Quinte West, Ontario

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates the majority of its fixed-wing, tactical airlift and all of its strategic, airlift aircraft from 8 Wing/ CFB Trenton. 8 Wing is the largest employer in the Bay of Quinte Region with an annual payroll of more than $110 million, creating a significant impact in the local economy. Approximately 5,000 regular force, reserve force, and civilian members make up the workforce and the majority live in Quinte West. “The whole Bay of Quinte Region is dependent on the base,” says Harrison, “and we are so thankful they are here. Along with being an economic driver, they take part in so many of our activities, from sports, to fundraising, support for the hospital and the Humane Societies – you name it they are involved. The Military Family Resource Centre is also a big part of our city, and they do a great deal of work for the people in the military.” Business services, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing (Domtar Cascades and Sonoco operate large paper mills), healthcare (Trenton Memorial Hospital under the purview of Quinte Healthcare), and social services round out the roster of major employment sectors. Tourism is another large economic driver thanks to a plethora of four-season outdoor activities tied into the city’s proximity to the Trent-Severn River and the Bay of Quinte. “Agriculture also plays a big role in our economy,” adds the Mayor, “and we’re thankful to the farmers for all their hard work and efforts to produce the food we all enjoy.” Development in Quinte West is experiencing a dramatic growth spurt. As Harrison attests, “It’s all good quality building. We have Young’s Cove over on Weller’s Bay – a big complex of about 400 houses; a condo project at Kingfisher Cove. Orchard Lane Development is just getting approval for another phase to complete that project. On the east end, between Trenton and Belleville, is Stonecrest Estates (Andy Geertsma). He’s building as fast as he can to keep up with the housing demand, and including apartments