Durham Region, Ontario, Canada

Durham Region makes up the eastern side of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  With a rich business history leading industry transformation and energy innovation, investors are able to tap into a diverse business ecosystem and a talent pipeline with the agility to meet today’s business demands.

Why Durham Region?

Durham Region is the largest municipal region within Ontario, made up of eight cities and townships. Located on the east side of Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and nestled between Lake Ontario, Lake Simcoe and Lake Scugog, Durham is where the excitement of the city and the tranquility of countryside meet. With a current population of nearly 700,000, the region is booming with an expected population of more than 1.3 million by 2051. Home to three post-secondary institutions, an established energy cluster, a strong transportation network, and a diverse range of industrial and commercial properties, Durham Region is an ideal place to start, relocate, or build a business.

Durham Region Community Profile

Facts about Durham Region

• Access to 135 million people within an 800-kilometre radius. 
• Home to three post-secondary institutions: Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University Durham GTA. There is also access to more than 30 university and college campuses within a one- to two-hour drive.
• Industrial development charges in Durham Region are below the average of other regions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
• Durham Region is growing, with an expected population of 1,300,000 by 2051.
• Durham Region is the Clean Energy Capital of Canada.
• Durham Region has a strong history of technological innovation.
• Durham Region has one of Canada’s fastest growing talent pipelines in the tech sector, with particular expertise in artificial intelligence, game design, research and engineering.
• Durham Region is a vibrant community, offering some of the most affordable housing in the GTA across 8 municipalities. Durham Region is home to more than a dozen downtown areas. 
• Home to thirteen craft breweries, four cideries and three wineries. A world-class spa and two casinos, numerous museums, event venues and family friendly entertainment options are at your doorstep.
• Durham Region’s waterfronts and rolling hills make it a destination for outdoor sports and recreation, offering world-class fishing, ski hills, and award-winning golf courses.
• Durham Region has a strong local food movement. Enjoy farmers markets and quaint villages alongside farm-to-fork restaurants, modern shopping centres and live entertainment venues in our downtown cores.

Why Ontario?

In Ontario 68 per cent of adults possess a post-secondary education and more than 40,000 students graduate from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in Ontario annually. Though home to incredible talent, if your business is in need of talent from abroad, the federal and provincial governments work together to implement immigration programs that help companies recruit and retain highly skilled international talent. Employer health costs per year, for a typical firm in Ontario, are one-third of the cost of the U.S. average because of the provincial health care system. Ontario is a vibrant, inclusive, and connected province, with a high quality of life.

Why Canada?

Canada is home to more than 34 million people, of whom 2.8 million are STEM graduates. With impressive global market access via 26 airports, 17 seaports, and 117 border crossings to the United States, Canada is well-positioned to serve as a central hub for global trade. Canada is a highly-educated country with nearly 55 per cent of residents aged 25 to 54 having graduated from post-secondary institutions. Canada is a politically stable country, with a sound banking system and the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment. Canada also has the lowest business costs in advanced manufacturing and corporate services among G7 nations and the lowest business costs in the digital and research and development sectors. Canada is consistently rated among the best places to live in the world, ranking #1 for quality of life in 2019.

Invest Durham is here to assist you in navigating your business expansion, relocation, or creation in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.

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