Target Growth Sectors
After a thorough analysis of the economic landscape of Lunenburg Queens, several stakeholder interviews, and an in-depth asset mapping exercise six targeted growth sectors were identified. It is important to point out that these industries are those the LQRDA is targeting for growth. The selection of these sectors was based on a number of criteria, including the existing strength and importance of the industries, recent employment and economic trends. They are primarily export-focused bringing new economic activity into the Lunenburg Queens region, which aligns with both federal and provincial economic strategies and priorities.
The following is a brief list of targeted growth sectors for the Lunenburg Queens region over the next five years. There is some overlap between the sectors. The selection of these sectors was based on a number of criteria including, feedback from stakeholder interviews, existing strength and importance of the industries, recent employment and economic trends, and alignment with provincial industry growth sectors.
It is important to point out that these industries are those the LQRDA is targeting for growth. They are primarily export-focused (bringing new economic activity into the Lunenburg Queens region). Other local sectors of the economy including construction; retail; health care; education; personal and business services are important to the economy but they are not the focus of the LQRDA. If there is growth in the targeted sectors, it will stimulate increased demand for these local sectors of the economy.
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Targeted Sector |
Rationale |
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Despite some retrenchment, the industry is still critical to the regional economy. |
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The area has a solid base of agricultural activity supplemented with an estimated 40 food manufacturers. In addition, there is a base of fishery and aquaculture activities in the region. Read More |
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Despite some recent challenges, the region has a strong wood products manufacturing base including sawmill activity as well as furniture manufacturing- all supplemented by the large paper mill. There are challenges facing the industry and the LQRDA, along with its partners, could play a role in helping to strengthen its potential. These challenges include the need for new markets, new/differentiated products, more efficient and cost effective energy sources and workforce development. Read More |
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In a nascent stage in Lunenburg-Queens, this sector holds promise. The provincial government identifies this sector as a main priority both to aid in greening its electricity production and as a primary economic development engine. The region has a strong base of manufacturing capacity that could be tooled to produce products/components for this industry. Read More |
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The Lunenburg-Queens region has a significant base of creative economy activity ranging from software development to motion picture production companies. |
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Tourism is one of the most important industries for the Lunenburg Queens region with well over 200 related business establishments. While the LQRDA will not lead tourism product development, market development, etc. it can play a vital role bringing a regional perspective and focus to the industry. Read More |
