Quinte: 4th Quarter 2003
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Labour Market Bulletin |
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The Quinte Area Labour Market Bulletin is a quarterly report produced by the area Labour Market Information Analyst. This bulletin and other LMI products may also be found on our website. (aussi disponible en français) For further information contact: Note: In preparing this bulletin, HRSDC has taken care to provide clients with labour market information from reliable sources that is timely and accurate at the time of publication. Since labour market conditions are dynamic, some of the information presented here may have changed since the bulletin was published. Readers are encouraged to also refer to other sources for additional information on the local economy and labour market. Information contained in this bulletin does not necessarily reflect official policies of HRSDC . |
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For the purpose of this publication, the Quinte Area includes the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward; the majority of Lennox and Addington county and the eastern part of Northumberland county. Employment in the Kingston-Quinte-Pemroke Region continued to fall quarter to quarter and year to year. The quarterly decline was in full-time employment (-13,300) while part-time employment increased by 6,500. Manufacturing suffered the largest loss of employment (-3,400) followed by Public Administration (-2,300) and Utilities (-2,200). The largest employment gains occurred in Trade (+6,200) reflecting hiring for the Christmas season. The Quinte Area experienced a seasonal increase in regular employment insurance claims on a month-to-month basis throughout the quarter. In contrast, the number of newspaper advertisements fell throughout the quarter. |
LABOUR MARKET NEWS
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Highlights on industry activities that have an impact on the local labour market, this information is derived from several sources including local newspapers, newsletters and various publications. Please refer to "Notes to Readers" for additional information. |
Construction
Construction highlights for this quarter include:
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Mirtren Contractors Ltd. was awarded the $297,000 contract to build the medical centre on the lower level of Trenton Memorial Lodge.
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Trenton Cold Storage is adding 60,000 sq. ft. to its facility on Telephone Road. The $7 million project should be completed by May 2004.
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The RCAF Museum in Quinte West will be undergoing a 43,000 sq. ft. expansion at a cost of $4.8 million Phase one is expected to being in March 2004 and be completed by 2005. Phase two should begin in January 2005 and be completed by April 2006.
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Quinte West city council approved two commercial developments on land just north of Wal-Mart. Riocan Holdings Inc. will construct a 4,000 sq. ft. building that will house Casey's Restaurant. The company will also build a 10,000 sq. ft. commercial building that will house 3 tenants. Names of the new tenants have not been released.
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Construction of the new Lenadco Home in Napanee is set to begin in the spring of 2004. The $27 million project will replace the current long-term care facility and is being built across the road from the existing home. The state-of-the-art facility will accommodate 168 residents and should be completed by the summer of 2005.
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Construction of a new $1 million, 7,500 sq. ft. headquarters for Plainfield Community Homes began in October. Located on Millennium Parkway in Belleville, the building should be opened by the end of March 2004.
Manufacturing
The Black Diamond Cheese facility in Belleville continues to operate despite its parent company, Parmalat in Italy, declaring bankruptcy. There are approximately 450 unionized employees (member of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada) at the Belleville plant.
Poli-Twine Canada of Belleville closed its doors in October putting 66 unionized and 15 salaried staff out of work. The head office of the manufacturer of polypropylene rope and twine for the industrial and agricultural markets in North America cited economic reasons for the closure.
Pyongsan Corp. Canada Co. Ltd. (PSC), a Korean manufacturer of automotive parts, purchased the vacant J.B. Fields plant in Trenton earlier this year. The company will be supplying automotive parts to Halla Climate Control in Belleville and expects to be fully operational by December. They will employ approximately 15 people with hopes of eventually expanding their product line. This facility is PCS's first North American location.
Midtown Meats of Wellington is opening their new facility at the former FBI/Premium Brands plant in Quinte West. The first phase of the start-up is a new freezer operation in January. The second phase is the addition of a new product line later in 2004. At that time, they expect to hire 40 team members (employees) and hope to increase that to between 75 and 100 team members.
The 240 workers at Midtown Meats in Wellington voted to unionize under The United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW). It is not known if workers at the new facility in Trenton will be included. The issue is before the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. and Loyalist College are partnering in a multi-year research project involving the use of sophisticated technology which will produce high quality botanical products. The $500,000 research project focuses on the identification, extraction, production and evaluation of botanical extract. The partnership also includes the University of Ottawa, the provincial government and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Trade
New retail businesses in the area include:
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A new Sunoco service station at Cannifton Road and Adam Street, Belleville. Also on the property is a new convenience store and car wash.
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The One Convenience store located at 48 Dundas Street West.
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A SAAN store at Cloverleaf Drive, Belleville employing 18 part-time staff.
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Jumbo Video at 346 North Front Street, Belleville.
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A new dollar store, Buck and Up in Marmora.
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Kathy's Collections on Elizabeth Street in Picton.
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East Coast Direct Seafood Store at 126 Dundas Street East in Trenton.
Connor House located at 240 Pinnacle Street in Belleville has been sold. The new owners plan on opening their new gift store, Green Willow, in April 2004.
The Cookies Shop & More is moving to the old canning factory in Bloomfield. Renovations at the 1200 square foot are to begin in January. The products are sold to approximately 10 stores in Ontario and the owners hope to go into the wholesale business in 2004.
Closures include:
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Trenton Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Highway 33 in Quinte West closed. Daimler Chrysler is presently searching for new management at this location.
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Cranberry Hollow, an art and craft business in Belleville is closing.
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The Lipsons stores in Napanee and Picton are closing in the 2004.
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Liquidation World in downtown Trenton is closing the end of January 2004.
Transportation and Warehousing
Napanee International is a freight forwarding operation locating in Napanee. This is the third branch for owner Richard Millican. The Napanee location will provide ocean and air shipping services around the globe. As well, the business will be importing saleable items into Canada and exporting saleable goods from Canada - primarily to and from Europe.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
The Quinte Learning Centre is now able to tutor people over the Internet. WebCam Tutoring was a year in the making and allows the centre to offer live tutorials over the Internet.
Management, Administration and Other Support Services
It looked hopeful that a new call centre would be coming to Quinte West creating up to 500 jobs. Unfortunately, the U.S.-based firm decided against the location. One of their major customers uses the services of an existing call centre in the area and did not want to take any employees from that call centre.
Educational Service
A tentative agreement was reached between Ontario's 24 community colleges and their 6,500 support staff, including 120 at Loyalist College. The agreement includes a 3.0% wage increase retroactive to September 1, 2003, an additional 3.0% on September 1, 2004 and 0.5% April 1, 2005. The proposal calls for a 6.62% wage increase in a two year contract.
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the 275 occasional teachers also reached a tentative agreement. No details were are available but the ratification vote will take place January 27, 2004.
Health Care and Social Assistance
The construction of the Quinte West Medical Centre has started. It will use space on the bottom floor of Trenton Memorial Lodge and will provide space for five new physicians. In Belleville, city council voted in favour of approving $475,000 of new spending to cover capital and operating costs needed for the Belleville Family Clinic Corporation. As well, the Belleville and District chamber of Commerce approved a financial request for $5,000 to the Corporation as it believes the clinic will help bring new industries to the area.
A number of doctors have joined the staff at Quinte Health Care (QHC). In an effort to alleviate the shortage in pediatric doctors, Dr. Mike Storr, a Kingston pediatrician, will be working one day a week and one weekend a month at Belleville hospital. Dr Kevin Power is the new urologist at QHC, Belleville and Dr. Bruce Fraser, a psychiatrist, will be working at QHC Belleville three days a week. While in Bancroft, Dr. Jerry Rawal, an optometrist, opened his office at 225 Hastings Street North.
The District Committee on Human Health Resources (DCHHR) received $191,500 from Human Resources Development Canada. The funding will allow the DCHHR to work on initiatives that will ensure the Quinte area has a qualified, local health workforce now and in the future.
A sexual health clinic for women over 20 years of age opened at 16 Billa Street in Bancroft. A Nurse Practitioner will provide the service one day a month. This is a pilot project and will be reassessed after the first three months.
Our House, a transitional residence for the homeless, recently opened at 10 Murney Street in Belleville. It is operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Hastings and Prince Edward Branch who received a $144,000 grant to purchase the building. The project is funded through Human Resources Development Canada's National Homeless Initiative - Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI).
Hastings County council and the Ontario Nurses Association have reached an agreement for the 14 registered nurses at Hastings Manor and Centennial Manor. The contract is retroactive to March 2001 and ends April 30, 2004. The top hourly wage, after 8 years of service, is $33.75.
Information, Culture and Recreation
My Music Box is a new business in town owned and operated by Michelle Isbester. Michelle can create a compilation CD of 8 original pre-recorded upbeat and educational songs which can be personalized with a child's name.
The United Christian Broadcasters (UCB 102.3 FM) is Belleville's seventh radio station. It is located at 210 Pinnacle Street.
Accommodation and Food Services
New restaurants in the area include:
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Greco Pizza Express has been added to the Marmora Express on Highway 7.
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A new restaurant/craft store has opened in the Sommerville Plaza on Highway 62.
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The Village Grill at 182 Front Street in Belleville.
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Pamela Sero-Thompson has opened Kahnawatka Restaurant at 22 South Front Street in Belleville. This new restaurant specializes in aboriginal delicacies.
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The Bean Counter Coffee Company and Gelaterie opened on Elizabeth Street in Picton.
Closures include:
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The Town & Country Restaurant at 223 Front Street, Belleville.
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G.P. Bailey's Steak and Ale at 13 Bell Boulevard in Belleville.
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The Mirage Restaurant at 257 North Front Street, Belleville.
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The Urban Herb at 20 Victoria Avenue, Belleville. The owners will focus on a catering business and a new hair salon.
Other Services
Milbro Automotive is Quinte West's newest repair centre and is located at 220 Dundas Street East in Quinte West.
A new wellness spa opened in Brighton. Embrace is located on Georgina Street and 26 to 28 guests can be accommodated in 13 rooms.
Public Administration
Municipalities in the area are receiving money from the 2004 Community Reinvestment Funding (CRF) for Ontario municipalities. The money is to assist the communities in dealing with costs that were downloaded to them from the previous provincial government.
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Belleville - $5,401,000
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Deseronto - $325,000
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Hastings county - $2,605,000
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Prince Edward County - $ 4,716,000
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Tyendinaga - $613,000
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City of Quinte West - $2,704,000
The Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin is receiving $1.05 million in funding from Industry Canada's Community Future's Program. This investment will be used to support the organization for the next three years as well as supporting economic development and small business growth.
LABOUR FORCE TRENDS(by Franca Piccin, Ontario Regional Economist - Eastern Office) Weakness persisted in the local labour market as employment declined for the second consecutive quarter. The rate of the decrease also accelerated quarter-over-quarter, indicating conditions worsened. Employment fell by 6,800 in the fourth quarter, due entirely to a significant drop in full-time work (-13,300). Part-time jobs advanced by 6,500. Manufacturing led the job loss, followed by Public Administration, and Utilities. While men (-4,200) sustained the larger job cut, women (-2,700) were also affected. By age, core-aged workers (25-44) experienced the brunt of the fallout. Dismal job prospects reduced job search activity. The labour force contracted by 4,800 as fewer women and core-aged workers looked for work. Accordingly, the participation rate-a measure of labour market attachment-fell to 59.5%, the lowest rate during the quarter of all Economic Regions in Ontario. Sizable job losses contributed to a marked increase in the unemployment rate. It rose to 7.2%, up from 6.1% a quarter ago. Similarly, the rate for youths (15-24) escalated by 1.1 percentage points quarter-over- quarter, reaching 13%. The situation proved no better year-over-year. Relative to the Fourth Quarter 2002, employment remained down by 4,900. Both unemployment and the unemployment rate rose during the same period. Table 1: Kingston-Quinte-Pembroke (ER 515) Region Labour Force Trends
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Employment by IndustryIndustry-wise, employment in both Goods- (-5,200) and Services-Producing (-1,600) Sectors recorded declines. Among Goods-Producers, Manufacturing led job losses at 3,400, concentrated mainly in paper, plastics and rubber, and computer and electronics products fabrication. Employment fell by 2,200 in Utilities as operations stabilized after August's power blackout. The number of Construction jobs changed little. Job losses in the Services-Producing Sector were widespread, with 8 of 11 components reporting decreases. Most significant was the reduction of 2,300 jobs in Public Administration, fuelled chiefly by cutbacks at the municipal government level. Fewer jobs at area hospitals accounted for the decline in Health Care and Social Assistance employment (-1,600). Other industries experiencing job setbacks included Information, Culture and Recreation (-1,600), Finance, Insurance and Real Estate (-1,500) and Other Services (-1,100). The opening in the area of big-name retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire helped to expand Trade employment by 6,200. Year-over-year, employment in the Goods-Producing Sector saw no improvement. The Sector's job level remained 5,000 below where it was in the Fourth Quarter of 2002. Employment in the Services-Producing Sector held steady over the period. Table 2: Kingston-Quinte-Pembroke (ER 515) Region Employment by Industry |
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Employment OpportunitiesCaution: Complete HRSDC job vacancy statistics are not available at the time of this document's publication due to a transition to a new order taking system. Consequently, only vacancies published in the local newspapers have been included in this month's analysis of employment opportunities. For this reason, the data should be used with extreme caution. If this data is included in a timeseries of employment opportunity statistics, HRSDC vacancy activity must be removed from the historical data in order to ensure a consistent data set is being used. The number of newspaper vacancies fell 37% (-649) compared to the previous quarter. All occupational groups experienced this decrease in employment opportunities. On a year-to-year comparison, advertised vacancies are higher (+231). Over 60% of the employment opportunities occurred in two occupational groups - sales and services (32%) and trades and transport (29%). By individual occupation, top opportunities were:
Table 4: Employment Opportunities - Quinte Area
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