Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Public) This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Question Title * 1. How confident are you in the community's economic direction right now? Not at all confident Slightly Confident Moderately Confident Very Confident Extremely Confident Not at all confident Slightly Confident Moderately Confident Very Confident Extremely Confident Question Title * 2. Which three areas should be the top priorities for economic development over the next year? Workforce & Training Downtown Events Small Business & Entrepreneurship Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Tourism & Culture Other (please specify) Question Title * 3. For each area below, how important is it to make progress in the next 12 months? Not at all Important Slightly Important Moderately Important Very Important Extremely Important Workforce & Training Workforce & Training Not at all Important Workforce & Training Slightly Important Workforce & Training Moderately Important Workforce & Training Very Important Workforce & Training Extremely Important Downtown Events Downtown Events Not at all Important Downtown Events Slightly Important Downtown Events Moderately Important Downtown Events Very Important Downtown Events Extremely Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Small Business & Entrepreneurship Not at all Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Slightly Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Moderately Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Very Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Extremely Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Not at all Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Slightly Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Moderately Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Very Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Extremely Important Tourism & Culture Tourism & Culture Not at all Important Tourism & Culture Slightly Important Tourism & Culture Moderately Important Tourism & Culture Very Important Tourism & Culture Extremely Important Question Title * 4. What is the biggest barrier to starting or growing a business here? Finding Staff Cost of Space (rent or purchase) Permits/Municipal Processes Access to Financing Technology/Digital Tools Transportation/Access Housing for Workers Not Sure Other (please specify) Question Title * 5. Please tell us a bit more about your answer. Question Title * 6. What parts of our community should we focus on growing or enhancing? People and Skills Lakes, Trails, and Natural Areas Downtown/Main Streets Existing Industries and Businesses Arts, Culture, and Events Community Groups and Volunteers Highway/Regional Location Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. "Downtown feels welcoming and lively." Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Question Title * 8. What is one change that would make you visit local downtowns (e.g., Port Carling, Bala) more often? Question Title * 9. “It’s easy for residents to access skills training that leads to local jobs.” Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Question Title * 10. If you wanted training or upskilling, what would help you most? Short course or micro-credentials Paid placements or apprenticeships Childcare or transportation supports Online or hybrid training options Help navigating career and training options Other (please specify) Question Title * 11. What types of new or expanding economic activities feel like a good fit for our community? Construction, trades, and marine/boating services Year-round tourism and experiences Health and care services Local food, markets, and makers Digital/remote work hubs and professional services Not sure Other (please specify) Question Title * 12. Tourism in Muskoka Lakes should focus most on… Trails and outdoor recreation Arts, culture, and events Lakefront and waterfront access Winter and shoulder-season activities Food, markets, and local makers Other (please specify) Question Title * 13. If you run a business now or plan to start one, what support would help you most? One-window navigation for permits and programs Small grants or loans Mentorship/business coaching E-Commerce and digital marketing support Buy-local or local procurement opportunities Shared space or shared equipment Not applicable Question Title * 14. Which outcomes should matter most when we choose economic development projects? Question Title * 15. What worries you most about the next 1–3 years in our community? Cost of living Lack of housing Job quality and wages Business closures Climate or wildfire risks People leaving the community (out-migration) Infrastructure gaps (e.g., internet, roads, servicing) Other (please specify) Question Title * 16. How can this economic development plan help advance reconciliation and cultural safety in practical ways? Question Title * 17. I am responding as a… Resident Business owner/manager Employee (non-owner) Student Community organization/non-profit Seasonal resident Visitor Other (please specify) Question Title * 18. Postal code (first 3 characters) Question Title * 19. Do you identify with any of the following? (Voluntary) Indigenous Newcomer to Canada Person with a disability Youth (15-29) Senior (65+) Caregiver (unpaid care for children, elders, or others) Prefer not to say Done
