In September, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased slightly, by 0.1 percentage points, to 4.2% which represents the lowest unemployment rate in the province. The provincial unemployment rate also saw a slight decrease to 5.8%.

Overall employment in the region increased by 1,000 with full-time losses (-300) offset by part-time gains (+1,300).

The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by 400 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. The greatest gains were in Construction (+600). Employment in the Services-producing sector increased by 600, with the greatest gains in Healthcare and social assistance (+1,500) and Business, building and other support services (+800). These gains were offset by losses in Educational services (-1,300) and Accommodation and food services (-800).

News for the region’s economy includes: Clinton is celebrating 11 new stores that have opened downtown. In Hensall, General Coach celebrated a major expansion at its Mill Street facilities, with plans to increase staffing from 189 to 200. K’mon Let’s Play, an indoor play centre, has recently opened in Owen Sound. Pine River Cheese Co-op in Bruce County is closing after 134 years in business; the company employs 25 people.

source: media release