Manufacturing jobs are so plentiful here workers are being bussed in from outside the area.
Minutes of the Nov. 12 Minto economic development committee meeting state Kirk Brownell of TG Minto noted the company continues to hire and currently needs 35 workers. Many workers come from the area, but TG Minto currently runs a bus from Kitchener for all three shifts to bring workers in, the minutes state.
Minto economic development manager Belinda Wick-Graham said the committee is looking into advertising the town’s online job portal in other communities, such as those where there may be industries closing. She stated she is also planning to talk to local developers regarding housing needs.
“Not only is there a need for permanent rental housing, but also for transitional staff, such as co-op or summer students. The town is encouraging downtown businesses to have second and third floor apartments,” the minutes state.
At the Dec. 1 Minto council meeting, councillor Dave Turton commented the number of current open positions advertised by TG Minto on a sign outside the Palmerston plant has been getting lower.
“They’re definitely hiring people,” replied Wick-Graham. “They’re hiring for the new Lexus line, but there’s always people that leave so they are always hiring – and they are hiring direct … it’s not temp positions.”
“It’s good to see the action happening,” said Mayor George Bridge.
Growth options
At the Nov. 12 meeting, the committee also discussed options for growth in the Palmerston Industrial Park, looking at both long and short-term goals.
The minutes note purchasing property closer to town could make servicing easier, but would require proper buffering.
“Highway frontage properties would be desirable, but servicing these sites creates a large additional cost. Although there is not an immediate need for more sites, based on current sales in the Palmerston Park, servicing lots in Palmerston over Harriston makes sense, comprehensive studies are required for both options that were discussed.”
The minutes also note Harriston lacks retail space, and “in order to alleviate this issue consideration should be given to having service businesses be allowed in residential areas just outside of downtown areas in Harriston.”
Wellington County manager of planning and environment Mark Van Patter pointed out Palmerston currently has mixed-use zoning in its downtown core.
Instead of having individuals apply for rezoning, the town can apply for specific areas to be re-zoned. Van Patter plans to look for logical points in Harriston and Clifford for mixed use zoning and report back to the committee.
