Town of Marathon. P.O. Bag TM, 4 Hemlo Drive Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807)

Transcription

1 Town of Marathon Community Profile P.O. Bag TM, 4 Hemlo Drive Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT AND MISSION 2 MARATHON, ONTARIO 3 WHY MARATHON? 4 MARATHON DEMOGRAPHICS 5 OVERALL CHARACTERISTICS 5 AGE CHARACTERISTICS 5 LANGUAGE CAPABILITY 6 EDUCATION CHARACTERISTICS 6 LABOUR PROFILE 7 INCOME CHARACTERISTICS 7 TAX BASE 8 REAL ESTATE 8 INDUSTRIAL LAND 9 TRANSPORTATION 10 UTILITIES 12 GEOGRAPHY 13 BUSINESS INFORMATION 13 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND LENDING 14 EDUCATION AND TRAINING 15 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 16 LIFESTYLES 17 HOUSING 17 HEALTH CARE 17 RECREATION AND CULTURE 18 CONTACT US 20

3 COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT AND MISSION Vision Marathon, the Superior Community! Mission Marathon will continue to be a healthy and progressive community that supports development opportunities, lifestyle quality and open, flexible governance. 2

4 MARATHON, ONTARIO BUILT on Paper LACED with Gold Marathon is unique in many respects. Being an economic and retail hub on the north shore of Lake Superior located midway between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay, Marathon is surrounded by boreal forest and rich mineral deposits. With a population of 4,000, Marathon vibrates with growth and activity. Marathon s economy is fueled by the Hemlo Gold Mines which houses the Williams and David Bell Gold Mines, and the Marathon Pulp Inc. kraft pulp mill which is jointly owned by Tembec and Kruger. The gold deposit at Hemlo is the richest ever to be found in Canada and one of the world s richest outside South Africa. In addition to these major natural resourcebased industries, Marathon s economy is also supported strongly by small and medium-sized retail businesses, large-sized business, industry supply services, the education sector, and a growing health sector. Marathon is a full service, completely modern community that is poised for growth and economic prosperity. The great outdoors and the surrounding wilderness await the enthusiast. In addition to the traditional pastime of hunting and fishing, there are opportunities for white water canoeing, golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, hiking (Pukaskwa National Park), snowmobiling and much more. Marathon also has excellent indoor recreation facilities including the Port Hole Pool, Marathon Arena, Marathon Curling Club, Marathon Theatre and Marathon Bowling Lanes. Improving our quality of life is a constant pursuit of local municipal government and all agencies, associations, and individuals. As you study this profile, you will be awakened to Marathon s many amenities, services and growth potential, and realize why Marathon, Ontario is the superior community! DULUTH THUNDER BAY NIPIGON MARQUETTE NEYS PROVINCIAL PARK MARATHON PUKASKWA NATIONAL PARK WAWA SAULT STE. MARIE TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 3

5 WHY MARATHON? The opportunities. Marathon is the economic hub between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie, making it a prime trading area. Within a four hour drive east or west, the potential of attracting approximately 250,000 potential customers, clients or employees exists. The location. Marathon is centrally located on Trans Canada Highway 17 in Ontario with proximity to major markets in the United States Midwest (including Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago), as well as Southern Ontario (Toronto). Take advantage of Marathon s transportation network. This includes major highway, freight rail, harbour, and airport access, to move your goods and services to markets that will build and grow your business. The quality of life. Marathon s quality of life is second to none. Its modern telecommunications infrastructure, excellent health and social services, retail shopping, abounding recreation opportunities, and its friendly people, make Marathon a genuinely unique community. The people in Marathon are our greatest resource 4

6 MARATHON DEMOGRAPHICS OVERALL CHARACTERISTICS AGE CHARACTERISTICS Population: 3, Total Male Female Total private dwellings: 1, Population density per square kilometre: Land area (square kilometre): Age Characteristics of Marathon s Population Total Male Female Total All persons 3,865 1,980 1,880 Age Age Age Age Age , Age Age Age Age Age 85 and over Median age of the population % of population ages 15 and over Source: Statistics Canada TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 5

7 LANGUAGE CAPABILITY French 15% English 85% Language(s) First Learned & Still Understood Total Male Female Total All persons 3,855 1,990 1,860 English only 3,140 1,605 1,430 French only Both English and French Other Languages Source: Statistics Canada EDUCATION CHARACTERISTICS As you can see from Marathon s education statistics, it has well trained and highly educated residents. What does this mean? Skilled and knowledgeable workers - an absolute necessity in establishing and running a profitable business or industry. So let Marathon s highly skilled and trained workforce help you compete in today s competitive global economy. Highest Level of Schooling Total Male Female Total population aged % of the population aged with a trades certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a college certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a university certificate, diploma or degree Total population aged % of the population aged with a trades certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a college certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a university certificate, diploma or degree Total population aged , % of the population aged with a trades certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a college certificate or diploma % of the population aged with a university certificate, diploma or degree Source: Statistics Canada 6

8 LABOUR PROFILE You need well trained labour to establish or operate a successful business. And Marathon has just that. The majority of Marathon s workforce is well trained and highly skilled. Labour Force Indicators Total Male Female Participation rate Employment rate Unemployment rate % 9% 20% 2% 14% 24% 15% Other Business services Health & education Finance & real estate Wholesale & retail trade Manufacturing & construction Agriculture & other resource-based Source: Statistics Canada INCOME CHARACTERISTICS In Marathon average household and family incomes are higher than provincial averages, and extremely competitive. Take into account the incidence of low income, and Marathon is an excellent place to live, work and play. FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME Average Household Income $65,067 Median Household Income $82,991 Average Family Income $69,056 Median Family Income $72,565 Incidence of Low Income 9.1% Income Levels Total Male Female Under $1, $1,000 2, $3,000 4, $5,000 6, $7,000 9, $10,000 11, $12,000 14, $15,000 19, $20,000 24, $25,000 29, $30,000 34, $35,000 39, $40,000 44, $45,000 49, $50,000 59, $60,000 and over Average Income (full time, full year) $56,419 $64,582 $37,574 Source: Statistics Canada TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 7

9 TAX BASE The majority of operating finances collected by the Town of Marathon are dependent upon the annual taxes levied on its property owners. These funds are applied towards the administration of all municipal departments for the provision of many essential services: police and fire protection, road maintenance, sewage and drainage, parks and recreation, economic development and tourism TAX RATES Municipal Education Total Tax Class Tax Rate Tax Rate Tax Rate Commercial Taxable Commercial Tenant Taxable Commercial Taxable: Vacant Unit/Excess Land Commercial Taxable: Vacant Land Industrial Taxable Industrial Taxable: Vacant Land Large Industrial Taxable Large Industrial Vacant Land Shopping Center Taxable For more detailed tax information, contact the Town of Marathon s Economic Development Office at (807) Extension REAL ESTATE There are a variety of available options for a company or business looking to establish operations in Marathon. Available locations range in size, zoning, and features. Lease rates and sale prices are very attractive and competitive. A full listing of available industrial, commercial, and office space is readily available by contacting the Town of Marathon Economic Development Office. EXISTING SPACE Currently, there are a number of commercial spaces available in Marathon. The size and type of these commercial spaces vary, with properties ranging from those 1,000 square feet in size, to those in excess of 8,000 square feet. Some of these spaces offer, high traffic, high profile locations in indoor and strip malls, while others offer locations on Highway commercial zones, or modern industrial park space. Whatever your location preference may be, the Town of Marathon Economic Development Office is more than willing to organize a confidential tour of available land and spaces. OPERATING COSTS Industrial and commercial lease rates in Marathon are extremely competitive. These competitive rates make Marathon a low-cost centre to do business. OPTION TO BUILD If building a new facility is what you re looking for, Marathon has locations to suit your industrial or commercial needs. 8

10 INDUSTRIAL LAND The Town of Marathon owns and maintains a 1,500 acre, fully serviced Industrial Park in the upper eastern limits of the municipality. For more information on these lots please contact the Town of Marathon Economic Development Office. The Park is zoned for light industrial usage, and services provided on industrial land include piped water, sewer/septic systems, communications hook-ups, and electrical power. The Industrial Park is strategically located to an immediate transportation network. This network includes: Trans Canada Highway 17, approximately 2 km north Marathon Airport, approximately 2 km north-west Lake Superior/Peninsula Harbour, approximately 4 km south Canada Pacific Rail, approximately 3 km south Industrial Park Specifications Zoning Light Industrial M1 Area ha, 1529 ac. Water Town of Marathon, 3 plastic mains Sewers Town of Marathon, field beds Telephone Bell Canada Telecommunications Shaw Cable Energy Ontario Hydro Transportation Road, water, air, rail Register Plan Plan 55M 515 Current Industrial Park Activities Tire sales General contracting Heavy equipment rentals Full service of bits and steel Sales and service of drills and drilling tools Retailing in mining and logging supplies Bulk fuel distributors Appliance sales TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 9

11 TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAY The Town of Marathon is strategically located on Trans Canada Highway #17, the primary land corridor linking Canada from east to west. United States border crossings at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (east) and Pigeon River, Ontario (west) are four hours away. The Corporation of the Town of Marathon maintains 34.3 kilometres of paved and 16 kilometres of gravel roads within the Town boundaries. FREIGHT TRANSPORT Marathon is serviced by one major cartage company operating inter-provincial and international transportation services. Manitoulin Transport Peninsula Road Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Distance to Major Centres Transport Delivery to Major Centres Kilometers Miles Destination Delivery Time Thunder Bay, ON Sault Ste. Marie, ON Toronto, ON 1, Hamilton, ON 1, Ottawa, ON 1, Winnipeg, MB 1, Montreal, QB 2,000 1,200 Minneapolis, MN 1, Milwaukee, WI 1, Chicago, IL 1, Indianapolis, IN 1,680 1,000 St. Louis, MS 1,680 1,000 Thunder Bay, ON Toronto, ON Winnipeg, MB Minneapolis, MN Chicago, IL Milwaukee, WI 1 day 1-2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days 2 days 10

12 COURIER Several national courier services guarantee immediate, bonded delivery from Marathon to most destinations across Canada and North America. Servicing Marathon and the surrounding region are several locally operated firms providing a range of delivery and direct mail services at rates competitive to national suppliers. Canada Post Corporation 2 Peninsula Road Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) CANPAR (E.P. Courier) Toll Free: Courtesy Freight Systems Toll Free: WATER Marathon is strategically located on Peninsula Harbour, a deep water harbour on Lake Superior. Great Lakes and ocean-going vessels regularly dock at Marathon Pulp Inc., delivering or picking up cargo. AIR The runway of the Marathon Municipal Airport is 100 feet wide by 3,933 feet long with a 200 foot displace threshold. There is currently no regular air service, but landing and fuel services are available. The municipal airport is located along Highway 17 just 5 kilometres from downtown Marathon. Marathon Municipal Airport Highway 17 Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Federal Express Canada Ltd. Toll Free: Greyhound Canada 90 Peninsula Road Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Purolator Courier Ltd. Toll Free: UPS Toll Free: RAIL Canadian Pacific Railway operates freight cartage out of Marathon. TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 11

13 UTILITIES HYDRO RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Marathon s major energy source is electricity. It is provided through the services of Hydro One. Rates for Hydro One are set through the Ontario Energy Board. To obtain residential consumer and business information, visit or call HYDRO - INDUSTRIAL Large operations requiring bulk amounts of hydro must apply to the Independent Electricity Market Operator to become market participants. PROPANE Superior Propane Inc. & Calgas are the bulk propane fuel distributors in Marathon. Superior Propane Inc. Calgas Industrial Park 555 Superior St. Marathon, ON White River, ON P0T 2E0 POM 3G0 Ph: Ph: FUEL OIL Mikus Fuels & Davidson Fuels maintain bulk storage of fuel oil for heating and diesel power within Marathon. Independent Electricity Market Operator Phone: helpcentre@theimo.com Website: WATER Marathon has an excellent raw ground supply of water that is rated amongst the most pure fresh water sources in Ontario. Six wells pump 3,935 cubic metres of water per day. Marathon s water reservoir has a capacity of 4,950 cubic metres. Mikus Fuels Davidson Fuels Old Station Road Pinewood Drive Marathon, ON Wawa, ON P0T 2E0 P0S 1K0 Ph: (807) Ph: Marathon Annual Water Rates Group 1 Self containing dwellings, churches $ Group 2 Retail businesses $ Group 3 Barber and beauty shops, doctors, dentists, liquor outlets $ Group 4 Service clubs, department stores, recreation concessions $1, Group 5 Restaurants, service stations, groceterias, industrial park $1, Group 6 Schools, motels, dormitories $5, Group 7 Hotels, hospital $11, Group 8 Industries using more than 1,000,000 gallons per month $76, Group 9 Non-serviced - $0.11 per gallon plus $33 service charge Group 10 Car wash, Laundromat $1, Group 11 Multi-Residential $

14 GEOGRAPHY Area of Municipality: square kilometres Latitude: Longitude: 48º north 86º west Geography: Precambrian Shield. The Town contains a number of areas with significant base metal and mineral aggregate potential. Topography: Formed by glacial action. Soil depth is shallow to bare. Exposed bedrock is common. A large proportion of the Town is covered boreal forest and/or bush. Source: Statistics Canada BUSINESS INFORMATION There are various sources of information and resources for businesses or entrepreneurs looking to establish operations in Marathon. The Town of Marathon Economic Development Office is the primary office responsible for assisting business and industry to locate, relocate or expand operations in or around Marathon. In a situation where other agencies or organizations have a role to play in the process, Marathon Economic Development Officials will facilitate meetings with key officials responsible for the programs or services involved. TOWN OF MARATHON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE The Economic Development Office is in place to assist new and existing businesses and industry locate or expand in the Town. The office provides detailed and current information to companies wanting to make informed decisions on site selection. In addition to the Community Profile - a comprehensive information publication - and listings of available real estate, the staff of the Marathon Economic Development Office can assist clients in all phases of the site selection process. Local and prospective firms can take advantage of the Office s resources and expertise to source the information and contacts necessary to succeed in today s competitive global economy. For further information on the excellent prospects for doing business in Marathon, contact the staff of the Town of Marathon Economic Development Office. TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 13

15 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND LENDING ScotiaBank 2 Hemlo Drive P.O. Box 1960 Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) TD Canada Trust 10 Peninsula Road, P.O. Box 160 Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Superior Credit Union 21 Stevens Avenue, P.O. Box 598 Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Business Development Bank of Canada Alloy Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6M9 Toll Free: Business Development Bank of Canada is a crown corporation which promotes and assists in the establishment and development of most types of business enterprises within Canada by providing financial aid (equity investment and long-term loans) and management services. Superior North Community Futures Development Corporation P.O. Box Mill Road Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0 Phone: (807) Superior North Community Futures Development Corporation is a Community Futures Development Corporation funded by Industry Canada (FedNor). Core activities include business counselling and information services and small business loans. 14

16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING Confederation College operates a satellite campus in Marathon which acts as the coordinating focal point for college education programming. The campus provides a wide range of programs and courses designed to meet the needs of the local labour market. Furthermore, a number of postsecondary institutions operate facilities within a 400 kilometre radius (4 hours drive) east of Marathon, and a 300 kilometre radius (3 hour drive) west of Marathon. These educational institutions offer a variety of training, education and research programs and services, ranging from different sectors, industries and disciplines. Lakehead University 955 Oliver Road Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1 Phone: (807) Fax: (807) Algoma University College 1520 Queen Street East Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4 Phone: (705) Fax: (705) Confederation College Marathon Campus 14 Hemlo Drive P.O. Box 520 Marathon, ON P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Confederation College Main Campus 1450 Nakina Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7C 4W1 Toll Free: Sault College 443 Northern Avenue Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5L3 Phone: Fax: (705) TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 15

17 TELECOMMUNICATIONS A number of communication companies have operations and services offered in Marathon. Services range from telephone services, to high speed Internet telecommunications, to cellular phone service to dial-up Internet service. All of these services provided make Marathon a smart, fully connected community with the ability to perform business competitively in the global marketplace. Bell Canada Telephone services 1001 William Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6J9 Phone: (807) Shaw Cable High speed, light speed cable Internet services Phone: (807) (Sales & General Questions) 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM CT, Mon. to Fri. 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM CT, Sat. & Sun. Toll Free: (800) (Tech. Phone Support) mailto:wpg.help@sjrb.ca Vianet Internet Solutions High speed cable Internet services 52 Peninsula Road, Box 448 Marathon, Ontario P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) ONTERA Internet services 555 Oak Street East North Bay, ON P1B 8L3 Toll Free: customer.service@ontera.ca Tbaytel Wireless cellular phone & Internet services 1046 Lithium Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6G3 Toll Free:

18 LIFESTYLES HOUSING Marathon has an extremely competitively priced housing market. Residential housing is affordable, while offering quality homes and rental units. In addition, Marathon is a very safe and enjoyable community to live in, and an excellent place to raise a family. Housing Characteristics Total Occupied Private Dwellings 1,490 Number of owned dwellings 1,115 Average monthly payments for owner-occupied dwellings $664 Number of rented dwellings 380 Average gross monthly payments for rented dwellings $500 Number of dwellings constructed before ,570 Number of dwellings constructed between 1991 and Average value of dwelling $73,000 Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census HEALTH CARE Quality and accessible health care and social services are an attractive feature about Marathon. Visiting specialists to Marathon offer services in ophthalmology, orthopedics and audiology. The Town is serviced by a modern hospital that houses 25 beds and employs approximately 150 people. Superior North Emergency Medical Service operates a base in Marathon and has 6 paramedics on staff. Marathon Family Health Team staffs 9 physicians, a nurse practitioner and has 6 full time and 4 part time administrative staff. A branch office of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is also located in Marathon. Three dental offices operate in Marathon, a full service optometrist office, as well as the Marathon Chiropractic Clinic. TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 17

19 RECREATION AND CULTURE Featured Outdoor Recreation Facilities: Park Land Marathon has 56 hectares of municipal parkland, well exceeding the recommended ratio of 1.8 hectares per 1,000 people. Including Penn Lake Park, Peninsula Golf Course and Board of Education properties, the supply of parkland increases to over 15 hectares per 1,000 people. Marathon s parkland provides designated areas and facilities for a wide variety of four-season recreational activity including hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Peninsula Golf Course Marathon has a beautiful, public 9-hole golf course overlooking Lake Superior and designed by Stanley Thompson, CGA. A licensed club house and concession, rental equipment, pro shop and CPGA Pro, are on site. Cross Country Ski Trails This facility was the training site for the Canadian Team in preparation for the 1995 Nordic World Ski Championships. The trail system contains over 14 kilometres of groomed classic and skate skiing trails including lit trails for night skiing. Equipment rentals, lessons and group rates are available. Snowmobile Trails Over 200 km of groomed trails lead to and from Marathon offering some of the most spectacular scenery in Northwestern Ontario. OFSC trail permits are required on the T.O.P.S. trail system. Superior Slopes Ski Hill Located just east of Marathon on Highway 17, Superior Slopes offer 12 downhill runs with a 350 foot vertical, night skiing, ski rentals and ski chalet with fireplace. Lessons and special events run throughout the ski season. 18

20 Featured Indoor Recreation Facilities: Port Hole Pool Marathon s indoor pool has 5 lanes and is 25 metres long. Also in the pool is a therapeutic hot pool and sauna. The Community Services Department offers a full range of pool programming including the Canadian Red Cross Aquaquest water safety program, Lifesaving Society programs, advanced training and courses, aquafitness, family and open swims, and school programs. Marathon Arena Marathon is home to Kris Wirtz, two-time Canadian Pairs Figure Skating Champion and Olympian. Weekday hockey and figure skating, weekend tournaments and special events, and public skating time make the Marathon arena a very busy facility from August to April. Marathon Bowling Lanes The Marathon Bowling Lanes are located in the lower level of Lakeview Community Hall. This facility offers 6 lanes for 5 pin bowling, a licensed concession and equipment rentals. Marathon Curling Club Marathon s curling club is owned and operated by its members. Four sheets of ice, a licensed bar and concession, nightly women s, men s, mixed and junior play, annual bonspiels, private rentals and special functions, make the curling club one of Marathon s busiest facilities. TOWN OF MARATHON - COMMUNITY PROFILE 19

21 CONTACT US The Corporation of the Town of Marathon 4 Hemlo Drive Postal Bag TM Marathon, Ontario P0T 2E0 Phone: (807) Fax: (807) Daryl Skworchinski Community Services & Economic Development Manager Phone: (807) Ext Fax: (807) edo@marathon.ca 20