Corporate Economic Development Strategic Plan (2026-2030) - Survey

Are you responding on behalf of a business in Pickering?

* required

Yes

Which industry best describes your business/area of focus?

* required

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Companies and Enterprises Management

Construction

Educational Services

Finance and Insurance

Health Care and Social Assistance

Information and Cultural Industries

Manufacturing

Mine, Quarry, Oil, and Gas Extraction

Professional and Technical Services

Public Administration

Real Estate

Retail Trade

Transportation and Warehousing

Utilities

Waste Management and Remediation

Wholesale Trade

Other (please specify)

How many employees does your organization currently have?

* required

No employees

1 - 10

11 - 50

51 - 200

201 - 500

501 - 1,000

More than 1,000

Business Environment

How would you describe Pickering's current business environment?

* required

Very business friendly

Somewhat business friendly

Somewhat challenging

Very challenging

What are the main advantages of operating a business in Pickering? Select up to three.

* required

Access to local customers, suppliers, or markets

Access to global markets

Availability of commercial and/or industrial space

Availability of skilled workers

Efficient permitting and regulatory approvals

Strong transportation and infrastructure

High quality of life for employees (e.g., housing, school, healthcare, recreation amenities)

Lower taxes and fees (e.g., property taxes, business licensing, etc.)

Lower operating costs (e.g., rent/lease costs, utilities, etc.)

Networking and business support programs

Innovation and research opportunities

Other (please specify)

What are the main challenges businesses face in Pickering? Select up to three.

* required

Access to financing and funding

Cost of living and affordability for employees

Difficulty finding and retaining talent

High local business taxes (e.g., property taxes) and regulatory barriers

High land values and/or servicing costs

Technology adoption

Traffic congestion and transportation issues

Sustainability and environmental challenges

Weak business networking and development opportunities

Other (please specify)

If your business was considering expanding or relocating, how likely would you be to stay in Pickering?

* required

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Somewhat unlikely

Very unlikely

What are the top workforce challenges that your business faces? Select up to two.

* required

Aging workforce

Challenges in retaining skilled workers

Difficulty finding workers with the right skills

General labour shortages

High labour costs

Other (please specify)

How would you rate Pickering's transportation system and connectivity for supporting businesses?

* required

Excellent

Good

Neutral

Poor

Very poor

10.

What transportation improvements would have the biggest impact on your business? Select up to two.

* required

Enhancing bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas in business districts

Expanding and improving local transit services (e.g., route coverage and frequency)

Expanding and improving regional GO transit services

Improving accessibility to public transit (e.g., shelters, sidewalks)

Reducing traffic congestion and improving road networks

Other (please specify)

11.

How would you rate Pickering's quality of life (e.g., housing affordability, green spaces, safety) in supporting your business goals, particularly in attracting and retaining talent to Pickering?

* required

Excellent

Good

Neutral

Poor

Very poor

City Support for Businesses

12.

How satisfied are you with the City's support for businesses?

* required

Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied

Very dissatisfied

13.

What type of support from the City would be beneficial for your business? Select up to three.

* required

Better access to procurement opportunities

Expanded business networking and mentorship programs

Expanded entrepreneurship services

Expanded support for talent recruitment, retention, and skill training

Faster and more efficient permit approvals

Promotion of existing industries and businesses to local, regional, and global markets

Support for innovation and research and development

Support for technology adoption

Support for trade diversification and export market access

Other (please specify)