical tool, which will help us to identify key trends, gaps, and sector-specific needs.

Aligned with Bonfield’s strategic pillars - responsible government, economic and social development, fiscal prudence, and environmental stewardship - the initiative aims to foster sustainable growth, attract new investment, and strengthen existing businesses across diverse sectors. Ultimately, the project will position the Township of Bonfield as a collaborative, forward-looking community, committed to supporting local enterprise and building resilience for the future.

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