
5 minute read
The Highway to Investment Success Leads to Middlesex County
Middlesex County offers a rich rural-urban landscape in the heart of southern Ontario complete with all the must haves for business is looking to establish or expand operations. Companies prospecting for the optimal mix of location including attractive property pricing, and additional amenities, really strike it rich in Middlesex.
If your company relies on ‘on time’ delivery, you’ll appreciate access to three border crossings within a 2 hour drive. Our 401 and 402 series highways are vital in the moving of goods to destinations across the globe. Rail and air transport are available with both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific travelling through the County, and the London Ontario International Airport offering a central location for moving both cargo and people in and out of the region with ease. The County also sits within an hour’s drive of port access to the Great Lakes shipping channels.
Our honest, reliable workforce is the heartbeat of our County. We’re located within 62 miles of 6 Universities and 4 Colleges, making us a prime location for talent retention and attraction. Middlesex County celebrates innovation and is home to local and multinational firms across the manufacturing sector including those in pharmaceutical, stormwater management, ag-tech, and automotive like Bonduelle North America, Gray Ridge Eggs, Catalent Pharma Solutions, Armatec Survivability, Goss Global, and Algonquin Bridge.
Short commutes, traffic that moves, fresh air, safe spaces, many active living options, and access to world-class healthcare are all just part of the Middlesex appeal. The county’s added rich offering of arts, entertainment and culture that create an amazing quality of life for families of all types.

ONTARIO, CANADA: AURORA
The Greater Toronto Area’s Best Kept Secret is Revealed of powerhouses such as Magna International and Desjardins Insurance. Additionally, there are over 2,000 grassroots entrepreneurs in healthcare technology, food and beverage manufacturing, marketing, media, education and more — all drawn by the town’s unique community environment that helps businesses grow, and, in return, helps grow the community.
Throughout the pandemic, the Town of Aurora, Ontario came together to keep the community engaged and connected while supporting the local economy. This is nothing new for Aurora, as local businesses continue to demonstrate the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that was behind its original founding in the early 1800s, when business owners began purchasing land in the area.


“Aurora was built by innovators and entrepreneurs in metal works and blacksmithing, as well as manufacturers of agricultural equipment and local merchants that supported the growing population. These were the people behind great ideas and community-building. Since those early days, Aurora has been one of the Greater Toronto Area’s best kept secrets for many years, and with the emerging growth and revitalization underway, we are pleased to share that what is great is about to become exceptional,” says the town’s mayor, Tom Mrakas, who ran a small business himself before entering politics in 2018.
Aurora, which is now consistently ranked as one of the best communities in Canada, first emerged as an important business centre north of Toronto with the coming of the railway and the area’s first train station, in 1853.

Today, the same train station stills stands as a symbol of the town’s history and growth, according to Mrakas, and Aurora is home to a bevy
“Aurora is unique in that it is small and connected, but also big in that you have everything you need within minutes.” Keith Loo,
CEO, Skinopathy
‘Aurora is growing, but in a unique way, where the uniqueness and attractiveness of a small town remains a vital factor in a business or resident choosing Aurora as home. It’s the little things that make Aurora a big destination.’ Thai Pham, Owner, Replenish General Store
“I truly encourage anyone looking to open a business, big or small, to consider Aurora. The people and business owners are supportive and truly make you feel welcomed.” Mae Khamissa, Owner, Omar Shoes
“It’s that feeling you get when you know you have found the right location for your home or business. Aurora can quickly make you feel at home.” Steve Falk, CEO Prime Data
The Town of Aurora is emerging as the area’s leader in connecting business leaders to the resources and network needed to expand operations. Find out more at www.aurora.ca/business
ONTARIO, CANADA: KAWARTHA LAKES Jump In to business in Kawartha Lakes
We’re more than an attractive business location, we’re a lifestyle. Explore 600km of groomed trails for hiking, snowmobiling and ATVs. Cycle on our paved shoulder roads throughout beautiful countryside and lakefront. Take in over 50 destinations on the Arts & Heritage Trail. Watch the constellations appear one star at a time in Bobcaygeon, watch outdoor performances at the Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls.
Fill your time discovering local food, fine art and annual events such as Kawartha Farmfest, a popular self-driving farm tour experience. Farm-to-table dining options, boutique downtowns and a flourishing craft beverage scene are attracting people of all ages.
Have you been dreaming about moving to Kawartha Lakes?
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or job seeker, here are five reasons to Jump In!

1. Kawartha Lakes is rated the #2 place to buy a home in Canada. Taking into account average home prices, price growth over time, and the characteristics and economics of each neighbourhood, Kawartha Lakes has taken its spot as the #2 place –second only to Toronto – for prospective home buyers to purchase a home in Canada, according to Moneysense readers. Whether you seek a bustling downtown lifestyle or the serenity of rural living, there is a housing option for you.

2. Get down to business in Kawartha Lakes. Closely connected to each other and the rest of the world, Kawartha Lakes is a short 90-minute drive Northeast of Toronto, connected by highways 407, 401, 35, and 115 provide quick access to major cities. From broadband internet to support everyone’s needs, to fibre optic internet throughout industrial parks, to reliable hydro and gas services, businesses are able to stay connected. “We are only one hour from the (Pearson International) airport, and 1.5 hours from downtown Toronto. Whatever opportunities exists anywhere in the world, also exists here.” Ryan Oliver, CEO Pinnguaq.
3. Endless benefits await. Kawartha Lakes offers a host of resources and opportunities for business start-up, expansion, retention, and investment support. In addition to the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (SBC), Million Dollar Makeover, Summer Company, Starter Company PLUS, and Development Concierge programs, there are more than 17 regional, provincial, and federal funding programs designed to expedite the road to success.

4. It takes a village to build a business and action new ideas. Kawartha Lakes Economic Development is opening pathways for you to succeed and immerse yourself in the fabric of a warm-hearted business community. The Kawartha Lakes Ecosystem Network is a vast network of organizations who collaborate and share information to nurture economic development, lead change, foster innovation, and promote growth. Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, anchored by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KL CFDC), along with the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas offer a variety of supports. “The business has just flourished since we’ve been in Kawartha Lakes. There is such a young and vibrant business community here.” Tim Wisener, Home by Tim & Chris.
5. Kawartha Lakes is a place where small town serenity and big city amenities coexist. In addition to family medicine and specialized care, you’ll find the Ross Memorial Hospital serving local residents and visitors. Quality public and private education and activities for children are aplenty. Fleming College is home to the School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences, the Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT), and the Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT). Students can also access nearby Trent University, Durham College, and Ontario Tech University. For more information on the advantages doing business in Kawartha Lakes, please call 705-324-9411 ext. 1197, toll free 1-866397-6673 or visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/movemybusiness.
Fast Facts:
• More than 400,000 acres of rural farmland and available buildings
• Between 2017 and 2021, the SBC, Starter Company Plus Program saw 150 jobs created and 124 new businesses established, $285.605 in grants awarded through Start Company Plus and $93,000 in grants awarded through Summer Company.
• Regional workforce of almost 300,000
• Access to 3 airports – one local municipal, one regional international and one full-service International Cargo offering vast connection opportunities
• Thriving sectors: agriculture, culture, innovation, manufacturing and tourism. X