Economic Development

Highway 401 bisects the Township with an interchange located at Cedar Creek Road / Regional Road 97 (Exit 268). The adjacent Cedar Creek / Highway 97 Business Park is well served to support logistics focussed business enterprises, distribution / warehousing terminals, advanced manufacturing, and, food processing industries. The Provincial Highway network provides easy access to three major Canadian / United States border crossings: Windsor / Detroit; Sarnia / Port Huron; and, Niagara (Niagara Falls and Fort Erie / Buffalo).

The Township also benefits from the mainline service of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). An existing rail spur serving the adjacent Ayr Industrial Park provides the opportunity for business to ship / receive products to support their enterprises requiring freight services to Detroit, Chicago and Buffalo.

The Township offers superior transportation and logistics advantages:

• Direct access to Highway 401 interchange, Canada's main ground transportation artery
• Close to Highway 403, and access to the Hamilton and Niagara regions and the associated Buffalo and Niagara border crossings into the United States
• Within an hour's drive of three international airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, Waterloo International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport

The universities and colleges in Waterloo Region have extensive relationships with industry in the pursuit of research and development with market perspective.

The University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College are widely recognized as educational leaders and developing a skilled labour force that is responding to the business demands of the twenty-first century.

The local economy of Waterloo Region has it all...

• $25.2 billion GDP (2012)
• Major economic sectors: ICT, Automotive, Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Business and Financial Services, Food Processing
• Burgeoning quantum and nanotechnology innovation
• More than 4 times the national number of patents per million (2010)
• One of Canada's most manufacturing intensive economies; 18% of employed population (2014)
• Over 1,000 technology firms including Canada's largest software, hardware, e-learning and satellite companies
• Strong startup scene with 600 active startups
• Within the 3rd largest food corridor in North America

Erin D'Alessandro, Director, Business Development and Client Service
519-747-2541 ext. 300
Email Erin

The Waterloo Economic Development Corporation serves the interests of the Region of Waterloo, the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo, and the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Woolwich and Wilmot in the promotion of economic development opportunities.

Ontario Regional Office
1-888-306-9991
Email Global Affairs Canada
Visit the Global Affairs Canada website. 

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has trade commissioners across Canada and over 161 offices around the world. The TCS can assist with export advice and guidance to help you achieve your international business goals. The Regional Business Network provides on-the-ground client service across Canada through five Regional Office hubs and Client Service Satellites co-located with partners in every province of Canada.

Amy Britten, Senior Business Advisor
519-571-6074
Email Amy
Visit the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth website.

Business Advisory Services offered through the Province of Ontario tailored to provide guidance to the owners and senior management teams of high-growth and high-growth potential small- and medium-sized businesses in Waterloo Region. A range of services offered include: identifying challenges and then creating strategies to generate growth (both here in Ontario and abroad) by developing tactical sales/marketing plans; increasing productivity and efficiencies; fostering innovation; and identifying government programs and events that will assist in addressing challenges.

Chris Farrell, Manager
519-741-2200 ext. 7294
Email Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre encourages and contributes to the enterprising spirt and economic vitality of our community by assisting entrepreneurs with the development of new or existing businesses. The Centre provides a variety of services to individuals preparing to start or grow their business in Waterloo Region. Services and support to businesses includes: business registration assistance; seminars and workshops; events and networking opportunities; library and reference materials; and, youth entrepreneurship incentives.

Rick Whittaker, General Manager
1-866-997-9928 ext. 223
Wellington - Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation Website

Promoting economic growth in the County of Wellington and the Region of Waterloo. Two types of services are offered: business financing (for start-ups, small business expansion, and community projects), and, an award-winning business training program.