Economic development progressing in King
By Bill Rea

King's Economic Development Officer Jamie Smyth addressed last week's meeting of the King Township Chamber of Commerce.

Progress continues to be made in efforts to promote King Township as a place of economic vitality and one in which to do business.

King Township's Economic Development Officer Jamie Smyth was delivering that message last Wednesday as he addressed the annual general meeting of the King Township Chamber of Commerce.

Smyth pointed out he's only been on the job about nine months, recalling there were three chambers in King when he arrived. "It was something that I found very interesting," he commented, adding last year's merger of the Nobleton and Schomberg and District Chambers was a step in the right direction.

Although his position has sort of been a case of starting from scratch, Smyth pointed out it's been talked about a lot over the years, including the 2005 King Summit and it has come up at other times, such as when infrastructure issues have been discussed. The need has been seen "to direct more resources to economic development."

"Definitely, we're moving in the right direction," he said, observing that some 95 per cent of the property tax load is being carried by the residential and agricultural sector. "That's a real imbalance," he declared, adding there has to be more commercial and industrial operations to help take on some of that burden. The Chamber has been pushing for that.

"We're not just a bedroom community," he said. "We're able to sustain ourselves and build on our strengths."

Smyth pointed out there is land available for commercial development that would be compatible with the Provincial Greenbelt and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. What is needed, he said, are tools that can be used to attract appropriate businesses. "I think it's important that we pool our resources; pool our efforts," he said.

Smyth also pointed out some businesses in King are struggling, as people go outside the township for their needs. He said he's talked to business people and has been told one thing that is needed is more opportunity for people living in King to work here as well.