Business Survey Analysis

The Point Douglas Residents Committee has conducted a survey of local businesses in North and South Point Douglas. Eighty-nine owners or their representatives were spoken to and invited to participate in the survey; 51 owners responded.

The interviews were conducted from July 15 to October 30. The purpose of the survey was to identify issues of concern to business owners and to ask their opinions on a variety of issues.

We are pleased to provide you with this document, which presents the preliminary analysis of the survey results. It is intended that meetings will be held among stakeholders to discuss these results, address the issues raised and pursue development opportunities.

Among these opportunities will be the development of new businesses as identified by residents of North and South Point Douglas in the community survey conducted from April 1 to July 15, 2008. Click here for the business question results.

This document was prepared for and remains the intellectual property of the Point Douglas Residents Committee (PDRC)

Type of Business	Number of Businesses in Each Category
Automotive	10
Industrial	6
Manufacturing	6
Groceries/ Meat	3
Retail/ Pets, Supplies	2
Restaurant	2
Furniture	2
Contracting	2
Retail/ Jewellery	2
Retail/ Motorcycles/ Skidoos	1
Retail/ Remote Control Toys	1
Painting	1
Service/ Window Cleaning	1
Service/ Accounting	1
Retail/ Fabrics	1
Household Appliances	1
Retail/ Liquidation	1
Heating AC	1
Hotel	1
Publishing	1
Clinic/ Methadone	1
Service/ Picture Framing	1
Service/ Funeral Chapel	1
Service/ Printer Cartridge Refills	1

Q1: How long have you been at this location?
Less than 1 year	1
1 to 3 Years	11
4 to 6 Years	5
7 to 10 Years	6
11 to 15 years	5
16 to 20 Years	2
21 to 25 Years	6
26 to 29 Years	3
30 to 35 Years	4
36 to 40 Years	2
41 to 50 Years	1
50 to 60 Years	1
61 to 70 Years	1
71 to 100 Years	1
100+ Years	2

Q2: What, if any, are your concerns about the area?

Safety

Select Comments of Respondents

Drunks/Undesirable Characters/Substance Abusers/Vagrants

Safety is our biggest concern. Our area seems to be getting worse for undesirables, especially since work has commenced south of Higgins on Centre Venture projects. The other concern I have is the large number of pharmacies that have located here. The majority are here to prey off of welfare recipients. Another concern of mine is the amount of garbage on the streets and the dilapidated buildings in our area.

The sniffers and people who drink outside on the sidewalk and carry beer cans in public. They litter, they fight and they harass the customers. To encourage public to be a part of Main street, the city should take action to improve the current condition of the neighbourhood.

Uncontrolled development -- development without consultation -- e.g. new Blue Bomber stadium proposal. Lack of a comprehensive marketing plan for the area.

Vandalism is rampant; graffiti is out of control; slow response from police dept; aggressiveness from individuals

Sniffers in the bank machine next to me, panhandlers in the parking lot.

Too many medical clinics

Safety for our clients; graffiti; garbage in lanes and on street; outside people filling our bins; property owners filling bins when renters leave

On this part of Main Street: need critical mass -- Business/residential/mixed use. There is currently some movement in that direction on this part of Main Street, with relocation of WRHA to perhaps kick-start a renewal.

North End reputation re crime and the existence of "undesirable" characters on the street and in certain neighbourhoods. Vandalism and graffiti.

Back where the parking lot is, are lots of condoms and it's dirty. Too dark in the back lanes. We need a motion light detector. Scared for break ins.

Initially, when our business commenced, the area itself had been a respectable community, bustling with all different nationalities -- more so with Jewish-Slavic and aboriginal (working class). Then as the years went by it started deteriorating; in crime situations such as vandalism, break-and-enters, assaults, stemming mostly from alcohol consumption. This also leading to neglect of property and personal. Just lately the neighbourhood had been getting back on its feet (so to speak) building the community to what it used to be, "respectable", an area to live in. All this happening with having meetings at Norquay School with the community residents and discussing the problems.

Some of my customers are not from the community and they were reluctant to come to the area, initially. I’ve sold them on the community to an extent but more work needs to be done to improve the image of the area. Also concerned about my studio being broken into.

Graffiti

Vandalism

Theft/ Break-ins

Unsafe/ Dirty Back Lanes/ Streets; Garbage Bins

Crime

Lack of Planned Development

Bad Reputation of Area

Lack of Police Presence/ Slow Police Response

Too Many Pharmacies/ Clinics

Dilapidated Buildings

Need Mixed Use/ Business/Residential

Prostitution

Low Business Traffic

Lack of Parking

No Concerns

No Response

Q3: What, if any, are the advantages of doing business in the area?

Close to Downtown/ Central Location

Select Comments of Respondents

Low Property Costs/ Low Taxes

Good neighbours who look out for other neighbours' well being. There are good examples of this, happening all the time.

Central location, reasonable cost of doing business

High traffic volume on Higgins ave; close to downtown; inexpensive rents

Geographic location; property and business taxes; community renewal

Central location, easy access for employees, suppliers, etc. Quiet neighbourhood, close to downtown, clean streets.

The area southeast Point Douglas has lots of drive-by traffic 9 to 5 and after hours is nice and quiet. And it is close to downtown

Mainly, people need a local grocer/meat store to obtain their food for themselves and family, and for transportation. It's convenient -- a store being nearby to buy your groceries.

An opportunity for residents who want to stay and make the neighbourhood a better place.

Local clientele

Very low cost of doing business; friendly, supportive community; dramatic and visible improvement in community, driven by the community itself; close proximity to wave of development on Waterfront Drive and South Point Douglas

Caring Community

Area Improving

High Traffic Volume

Long-term Businesses

Solid Customer Base

Visibility due to Waterfront Drive & Other New Developments

Diverse Population

Less Competition

No Specific Advantages

No Response

Q5: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being not at all connected to/involved in the community and 10 being very connected to/involved in the community, how connected to/involved in the community do you feel your business is?
Scale	Response
1	7
2	5
3	11
4	0
5	15
6	2
7	1
8	3
9	2
10	3
No Response	2

Q13: What steps or action would you be prepared to take, if any, to improve or assist the community?
More Involvement with/Support for Community Initiatives	14
Depends on What Steps Needed, Open to Suggestions	7
Improve Safety/ Security	7
Maintain/ Improve Own Property	6
Continue to Invest in/Do Business Here & Maintain High Standard of Service	5
Hire Locally	2
None at this Time	2
No Response	19
Select Comments of Respondents:
1. To provide excellent service; 2. To ensure safety of our workplace; 3. To participate in community programs.
Stay in business at this location
Any assistance with making the area safer and better for all.
We bought the present building. We keep the sidewalk clean. We keep back alley clean and lit up for safety. We have security cameras.
We have been cleaning up the property that we are on. It was a hazard before we moved in. In fact, theft has gone down 60% for our neighbour, due to this.
Hire locally; continued investment
I don't know. Any suggestions?
It depends on the initiative, but we would like to be kept informed of possibilities.
I would like to decorate the frontage of the restaurant, such as flower planters. I am willing to take care of the flower planters if the community provides me with materials such as flowers and the materials to build the planters.
We just took a huge step, to move to a new building and carrying more variety. Now we have to learn how to convince the other communities to come to shop in the store and feel safe in the neighbourhood.
Just lately and it's well on its way - it has been taken by the local community of residents concerns - cleaning the entire area of its crack houses, booze cans, drugs, and maintaining of homes and property that would be livable. Recreation and incentives made for the younger group to help stabilize themselves.
We would continue to be known as a shop that caters to all those in the area. We regularly help the local kids with bicycle tire repair, seat adjustment, etc.
Have been involved with various organizations for downtown renewal, community building over the years; would be interested to know of initiatives and possible participation vis a vis Point Douglas. Participating in planning for an evolving community would be of interest.
Making sure the neighbours are safe. They take care of my business too; they need help, I will help them.
We donate hampers, clothing drives, food to community club and schools
Possible interest in converting building into residential apartment building
Sitting on the board of the Mosaic Market Biz group. Support local initiatives.
Would assist in marketing and promotion efforts; would teach classes on a volunteer basis for organizations like the Women’s Centre and the Community Centre

Q14: What other issues, if any, do you have that were not covered in this survey?
Addressing Social Issues that Affect Business	8
Support for New & Existing Business	6
Planned Community Development	3
Improve Image of Area/ Marketing & Promotion	2
Opportunities to Participate in Community Economic Development Projects	2
Opportunities for Community Events	1
Local Training & Hiring Initiatives	1
No Other Issues	17
No Response	17
Select Comments of Respondents:
Getting former customers to come back to the area.
The football stadium!!! I believe that a new football stadium and water park in the proposed Point Douglas location would be a huge benefit to the area and its residents. Just look at how beautiful the river walk is by the baseball park. I can't imagine why anyone would be against cleaning up the area and making it a safe place to visit. People wouldn't even think about going for a walk on Higgins now. Put that stadium up here and it would be an unbelievable change to this area. The positive effects this would have for the area far outweigh the negative ones with this issue.
Graffiti needs to be cleaned up and stopped.
We need more working-class people living around this area. The facilities they live in should allow them to cook in their suites. The business should be getting some grants from government to maintain the good condition.
I believe that planned development will improve the area. More and better housing, shops, restaurants. This is an area that in any other city would be already thriving. We are getting there. However, we see resistance such as with the proposed stadium location, that will hurt us all in the long run.
Some way to provide 24 hour day care to aid in keeping little ones safe, in the evenings in particular.
We would like to start up a new business at the same location for selling building materials. We would appreciate it if we can get support from the [Residents] Committee.
Will local businesses have the opportunity to access rapid growth projects proposed?
Jobs, jobs and more jobs for area residents. Local businesses should make it a priority to hire local people. A central database for those who are looking for work. More sunshine during the summer -- maybe Sel could arrange this.
We would like to see a community fair or something for the kids. We would be willing to donate as well.
Too many drunk people walking on Main street
Keeping businesses in the area. Helping people who want to start businesses in the area, financially and socially.
Forming a biz group of some sort for North and South Point businesses

The table below is an excerpt from the North and South Point Douglas Community Survey, conducted from April 1 to July 15, 2008. There were 955 adult respondents and 614 of them indicated specific business ventures that they would like to see in the community.

Question 12: What sort of businesses and services would you like to see in your neighbourhood? 614 respondents gave specific business suggestions, most suggesting more than one.

Grocery Store	114
Coffee Shop/Café	89
Laundromat	77
Swimming Pool/Recreation Centre/Gym	47
Restaurants	38
Convenience Store	37
Bank	25
Wal-Mart/Giant Tiger	23
Thrift Store	21
Child Care Services	16
Market/Organic Food Store	13
Ice Cream Shop	12
Clothing Store	11
Gas Station	11
Home Improvement/Hardware Store/Re-Store	11
Bakery	10
Arts Centre (retail, classes, studio space, Arts Organization offices)	8
Billiard Hall	7
Bingo Hall	7
Hair Salon	7
Book Store	6
Bowling Alley	5
Drug Store	4
Repair Shop/Bike Repair	4
Movie Theatre	3
Video Store	3
Craft Store	2
Dollar Store	2
Music Venue/Store	2
Toys/Games Store	2
Handyman Service	1
Non-Specific Retail/Business	91
Non-Business Suggestions	238
No Opinion/No Response	314

Select Comments of Respondents:

a Laundromat, bookstore with weird stuff, where you can sit down in a comfy chair with a coffee, a coffee/bookstore or book exchange but a classy one, bohemian; a fix-it shop where people could borrow tools for a small deposit; computer for adults classes, bakery

Art galleries; Art supply store; art studios; locally owned specialty shops i.e.: bakeries, cafes, book stores, restaurants, etc...

Some more grocery stores, and not a little one, maybe a Safeway so I don't have to take the bus.

A bingo hall in Point Douglas and a coffee shop to hang out and meet friends

Bakery, bookstore, bistro & wine bar, clothing store, hairdresser, really like to see a toy and game store (family store)

Coffee shop; gift shop where local residents can showcase and sell their art; Laundromat

thrift stores, salvation army, Value Village, more food stores like California Fruit

It would be wonderful to have some convenience stores open late. A great coffee bar would be good, and it would be nice to have an ice cream store on Grove.

Bank, Insurance company, Gas Stations, 24 hour convenient store, and a Home Improvement centre

a crafts store with wool and needles and bright beads

pool hall/billiards, movie theatre, gym

I would like to see a Laundromat, coffee bar/meeting place. I think a used clothing second hand store. I like the corner store concept, and a place to meet friends for coffee.

A grocery store with competitive prices to the big stores, a good coffee shop

swimming pool, fitness centre were families can enjoy family time

A cool coffee shop, home-made and healthy bread

More shopping services! It looks as though California fruit market will close leaving us with even less. Not everyone has a vehicle, or wishes to use it for shopping (aren't we supposed to be enviro-friendly)?

better grocery store; clothing store nearby

A children's clothing and toy store; less pawn shops

Tim Horton’s, Dairy Queen

Q4: Is your business a member of the Mosaic Market Biz Group?
Yes 14	No 36	No Response 1

Q6: Are you occasionally asked for charitable donations by organizations in the community?		Q7: Do you give donations when asked?
Yes 42	No 9	Yes 41	No 7	No Response 3

Q8: We will be establishing a Welcome to the Neighbourhood hamper for new residents to the community. We will be including gift certificates, product samples, coupons and special introductory offers from local businesses. Would you like your business to be included in the Welcome package?
Yes 27	No 18	Not Applicable 4	Undecided 1	No Response 2

Q9: The PDRC will be publishing a directory of businesses and services for the communities of North and South Point Douglas. There will be no cost to businesses to be included in the directory. Do you wish to have your business included in the directory?
Yes 44	No 5	No Response 2

Q10: Would you like to be made aware of new business opportunities in the community as identified in the residents' survey?
Yes 41	No 8	No Response 2

Q11: Would you like to be made aware of any government programs available to assist business owners in the area?
Yes 41	No 8	No Response 2

*Q12: Would you be interested in advertising opportunities in the following: The Point, our community newspaper; our website, Pointdouglas.net; our community directory?*
The Point 18	Website 15	Community Directory 17	No 5	No Response 20