2025 Kawartha Lakes Business Count launches

Kawartha Lakes – Kawartha Lakes has launched the 2025 Business Count Survey, in collaboration with local Chambers of Commerce and Lindsay Downtown BIA.

The Business Count Survey provides an in-depth understanding of the local economy to support business development and inform policies and programs. This is the survey’s fifth year, and participation has grown each year. In 2021, the Business Count canvased 262 business across Kawartha Lakes, 525 businesses in 2022, 672 businesses in 2023 and 762 businesses in 2024. View a copy of the most recent 2024 Business Count Insight Report on our website.

Building on the success of the last four survey years, the team is looking to expand the Business Count Survey this year by visiting more businesses in Kawartha Lakes’ downtowns, commercial and industrial areas. Businesses in these areas will be canvassed by in-person visits, phone calls or email until the end of July.

“We’re excited to get in touch and meet you this summer while we conduct this year’s business count survey. See you soon!” said Colin MacKay, Jonah Neumann, Selina Linton and Rhys Walden, the Kawartha Lakes Business Count Survey team members. These team members will soon be joined by students from the Chambers of Commerce and BIA to help survey businesses across Kawartha Lakes.

Businesses are encouraged to take part in the survey to have their voices heard and help shape the future of our communities. All businesses located in Kawartha Lakes are invited to participate online on the Kawartha Lakes Business Count web page, where they can complete the Business Count Survey. The survey is open until August 1.

The 2025 Business Count Insights Report will be available in early 2026.

What is the Kawartha Lakes Business Count?

The information collected through the Kawartha Lakes Business Count:

• Provides a snapshot of the Kawartha Lakes economy
• Provides improved regional employment and workforce data
• Assists in making informed decisions related to job and economic growth
• Enhances communication channels between businesses and the municipality

2024 Business Count highlights

The majority of data for the 2024 Business Count was collected from businesses in downtowns, commercial and industrial areas of Bobcaygeon, Coboconk-Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, Omemee and Pontypool.

A total of 762 businesses and employment properties were surveyed in 2024. Highlights reported by these businesses are:

• Total Employment: 7,186 jobs
• Occupied Floor Space: Over 2.7 million square feet
• Independently Owned Businesses: 62% of businesses surveyed
• Chamber of Commerce or BIA Membership: 48% of businesses surveyed
• Business Expansion Plans: 11% of businesses surveyed plan to expand their floor space
• Future Hiring Plans: 47% of businesses surveyed plan to hire in the future 

For more highlights, check out the 2024 Business Count Insight Report. To stay updated on this project, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/businesscount and subscribe to our newsroom.

---

Staying Connected

Activate your Jump Inbox to be the first to know about municipal news and events. Connect with us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries