Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 10

66 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 10 even if it takes time. About five years ago he suggested implementing a truck rest stop along Highway 402 to help prevent accidents on the busy roadway. Although turned down at the time, his idea recently became a reality. A former inspection and weigh station along the highway has been converted into a truck rest stop to accommodate 14 commercial vehicles. This new facility is especially essential considering how Plympton-Wyoming’s farming and agricultural industries depend on safe transportation. The community has several niche markets with worldwide distribution. Mayor Napper reports, “Copper Flats Bison Co., only farms bison. Upland’s Pheasantry, one of our largest companies, raises pheasants, shipping them all over.” Despite the region’s popularity in farming and agriculture, the biggest employer remains the chemical plants and oil refineries just outside Sarnia. However, over the next few years that could change as the residential development boom is inspiring a similar boom with businesses downtown. “A few years ago, we implemented the Façade and Structural Improvement Program; hoping to improve some of our downtown community buildings. Several entrepreneurs took advantage and some new businesses have even come in,” Tripp says. “LOCA is a new farm to table restaurant. The owner utilizes all local produce and meats. It’s really taking off; she has lineups. Other businesses have been expanding like Great Lakes Goat Dairy, our local goat cheese factory. We now have the critical mass of people to support new businesses.”