The Town of Essex is exploring ways to encourage land owners to develop their properties, particularly in areas like Harrow.
Councillor Larry Snively is concerned developers are holding on to lands and stunting growth in the area.
Policy Planner Jeff Watson says the town needs to work on marketing areas of the town that are ready for development.
"We really have to be much more proactive. For a builder to know that it's marketable he has to know what are the demands, why would people want to move to Harrow, what are they looking for and can they provide that kind of accommodation ," says Watson.
Watson says he will work with the newly hired economic development officer in the town to develop a plan moving forward.
