Lincoln, ON – (March 29, 2022) – The Town of Lincoln yesterday released its first ever 2021 Annual Business Review, highlighting key economic development activities, local business success stories, and detailed investment in Lincoln throughout 2021.
Promoting an “Open for Business” message and attracting new investment is an important role that will drive results in terms of economic development for the Town of Lincoln. The success of investment attraction can be measured through construction statistics for various sectors.
Although COVID-19 restrictions once again posed many difficulties across all industries, the Town still saw over $164 million of private sector investment in 2021, exceeding the 10-year average. More specifically, the Town saw significant building activity spikes in sector-specific permits related to the following sectors: Agriculture; Industrial; Commercial and Institutional.
“Through balanced and sustained growth, we can continue to provide a high quality of life for Lincoln residents,” said Town of Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “Lincoln continues to show leadership in Niagara by creating a welcoming environment for everyone to succeed and belong.”
“The Town of Lincoln embraces and strives to achieve sustainable business development,” said Tony Brunet, Chair of the Planning & Economic Development Committee. “This approach inspires confidence when investing in our community. Prudent planning also protects the environment, supports growth, conserves cultural heritage, and contributes to a unique sense of place.”
“Increase in building activity leads to more development charges, which is a significant source of funding for the Town and reduces the burden on the taxpayer,” added J.D. Pachereva, Chair of the Community Services & Infrastructure Committee. “This allows us to build and renew infrastructure, provide community neighbourhood amenities and deliver high-quality programs and services.”
The Town’s Council-approved Economic Development Strategy & Action Plan focuses on the overarching goal to improve the community's economic well-being through an integrated mix of policies, programs, and initiatives. It also recognizes the importance of the tourism industry to the overall health of the local economy. Tourism and the related value-added agricultural business that Lincoln has are significant drivers of the local economy, evident in the large concentration of local beverage manufacturing jobs compared to the rest of Ontario.
The Town concluded 2021 with its highest ever overall value of building permits issued for new construction, at $182.9 million. Construction value is $14 million higher than the previous record and the 10-year average of $90.8 million.
Lincoln continues to see a balanced mix of housing as 79 townhouses were the most significant component of residential units, representing 39% of new units. Seventy single detached dwellings represented 34%, and 48 apartments represented 24% of the new units.
Non-residential activity tends to fluctuate from year to year. Notably, agricultural activity was valued at $42.9 million, an increase of 450% from the ten-year average of $7.8 million.
Significant milestones during the fourth quarter of 2021 include:
- A 2,653 square metre industrial mall permit was issued, valued at $3.8 million.
- Villa Romana Estate Winery obtained a permit for a 765 square metre winery having a construction value of $1.4 million.
- Utopia Condos are at the finishing stage, and occupancies are to commence winter of 2022.
- West Niagara Secondary School has completed foundations and site servicing. Framing has begun.
The Town of Lincoln embraces smart growth principles to achieve sustainable development, which means:
- Creating vibrant urban centres
- Sustaining a strong economy
- Ensuring a healthy environment
- Combatting urban sprawl through infill and higher density development
- Improving the quality of life for residents
For more information:
- To learn more about the 2021 Annual Business Review, please visit lincoln.ca/economic-development.
- To learn more about Development in Lincoln, please visit Speak Up Lincoln.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Liliana Busnello
Manager of Corporate Communications
Town of Lincoln
Direct: 905-563-2799 ext. 230
Tel: 905-563-8205
