Durham Region is a great place to do business. Here you’ll find a diversified and balanced manufacturing sector, skilled labour force, access to first-class educational facilities and a diverse economic base with focus on key sector areas, including advanced manufacturing, agri-business, energy and tourism.
Small and medium businesses are a vital part of our economy. They employ close to 2.8 million people, more than half the workforce in Ontario, and they have a major impact on jobs, investment, trade, innovation and prosperity.
What is the economy of the Region of Durham and its employment opportunities?
Major employers include General Motors of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Lakeridge Health Corporation, Durham District School Board, Durham College,
University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and many small firms that supply parts and materials for the automotive industry and other manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing continues to decline but is being replaced by greater use of advanced manufacturing and technology and new industries related to bio-technology, renewable energy and new agricultural methods. New construction, especially residential housing and expansions of Ontario Power Generation capacity and development related to the expansion of the 407 highway east through Durham are expected to drive the local economy over the next decade.
Did you know? 42% of Durham Region’s workforce commutes outside of the area for work. Durham’s housing, semi-rural setting, excellent services and recreational activities plus the ease of commuting into Toronto and other parts of the GTA make it an attractive place to live. This means that living in Durham still provides access to major labour markets outside of Durham where there is a wide diversity of employment opportunities. Residential growth also creates many opportunities within Durham for employment related to personal services, retail sales and food services.
Major Economic and Employment Trends in Durham Region
The Durham Region Local Training Board is a public agency that studies the local labour market (employment). They identify opportunities and needs and make recommendations to government for new initiatives to improve how the labour market works. A priority that they have identified for Durham Region is the attraction and retention of skilled and professionally trained immigrants to meet the future needs of local business and industry.