Economic factors are playing an increasingly important role in land use planning. Clayton Research had the understanding of the local economy, demographic trends and the real estate market needed to set the context for effective planning. Working with multidisciplinary teams including architects, planners and engineers, the firm has been involved in studies at all stages of the planning process from the expansion of urban boundaries to the approval of individual projects:

Projections of population, employment, housing demand, and land needs for growth management and other planning exercises.

Pragmatic advice regarding the real estate market to land use planning teams based on our extensive background in the analysis of residential, retail, office and industrial markets.

Thorough analysis that is grounded on a firm understanding of demographics, real estate market forces and the policy environment.

Impacts of land use plans, development proposals and infrastructure projects on the financial status of municipalities and on other economic variables.

Potential retail market needs and opportunities based on the analysis of target markets, growth prospects for the trade area, existing and future competitors and long-term income and expenditure trends.

Clayton Research undertook a market demand analysis in support of an application to amend the Town and Regional Official Plans to permit development of a large-scale mixed-use community. A subsequent study was carried out to formulate recommendations on target buyers, lot sizes, unit mix, price ranges, and community design and amenities. Clayton Research also assessed the potential implications of the plan for industrial markets and municipal finance.

As part of the team preparing a secondary plan for the Orchard Community in Burlington, Clayton Research analyzed the impact of the preferred plan on the City's operating expenditures and tax revenues, the implications for the municipality's capital budget and financing plans, and retail market opportunities.

Clayton Research was retained to explore the retail commercial needs for the Huntington Corporate Business Park (427 West) in Vaughan. The study assessed the need for “service nodes” to provide for the day-to-day convenience and service needs of the employees and businesses in the business park, as well as the amount and location of additional retail lands needed to serve the broader market area.

As part of the team preparing the Sutton Secondary Plan, Town of Georgina, Clayton Research contributed to the commercial and industrial needs and policy components of the plan. Clayton Research also prepared a fiscal impact analysis of the preferred development alternative for the community.

Clayton Research prepared long-term employment, population and land use projections for the Niagara - Lake Erie area as part of a strategic transportation planning process undertaken by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

Clayton Research staff brings a variety of backgrounds and specialized economic and market expertise to land use planning teams. Read more about Jeannette Gillezeau, Vice President, Robert Feldgaier, Vice President, Residential Services, Peter Norman, Vice President and other senior staff members.