HARRISTON – A local community hub that has been connecting entrepreneurs for a decade is now relocating.
LaunchIt Minto was created as part of the Town of Minto’s economic development strategy with the support of the Minto Chamber of Commerce.
The business centre has been operating out of 1 Elora St. (Units 3 and 4) since June of 2014. The current lease with the KSC Group Corporations at this location, expires at the end of February.
Town staff decided to use the expired lease as an opportunity to look at the pros and cons of moving to a new location, stated officials.
“A lot of positives to [relocating],” economic and community development director Belinda Wick-Graham told council on Aug. 13.
The new location is the Old Post, a historical landmark in Harriston’s downtown, built in 1912.
The Old Post is located at 39 Elora St. S., Harriston, a three-minute walk from the previous location.
It has been restored and reimagined as a hub where “business, creativity, collaboration and community thrive,” according to town officials.
Wick-Graham spoke about the benefits of moving, explaining the new location is accessible, has good parking and a good mix of business in that professional office space.
She also added the benefit of being “right in the heart of the downtown.”
But the major advantage is the “significant cost saving” for the town.
“All the areas we make money off of LaunchIt, are the areas that we would be able to have and still operate at the Old Post,” noted Wick-Graham.
At the current location there has not been demand for interior office spaces, she added.
Example – These images showcase the potential layout plan for the LaunchIt Minto business centre’s new location in The Old Post. Town of Minto image
The new location is smaller but it will still accommodate a board/training area, co-working space and a small meeting room – all spaces that raise revenue – officials say.
The town’s interest was piqued during a Move to Minto open house when it partnered with an interior designer to design renderings for the various properties participating in the open house.
One of the properties was the Old Post and with the help of local designer Delaney Norman, staff were shown how the space might fit their needs.
A lease term of five years has been negotiated at $1,396 pre tax a month with no annual increases.
“We’re excited to potentially move to the Old Post in February,” added Wick-Graham.
Town councillor Ed Podniewicz stated, “I think it’s going to be a nice space.”
Council voted unanimously to receive the report for information and to authorize Mayor Dave Turton and the town clerk to sign the lease agreement.
Turton thanked Wick-Graham and her team for moving the town “ahead” and providing a cost-saving option.
