Economy on an upswing.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTH

The four-laning of Highway 400 has had a "substantial impact" in boosting the economy and improving infrastructure for the Georgian Bay resort Town of Parry Sound.

A highway power shopping centre has been developed at the 400-Bowes Street interchange, featuring a 72,000-square-foot Wal-Mart and two smaller outlets, with plans and property acquisition for a Phase 2 component now underway.

Highway improvements have also boosted the exposure of the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, adding more greenfield property to develop due to the road realignment. A new airport commission has hired a full-time general manager for the first time.

"There is very much a renewed enthusiasm from the commission," says Bill Spinney, general manager of Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre.

Found Aircraft Canada Inc., the highly successful manufacturer of the Bush Hawk light utility aircraft, employs 65 people at the airport and there is prospective interest from a couple of other light manufacturers, plus proposals for a restaurant and hotel on the airport property.

Another developer has plans to build a Husky Oil truck stop near the Parry Sound Area Industrial Park.

The industrial park features 1,000 acres of property, half of which are water/sewer serviced. Light industrial tenants, such a diesel hydraulics service centre, reside in the park.

RELATED ARTICLE: Town of Parry Sound

Quick facts

* Population -- 6,124

www.town.parry-sound.on.ca

* Location -- 200 kilometres north of Toronto

* Main industry -- Tourism

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