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EXCITING OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Market Profile:

With its proximity to government resources and status as a growing tech hub, Ottawa attracts over $1 billion in annual venture capital investments and was named one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities worldwide. A very livable city with many parks, two rivers and a canal, it has plenty of green space and recreational activities. The country’s capital and fourth largest city, it has a relatively young population of over 1 million (median age of 40.4 years), and most are fluent in both English and French. The average household income is $85,969, which is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is rated at 25th highest out of 153 other cities in Canada.

Some Facts:

• Rent Prices in Ottawa are ranked fifth highest in the country, and house prices are slightly above national average.
• Based on annual crime statistics, the city is consistently ranked as one of the safest in Canada.
• With six major universities, Ottawa has a highly educated population, with over half of residents holding a post-secondary degree.
• As the capital of the country, the unemployment rate is one of the lowest and most stable in Canada.
• Known for its strong technology sector, Ottawa is also home to a number of research institutions, including the National Research Council of Canada. Other key industries include healthcare, tourism, and government.
• Shopify, Blackberry, and Nortel Networks were all founded in Ottawa.

Market Profile:

With a diverse economy and a proven track record of growing businesses of all sizes, London attracts global companies, investments and talent. The city has a competitive infrastructure and is an affordable city in which to invest and grow a business, offering all the benefits of a big city but with lower costs. One of the most competitive housing markets in Canada, the average sale price for a home is $414,400 (2019 - LSTAR), and the average two-bedroom apartment monthly rental is $2,128. The city’s diverse community is home to over 530,000 people speaking 170+ different languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese.

Some Facts:

• Home to several large companies that are leaders in their industry sectors.
• Within two hours of three major U.S. border crossings: Sarnia/Port Huron, Windsor/ Detroit, and Niagara/Buffalo
• Access to a supportive supply chain of 12 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
• Access to the North American railway system through CN and CP rail
• 25 research and development institutions that can help businesses innovate and commercialize

Market Profile:

Located at a bend in the South Saskatchewan River, with many parks and nearby lakes, Saskatoon is one of the most beautiful and affordable cities to live in Canada and the largest in the province of Saskatchewan. The cultural and economic hub of the province, and the regional centre for trade and commerce, Saskatoon’s economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, mining, potash production and tourism. The world’s largest potash producer ‘Nutrien’ has its headquarters in Saskatoon, and the province’s largest university, The University of Saskatchewan, is also located here. One of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Saskatoon is experiencing a surge in real estate infrastructure building, with many new areas under development.

Some Facts:

• Saskatoon is the 17th largest Census Metropolitan Area in Canada, with a 2021 census population of 317,480. 
• According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index as of October 2022, Saskatoon ranks as the 5th most affordable city in Canada, with a score of 62.02.
• Well-known for its many bridges, Saskatoon has 8 bridges connecting each corner of the city and is known as Paris of the Prairies.
• Saskatchewan has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the country, and Saskatoon offers very low car insurance compared to other cities in the rest of the country.
• Saskatoon is named after the saskatoon berry, which is native to the region and is itself derived from the Cree word, misâskwatômina.

Market Profile:

Located at the geographic centre of Canada and North America and only 100 km (62 miles) from the US border, Winnipeg (population 749,607: 2021 census) is the largest city in Manitoba, and its provincial capital. The economic, transportation, and cultural hub of the region, Winnipeg is very culturally diverse, representing more than 100 languages and nationalities. Long known as one of Canada’s major industrial manufacturing centres, the city also boasts a flourishing arts scene and an abundance of green spaces that give access to many trans-seasonal outdoor activities. Key industries include: advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, creative industries, energy & environment, financial services, information and communication technologies, life sciences, transportation & distribution. 

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living for a single person in Winnipeg is $1714, which is in the top 28% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 2629th out of 9294 globally, 100th out of 153 in Canada, and 1st out of 2 in Manitoba. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• With its many tree-canopied neighbourhoods, Winnipeg ranks amongst the top 3 most livable cities in Canada.
• The city features more than 1,100 restaurants as well as numerous museums, theatres, sports venues and night clubs. 
• Winnipeg is a four-season city, surrounded by prairie, forests, and hundreds of lakes – including Lake Winnipeg, the world’s 11th-largest freshwater lake. 
• For 7 years in a row, Winnipeg has been selected by by Site Selection Magazine as one of Canada's best locations to invest, based on capital investment and related job creation, assessed on both a cumulative and per-capita basis.

Market Profile:

Kitchener and Waterloo (also known as Kitchener Waterloo or KW) are twin cities in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, the 10^th largest census metropolitan area and the 2nd fastest growing region in Canada. With a population of 673,910 (2023 census), KW is the heart of the technology hub of Canada. With a density of start-ups second only to Silicon Valley, the region has created 30,000 tech jobs over the past 20 years. KW is home to two prestigious universities and some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Google, Shopify and Blackberry—providing other businesses in the city access to top talent and innovation opportunities. With access to these and other diverse resources and industries, Kitchener offers a very supportive environment for small businesses to thrive.

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living for a single person in Kitchener is $2084, which is in the top 17% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 1597th out of 9294 globally, 34th out of 153 in Canada, and 17th out of 43 in Ontario. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• Many of Kitchener’s former factories have been ‘re-imagined’ and renovated and are now home to many globally recognized innovation incubators and start-ups.
• Kitchener is accessible via a one-hour express bus from Pearson airport or from downtown Toronto via a one-and-a-half-hour drive on Highway 401.
• Home to an early German Mennonite settler population from Pennsylvania in the early 1800’s, Kitchener was known as Berlin until a 1916 referendum changed its name.

Market Profile:

St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region, with a population of 136,803 (2021 census). It is easily accessible to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and is the only city in the region to be designated as an Urban Growth Centre by the Ontario Government, making it the focus of investment in regional services including commercial, recreational, cultural and transit infrastructure to accommodate significant population and employment growth. The continued revitalization of the downtown core also helps give St. Catharines a reputation as one of Ontario’s key digital media hubs, home to many digital and interactive media businesses, as well as to a thriving arts and culture sector.

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living in St. Catherines for a single person is $2032, which is in the top 18% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 1718th out of 9294 globally, and 42nd out of 153 in Canada, and 23rd out of 43 in Ontario. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• The official nickname of St. Catharines is, “The Garden City,” due to its 1,000 acres of parks, gardens and trails.
• Just 111 kilometres from Toronto and 19 kilometres from the United States border, the major urban centres located within a 160-kilometre radius of St. Catharines contain approximately 10 million people.
• The city comes alive each September with the Grape and Wine Festival, celebrating the region’s grape-growing heritage (including the famous Niagara Icewine), with wine tastings, live music, and street parades.
• The Welland Canal, a key waterway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, runs through St. Catharines and attracts visitors eager to witness the impressive locks and ships in transit.

Market Profile:

Scarborough is one of the most diverse and multicultural areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with a population of 629,941 (2021 census). Situated atop the Scarborough Bluffs in the eastern part of the city, it is a popular destination for new immigrants to Canada, with a vibrant concentration of Chinese businesses and restaurants and a large number of retirement communities. The majority of the district's population is between 25 and 64 years old. A major extension of subway service to 3 additional stations is currently underway, which will provide seamless transit for those heading into and out of the downtown GTA core and within Scarborough—providing small businesses with further access to major Toronto markets.

Some Facts:

• The cost of living in Scarborough Village is 10% lower than the Toronto average and equal to the national average, and the cost of housing is 22% lower than the national average.
• The University of Toronto has had a campus in Scarborough since 1964.
• The Scarborough Town Centre is the fifth-largest shopping mall in Canada and a significant attraction in the area, as is the world-famous Toronto Zoo, which was moved from its original downtown location to its current location in 1974.
• Scarborough was incorporated as a township in 1850 and as a city in 1983, but in 1998, it was amalgamated with six other municipalities to form a single municipality a part of the City of Toronto.

Market Profile:

Both the city of Pickering (population 99,186: 2021 census) and the town of Ajax (population 126,666: 2021 census) border the waterfront of Lake Ontario in the Durham Region of the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA). With significant infrastructure development in the downtown core and exciting opportunities for growth in the northern areas of the city, Pickering is an established hub of business and culture, with small-town charm. Ajax has one of the fastest-growing populations in Ontario and is one of the most liveable and eco-focused areas in the GTA. Alongside a booming economy and affordable living, it is also a safe community—with a 34% lower crime rate compared to the national average.

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living for a single person in Ajax is $2578, which is in the top 6% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 567th out of 9294 globally, 5th out of 153 in Canada, and 3rd out of 43 in Ontario. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• Development is well underway in Pickering for the Seaton Community, as one of the largest combined residential, employment and commercial developments in Canadian history.
• In 2021, federal, provincial and regional municipality governments jointly invested over $114.5 million towards construction of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure in Pickering.
• Pickering is surrounded by 200+ hectares of groomed parkland, hiking trails and conservation areas, and parts of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail pass through both cities, offering beautiful scenic views of Lake Ontario.
• Ajax is home to Ajax Downs, one of the first Quarter Horse racetracks in Canada, established in 1969.

Market Profile:

The neighbouring communities of Whitby and Oshawa are located on the north shore of Lake Ontario just under an hour's drive east of Toronto and are both known as commuter suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As the largest city in the Durham region, Oshawa’s population is 176,000; Whitby’s is 138,501 (2021 census). Oshawa has a long, proud history as the centre for automobile manufacturing in Canada, but its more recent expansion of post-secondary education now makes it home to several esteemed universities and colleges. Together with such close proximity to Toronto and improved transportation links, both cities are experiencing significant economic growth in recent years, attracting new industries and creating job opportunities for its residents.

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living for a single person in Oshawa is $1598, which is in the top 33% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 3076th out of 9294 globally, 117th out of 153 in Canada, and 39th out of 43 in Ontario. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• Oshawa and Whitby are known for their thriving arts and culture scenes, with numerous art galleries, theaters, live music and other cultural events throughout the year.
• Oshawa has over 130 parks, providing residents and visitors with ample green spaces, walking trails, and recreational activities.
• Oshawa and Whitby were amalgamated in 1968 to form the current municipality.
• During the Second World War, Whitby was the location of Camp X, a secret spy training facility established by Sir William Stephenson, the “Man Called Intrepid.”

Market Profile:

The historic city of Kingston is located on the northeastern end of Lake Ontario, where the St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal and the lake waters meet. As one of the oldest cities in Canada and at one time it’s capital (1841-44), Kingston boasts dozens of museums and historic sites. It is also a regional centre of education and health care, and home to a major university, a large vocational college, and three major hospitals. The top industry sectors in Kingston are chemical and clean technology; electric vehicle and battery technology; food processing; health innovation and manufacturing. With a very active live music, arts and culture scene, Kingston also offers a rich variety of year-round cultural events and festivals.

Some Facts:

• The average cost of living for a single person in Kingston is $1412, which is close to the world's average cost of living, ranked 3758th out of 9294 globally, 143rd out of 153 in Canada, and 42nd out of 43 in Ontario. (statistics: livingcost.org)
• With a long history of chemical research and technology Kingston has, per capita, one of the highest densities of chemical process experts in the country, which is a draw to many start-up businesses wanting to benefit from existing assets.
• Kingston is the first Canadian city to adopt a protocol for sustainable energy procurement, and the first city in Ontario to declare a climate emergency. 
• The city’s lakeshore location has earned it a reputation for some of the best freshwater sailing in the world.
• Kingston is home to the world-renowned 1000 Islands, and UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal and Fort Henry.

Market Profile:

With its high quality of life, proximity to beautiful nature destinations, and low cost of doing business, Fredericton is an attractive destination for workers, businesses and investors alike. Although a small city, it offers all the advantages of ‘big city’ life but with average commute times of 5 or 10 minutes and lower real estate prices than most other Canadian urban centres. Nicknamed the “Start-up Capital of Canada”, Fredericton attracts entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, international students, and people who value a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

Some Facts:

• Home to four universities, Fredericton has excellent education and research facilities.
• While government services make up a large percentage of Fredericton jobs, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), business and research are key drivers of the economy.
• The population of Fredericton (2021 census) is 63,115 and includes a rich diversity of Chinese, South Asian, Arab, Korean, Southeast Asian, and West Asian communities.
• Oromocto, just outside of Fredericton, is home to Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, Canada’s second-largest military base.

Market Profile:

With a population of over 104,000, Lethbridge is the third largest city in Alberta and a centre of innovation for business, commerce and education in southern Alberta. The city has over 3,490 businesses within a diverse community including small businesses and global corporations. There is significant growth among information and cultural industries, linked to the presence of two post-secondary institutions and the emergence of Lethbridge as a significant high-tech presence in Alberta. The city is also the hub of the agricultural sector of Southern Alberta, a long-term mainstay of the region’s economy.

Some Facts:

• No business, payroll or machinery tax; available serviced industrial land ready for construction; office space at less than $16 per square foot.
• Average home prices in Lethbridge are among the lowest of all major cities in Alberta.
• In 2022, the number of businesses in Lethbridge increased 0.95% from the previous year. The arts, entertainment and recreation segment had the largest increase.
• Lethbridge has more than 70 parks, 200 km of walking and running trails, playgrounds and sports fields.

As one of the 21 municipalities of Metro Vancouver, Burnaby is the third-largest city in British Columbia, after Vancouver and Surrey. With a higher cost of living than many other urban centres of similar size in Canada, its population of over 249,000 is projected to grow to 345,000 by 2041. Well-connected by rapid transit to downtown Vancouver, Burnaby is known for its shopping centres, restaurants, family-friendly communities and an excellent public transit system. One of the few Canadian cities without a majority ethnic group, residents speak over 120 languages and over half of those who live here were not born in Canada.

Some Facts:

• Burnaby is home to 16 high-amenity business centres, located in industrial areas across the city and serving a range of industries including several major high-tech companies.
• The main campuses of Simon Fraser University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology are in Burnaby.
• Burnaby’s Metropolis at Metrotown is BC's largest and Canada's fifth-largest shopping centre.
• Nicknamed, “Hollywood North,” Canada's largest film and television production studio and more than 60% of BC's sound stages are located in Burnaby.
• Under BC’s Asia Pacific Initiative, to help BC become recognized as North America’s capital for Asia Pacific commerce and culture, Burnaby has friendship city agreements with seven cities in China and one in Taiwan.
• 25% of Burnaby's land is designated as parks and open spaces, one of the highest in North America.

Market Profile:

About an hour’s drive southeast from Vancouver, Langley will soon be connected (anticipated in-service date of 2028) to Vancouver and adjacent communities via a new fixed rail rapid transit line. The anticipation of the new SkyTrain is a catalyst for downtown revitalization. Over the past several years, the City has strategically acquired properties to create a civic precinct and an entertainment district as per their Visioning Plan. During the past four decades, the Township of Langley experienced a dramatic increase in population, reaching an estimated 142,000 in 2022, with 7,000 registered businesses, including over 150 new businesses opening 2022 alone.

Some Facts:

• In 2022, the Township ranked an impressive #4 out of 50 communities in BCBusiness Magazine’s list of BC’s Most Resilient Cities.
• The number of Langley Township households that earn over $80,000 per year is 13 per cent higher than the Canadian average.
• In 2020, BCBusiness Magazine ranked the Township #3 out of 46 municipalities and #1 in the Lower Mainland on their list of Best Cities for Work in BC.
• In 2022, the total value of permits was over $151 million for commercial development and over $20 million for industrial development (Building Statistic – Dec 2022).

Market Profile:

As the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is also the largest municipality and the economic centre of Atlantic Canada. With a population of over 480,580, the city is home to a concentration of government offices and private companies, providing a dynamic business community that is well connected to the United States and internationally through its diverse transportation networks. With stunning scenery and over 7,000 kilometres of coastline, Nova Scotia also offers one of the most affordable housing and rental markets in the country.

Some Facts:

• Consistent population growth, with annual population increases of 1%
• Halifax is the eastern terminus for the CN Railway domestic and international service through Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States.
• In 2023, the average price of a house in Halifax was $528,200, compared to $1,079,236 in Toronto, and $1,196,500 in Vancouver.
• Monthly living costs without rent or mortgage for a family of four is $5,029.50, compared to $5,569.30 in Toronto, and $5,766.50 in Vancouver.

Market Profile:

As a seaport city with a population of 69,895 and more than 131,000 in the metropolitan area (2021 census), Saint John is the second-largest city in New Brunswick. It promotes focussed programs to attract immigration and is competitive in future-focused sectors, including health research; logistics and manufacturing; and IT and cybersecurity. It also has an energy sector that includes nuclear, natural gas, oil & gas, hydro-electric, wind, and possibly tidal energy in the future. The city’s strategic proximity to New York, Boston and other US and European markets, plus its affordable real estate and beautiful natural surroundings, make St. John a very attractive destination for new talent and growing investment.

Some Facts:

• A transportation gateway to Canada and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, the seaport is Canada's third largest by tonnage with a cargo base that includes dry and liquid bulk, break bulk, containers, and cruise.
• Canada's oldest incorporated city, established by royal charter on May 18, 1785, during the reign of George III.
• In 2022 City Council adopted the Succeed and Stay Immigration Strategy which aims to attract 12,000 newcomers to the city over the next 10 years in addition to the regional goal, which aims to grow the population by an additional 25,000.
• Three of the largest IT firms in Atlantic Canada and the head offices of many large multinational corporations are located in Saint John.
• At the Reversing Falls, the world-famous tides of the Bay of Fundy force the water at the mouth of the river to reverse its flow.

Market Profile:

Located in one of the most beautiful places in the world, scenic Cape Breton is home to a vibrant and diverse business community with more than 8,400 businesses. With a pro-business environment including access to research and development, tax incentives and financing, Cape Breton is an ideal location for investment. Five major institutional expansion projects, newly completed or still underway in the region, will soon significantly increase employment and collateral business opportunities throughout the province. These include the $700 million Cape Breton Regional Hospital expansion (expected completion by 2028).

Some Facts:

• On February 22, 2024, the federal government announced $13.3 million in funding to fast-track construction of 367 housing units in the region over the next three years, and to help spur construction of 3,200 homes over the next 10 years.
• A haven for nature enthusiasts, Cape Breton offers stunning scenery and an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping.
• Cape Breton Island crime rate ranks 31 per cent lower than the national average.
• The island is home to Cape Breton University, with over 5,500 students including many international students. 

Market Profile:

Moncton’s bilingual and diverse workforce, growing economy and central location in the Atlantic region make it one of the best places in Canada to do business and one of its fastest growing communities. With some of the lowest real estate prices in the country, Greater Moncton offers a culturally rich and family-friendly setting with all the amenities of a larger city. As the only province in Canada to register a net population decrease in the last census, New Brunswick is looking to attract more immigrants to maintain a labour force to meet its growing economic needs.

Some Facts:

• In 2023, more than $36 million was allocated to expand and upgrade the city’s downtown infrastructure and prepare for private sector development.
• Average commute time of 12 minutes
• Warm water beaches & sailing 20 minutes from Moncton
• Low crime rate; one of the safest large communities in Atlantic Canada
• While tourism is a key sector to the region’s growth, transportation of goods is also a top industry, generating more than 1 billion dollars to the region GDP.

Market Profile:

One of the fastest-growing cities in Canada with a population of more than 795,000. Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2024, Mississauga has become a major hub for innovation and economic development and a key economic centre in Canada, attracting international talent and global investment. The City of Mississauga’s 2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan focuses on investing in infrastructure, building and long-term economic growth. Mississauga offers low taxes, good quality services and has recently put in place an Action Plan for new housing initiatives over the next four years.

Some Facts:

• Mississauga’s 2023 Action Plan for New Housing outlines five goals and 23 actions the city will take over the next four years to build new housing.
• Mississauga offers multiple resources specifically designed to help entrepreneurs, including tax incentives for small businesses, funds to help people start their own business, and grants for female entrepreneurs, among others.
• Home to more than 75 Fortune 500 Companies and 1,400+ multi-national firms
• Home to Canada’s largest airport and serviced by seven major highways