Halton Region is an economic hotspot and businesses are choosing to locate here because of our low taxes, with eight consecutive years of a tax freeze; investments in infrastructure, with $289 million committed to roads in the region in 2013, a significant increase from $50 million in 2006; and our high quality of life, with 99% of Halton residents rating the quality of life very high.
A strong business investment in the region helped Halton’s unemployment rate drop to 4.7% in 2013, significantly lower than the rest of the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. Also helping to lower our unemployment rate was more than 1,000 jobs coming to Halton thanks to new businesses, such as Toronto Premium Outlets Mall, Gypsum Technologies, Amazon.com, David Roberts Food, UPS Canada and Lowes Canada, opening their doors in Halton. Another 2,800 jobs were secured with Ford Motor Company announcing its $700 million investment at its Oakville assembly complex.
Join me in Halton’s Small Business Centre as I reflect on the importance of investing in Halton businesses of all sizes so we can keep Halton’s economy strong.
By continuing to plan for today and tomorrow, Halton Region will continue to support its vibrant business community. Learn more about how Halton’s strong economy, infrastructure and high quality of life are keeping Halton a great place to live and work.
As always, if you have any Regional concerns or comments you would like to share, please feel free to email me at gary.carr@halton.ca. You can also find me on Twitter @garycarrhalton, LinkedIn or Facebook. To receive further updates on Regional issues, please subscribe to my quarterly e-newsletter, “The Carr Report
Chair's Corner - Halton Region, Ontario 