St. Catharines-Niagara Region

Quick Facts
Province(s): Ontario
Population: 434,347

The pleasures of small town living combined with the advantages of doing business within a short drive of major markets on both sides of the border make the St. Catharines-Niagara region an attractive location for investors. The regions location in the heart of Southern Ontario, on the US/Canada border within a day’s drive of 55% of all U.S. manufacturing activity and half of the U.S. population is just another advantage to doing business in Niagara.

Key Advantages

• Agricultural sector is rapidly expanding, with Niagara becoming the 2nd largest producer of greenhouse products in Ontario, with annual sales of over $240 million and employing over 3000 people
• Important part of Ontario’s manufacturing industry; Niagara is home to a growing automotive industry, with over 400 companies engaged in parts development and manufacturing
• Advanced ICT sector especially focused on interactive media—The success of a number of local interactive media companies, such as, Silicon Knights, who are the world’s largest independent game developer; Digital Media and Electric Dreams Video attest to the potential for business expansion and growth in one of Ontario’s priority industry sectors
• Four bridges to the United States—Canada’s second busiest border crossing
• Research and development tax credits, competitive business costs compared to other North American cities, high speed fibre-optic networks and an abundant supply of highly productive, skilled labour
• Advanced education- Niagara College, Brock University, specialized business and technology training facilities like Niagara College’s Technology Skills Center
• #1 tourist destination in Ontario - 14 million visitors each year

Sector Strengths

For More Information

• Niagara Economic Development Commission
• St. Catharines-Thorold Chamber of Commerce
• City of St. Catharines
• City of Niagara Falls - Business Development