Powassan has the quality of life many can only imagine. Powassan is proud to offer a variety of services to accommodate commercial, urban, and rural residents. There is a medical centre with three general physicians, a chiropractor, a Physio Therapist, a dentist downtown, two pharmacies, a grocery store, two convenience stores, the Scotiabank, three recreation halls, two of which have ice surfaces, a pool and a beach with boat launching facilities, numerous restaurants to accommodate any taste, gas stations, flower shops, building centres, automobile and boat repair shops… you name it Powassan has it. We are known the world over for Giesler Cedar Canoes located just off the main street. The rural community is enriched with dairy, cattle and crop farming. Powassan is also proud to be home to two lumber based businesses such as Quality Hardwoods, which owner Paul Brooks won the Entrepreneur of the Year award for in 2003, and Trout Creek Planing Mill. All these businesses play a large part in the community, providing export of goods and allowing for employment opportunities. Powassan is a well balanced blend of agriculture, retail, and service businesses to meet the needs of the community and surrounding area.

Powassan is also fortunate to overlap with two Regional organizations, the Blue Sky Region and the Almaguin Highlands. Both organizations strive to increase the awareness of the Near North though tourism and economic development. Recent studies completed include the Blue Sky Region Economic Impact Study of the Agriculture Sector within the Region (2001), and Economic Impact Positioning and Financial Study Almaguin Highlands Information Centre (1997).

The Powassan Business Improvement Association also completed the Powassan Economic Opportunities Study (PEOS) in 2001. This study, focusing on Powassan economics is very informative and can be read at the Municipal Office.

The PEOS highlights the current situation and indicates opportunities for future development in the area. It recommends more tourism opportunities, such as special events and souvenir merchandise, and promoting the benefits of Retirement Living in Powassan.

Currently, there are 138 full time employees and 133 part time employees employed at the 33 reported Main Street businesses. Only three businesses reported, at the time, a decrease in revenue over the past five years. The remaining businesses are strong and well supported in the community.

Businesses reporting revenue over $2,000,000 3
Businesses reporting revenue over $1,000,000 2
Businesses reporting revenue over $ 750,000 7
Businesses reporting revenue over $ 500,000 1
Businesses reporting revenue over $ 250, 000 4
Businesses reporting revenue over $ 100,000 3
Businesses reporting revenue under $ 100,000 3

While the above information deals with the Main Street of the urban area, there are numerous opportunities for the businesses located throughout the municipality to keep Powassan thriving.

Come see for yourself!

Regional Links

Be sure to visit the Almaguin Highlands Ontario Site and the Blue Sky Region Site for more information.