The Town of Minto has approved a signage grant for a new business in Harriston’s downtown.
“Mailbox Coffee is the newest business in downtown Harriston and is located in the Old Post. Due to its location within the Old Post signage is a key to draw people into the space,” noted business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham in a report to Minto council at the Sept. 4 meeting.
The business, which officially opened on Aug. 11, sells coffee, sandwiches and ice cream from its 39 Elora Street location.
Total cost for the proposed signage work is $245 + HST, which would qualify the business for a $122 grant, Wick-Graham explained in the report.
The town has budgeted $60,000 for Community Improvement Program grants in 2018, with commitments to date totalling $57,240, leaving $2,760 in the budget.
Reunion a success
Minto councillor Dave Turton said the Canada Packers Reunion held in Harriston last month was a success.
“We did have a great response from all the folks who used to work at Canada Packers,” said Turton, who is a former employee of the company, which closed its Harriston operation in 1991.
Turton thanked the Harriston Kinsmen Club, local Legion branch, the Harriston Historical society, Leslie motors, the Harriston Downtown Revitalization Committee and Town of Minto Cultural Roundtable for their contributions to the event, which was held in conjunction with the annual Harriston Street Party.
Building booming
Third quarter statistics indicate 2018 continues to be a strong year for building activity in Minto.
To the end of August, 158 permits for construction worth $25.5 million had been issued by the town’s building department, compared to 159 permits worth $21.6 million in 2017.
“Permit numbers are at par with our 2017 figures, but the construction value is higher with several large projects yet to be issued,” stated chief building official Terry Kuipers in a Sept. 4 report to town council.
Kuipers noted agricultural sector construction is showing a “drastic increase” with 40 permits issued for construction valued at just over $10.9 million, compared to 23 permits for construction worth about $4.2 million to the same point in 2017.
During July and August, permits were issued for 10 new residential units, one in Harriston, three in Palmerston, five in Clifford and one in the rural area. Permits were also issued for four new barns.
