Category Archives: Economic Development

Guelph, Ont., April 18, 2019 — The City of Guelph, County of Wellington, and Alectra Inc. are pleased to announce that FoodCycler—a business that offers a countertop food recycler that turns food waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants and gardens, and uses Smart technology to help residents, businesses and cities understand their food waste patterns- was awarded $5,000 to promote application development. At Toronto’s Globe Capital Exchange earlier this year, the City and the County of Wellington participated in the Alectra Inc.-sponsored Innovation Challenge in search of innovative technologies to support their circular food economy model. FoodCycler emerged as a leader in this technology and an example of the type of innovation at the heart of Guelph-Wellington’s Smart Cities Challenge bid. “We were impressed… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington promotes innovative solutions to address food waste – FoodCycler helps realize Smart Cities goals

Guelph, Ont., April 17, 2019—The Conference Board of Canada, a national, independent research organization, reported that real gross domestic product (GDP) for the Guelph region grew at three per cent in 2018. The Guelph region includes the City of Guelph, and Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch Townships. According to the Winter 2019 Outlook report, Guelph’s economy has performed strongly in recent years, with GDP growth of 3.2 per cent in 2017 and 3.3 per cent in 2016. Guelph’s real GDP growth in 2018 was the sixth fastest in Canada and second fastest in Ontario behind Hamilton region (3.1 per cent). The Outlook report also states, “Guelph’s GDP growth is solid by provincial standards; Ontario’s real GDP growth clocked in at 2.4 per cent in 2018 and averaged… Continue reading Guelph’s economy sixth fastest growing among Canadian cities in 2018

Guelph, Ont. March 28, 2019—Staff from the City of Guelph, Innovation Guelph and three local start-up companies travelled to Munich, Germany for the Global Food Summit last week. The two-day conference featured presentations on agri-food industry trends and innovation from around the world. Global Affairs Canada invited the City to participate in this international conference because of Guelph and the surrounding region’s leadership in agri-innovation. The City was also invited to nominate local agri-food start-ups to participate in the Summit. Three companies from Guelph and Wellington County were selected to attend: Be Seen Be Safe: creators of virtual boundaries (geofences) around farms and other agribusinesses using satellite technology and Quinta Quinoa: producers of an all-natural, sustainable, Canadian-grown quinoa that’s high in fibre iron, and other… Continue reading City, Innovation Guelph and local startups attend Global Food Summit

Guelph, Ont., March 12, 2019—Results from the February update of Canada’s Labour Force Survey show that the Guelph census metropolitan area (CMA) continues on its established path of strong performance in economy and labour force. “Guelph’s economy and labour force continue to outperform not only our neighbouring communities, but also communities across Canada,” says Scott Stewart, deputy chief administrative officer of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise for the City of Guelph. “Guelph is a resilient community built for success as evidenced by our having the highest employment rate in Canada.” In February, the Guelph CMA had the highest year-over-year working-age population growth in Canada (2.6 per cent); this is faster than the Toronto CMA (2.5 per cent). With the increase, 70.2 per cent of working-age Guelph… Continue reading Guelph labour market and economy continues to perform strongly

Guelph and Wellington County are in a strong position to become Canada’s first circular food economy, which could realize tens-of-millions in savings and related benefits, according to a report from UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global thought leader in circular economies. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington is poised to lead circular food strategies: new report from London, UK Foundation

A global report released by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation at the World Economic Forum annual meeting highlights Guelph-Wellington as one city marshalling a transformation towards a circular food economy. Continue reading Report unveiled at World Economic Forum in Davos features Guelph-Wellington in its global call for change to address the world’s food challenges

Knowledge sharing of innovative solutions was the focus of international visits between the City of Guelph and City of Rijeka, Croatia in September and October. Continue reading Local innovation focus for international municipal exchange

Guelph, Ont., October 4, 2018—For the second year in a row the City of Guelph has claimed awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. This year the City of Guelph’s Business Development and Enterprise Services department won the following awards: Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award for the Hanlon Creek Business Park sales video (Video/Multimedia Promotion) Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for the 2017 Economic Snapshot (General Purpose Print Promotion) Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for the Downtown Community Improvement Program (Neighbourhood Development) The awards were presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 2 during the IEDC Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. “This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses. We congratulate all the award winners, and… Continue reading City of Guelph wins three awards of excellence for business programs

Guelph, Ont., September 20, 2018– The Conference Board of Canada, a national, independent research organization, has projected real gross domestic product (GDP) for the Guelph region at 2.3 per cent in 2018. The Guelph region includes the City of Guelph, and Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch Townships. The Summer 2018 Outlook report states that Guelph’s economy has performed strongly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow above the provincial pace for both 2018 and 2019. Guelph’s expected real GDP growth in 2018 is the second highest among medium sized cities, trailing only Oshawa (2.6 per cent). “We expect continued, albeit moderating, economic growth for Guelph over the next two years, with real GDP slated to advance 2.3 per cent in 2018 and a further… Continue reading Guelph’s economy second among Canadian mid-sized cities for expected growth

Guelph, Ont., September 14, 2018—Local business Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. has moved into their newly built headquarters in the Hanlon Creek Business Park at the corner of Downey Road and Hanlon Creek Boulevard. Mirexus adds to the strong and diverse businesses that already operate in the business park. Following the purchase of the 1.75–hectare (4.3–acre) parcel of land in July 2017, Mirexus broke ground on their development in September 2017 and completed construction this past July. Mirexus was launched in Guelph in 2008 and has seen positive growth over their 10 years. From their beginnings at the University of Guelph to their new location and staff complement of 27, Mirexus has thrived as part of Guelph’s business community and all the support that comes with that.… Continue reading Mirexus launches operations in Hanlon Creek Business Park

Guelph, Ont., September 7, 2018—Pfaff Subaru broke ground on their new 2,050–square metre (22,000–square foot) dealership today during a ceremony attended by Mayor Cam Guthrie, Pfaff Automotive Partners, Subaru and other community partners. Guelph’s newest dealership will be built in the north end of the city at 12 Wilbert Street near Woodlawn and Elmira Roads. Pfaff Subaru will add to the existing strength and diversity of automotive dealerships already located in the area, providing new options for Guelph residents. “I am thrilled to welcome Pfaff Subaru,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “This new dealership brings investment, jobs, and more consumer choice to our city. It’s a great addition to Guelph.” Pfaff Subaru are working with local contractors, including Guelph-based Alliance Roofing, to build their new dealership.… Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony welcomes Pfaff Subaru to Guelph

Guelph, Ont., August 3, 2018 – There’s a new leader in the City of Guelph’s Business Development and Enterprise (BDE) office—Helen Loftin. Loftin joins the City as the new General Manager of BDE on September 10. “We’ve been looking for someone with international experience, commitment to the community and a true sense of partnership to build an even stronger local economy,” said Scott Stewart, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise for the City of Guelph. “I’m confident that Helen has the leadership and foresight to set Guelph on a successful course for the future.” Loftin comes to the City with over 30 years’ experience working with government, private sector and community partners, most recently as Senior VP Marketing and Communications for Mennonite Economic Development Associates,… Continue reading City of Guelph gets down to business with new GM of Business Development and Enterprise  

The City of Guelph and County of Wellington has been selected to collaborate with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as a part of the Foundation’s Cities and the Circular Economy for Food initiative. Continue reading Guelph-Wellington chosen for international food study

Record revenues for railway in 2017 Guelph, Ont., June 11, 2018—Guelph Junction Railway Limited will present the City of Guelph, its sole shareholder, with a $100,000 dividend at its annual general meeting on June 18, 2018. “City staff strive to operate the Railway in a safe and profitable manner and have worked hard over the last three years to increase its financial performance,” says Peter Cartwright, acting CEO of Guelph Innovation District. “Operating costs have been reduced, new business has been brought in and safety improvements have been made—all of this has resulted in this positive financial return and illustrates the company’s collective objective of continued improvement.” City staff from multiple departments worked with the Guelph Junction Railway Board to initiate improvements to the Railway’s… Continue reading Guelph Junction Railway delivers first dividend to City

One of 10 awarded $250,000 on road to $10 million prize Guelph, Ont., June 1, 2018 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced finalists in the national Smart Cities Challenge today, with the Guelph-Wellington County entry named one of 10 in its population category and awarded $250,000 to further develop its bid for a $10 million prize. The Guelph-Wellington bid is entered in the category for communities with populations up to 500,000, which drew more than 100 proposals. It was developed in partnership with the University of Guelph, Conestoga College and dozens of other experts, entrepreneurs, innovators and community champions. As a finalist, Guelph-Wellington will continue work with partners in the bid to win one of two $10 million prizes to be announced by the federal… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington named finalist in Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge

Date: May 28, 2018 Location: University Village Park, 93 Ironwood Road Production: Frankie Drake Mysteries Impacts: Closure: Park entrance and parking lot Intermittent stoppages: Ironwood Road between Reid Court and Walman Drive Reserved parking: Both sides of Ironwood Road between Reid Court and Walman Drive Increased activity, noise in the area Notification Letter May 28, 2018 To the Residents and Businesses near University Village Park at 93 Ironwood Road, Guelph. Shaftesbury Frankie II Inc. is currently preparing to film scenes for the dramatic television series ‘Frankie Drake’ Mysteries’ at University Village Park (93 Ironwood Road) and in the immediate area from Tuesday, June 5 to Friday, June 8, 2018 (four consecutive days). Set in Toronto during the 1920s, “Frankie Drake” follows the city’s only female private detective as she takes on… Continue reading Notification of filming – University Village Park

Imagine a food system where there’s no such thing as waste, every citizen has access to healthy food, and new businesses are created as a result The City of Guelph and County of Wellington will build Canada’s first circular food economy: enhancing access to nutritious food, turning “waste” into resources, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities. This vision was unveiled today at the Arrell Food Summit in Guelph and Toronto, and is part of the Guelph-Wellington 50x50x50 by 2025 initiative: increasing access to affordable, nutritious food by 50%, creating 50 new circular businesses and collaborations and increasing circular economic revenues by 50% by recognizing the value of “waste” — all by 2025. “Guelph-Wellington already enjoys the reputation of being a hub of food innovation… Continue reading Guelph-Wellington is creating Canada’s first circular food economy

Guelph, Ont., May 3, 2018—The City of Guelph has been awarded $35,000 in funding from Global Affairs Canada as part of their Invest Canada – Community Initiatives program (ICCI). The funding will be used by the City to promote the Building Partnerships initiative to both Canadian and foreign investors. Building Partnerships is a City of Guelph initiative aimed at helping businesses and builders “get to yes” as they navigate the process of moving a business to Guelph and applying for planning and development approvals. Years of foreign direct investment research helped to shape the Building Partnerships initiative, and will support Guelph in competing on a global scale. Guelph is a recognized destination for foreign direct investment. Last year the City was recognized as a top… Continue reading Guelph awarded $35,000 to attract foreign direct investment

Guelph, Ont., April 30, 2018—Local companies RKD and Zero In recently moved into their new, shared head office in the Hanlon Creek Business Park. They will be hosting their grand opening celebrations on Friday, May 11, which will include greetings from Mayor Cam Guthrie. Both companies outgrew their previous office space in Guelph and chose to relocate to the Hanlon Creek Business Park because of its convenient access to the 401 and existing local business connections. The new office space also provides options for future expansions. The current move will include the addition of five to ten new jobs. RKD and Zero In are examples of Guelph’s growing and thriving Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. With Guelph’s central location in the Innovation Corridor, local… Continue reading City welcomes new businesses to the Hanlon Creek Business Park

The Conference Board of Canada, a national, independent research organization, has projected economic growth in the Guelph region at 2.2 per cent in real gross domestic product (GDP). The Guelph region includes the City of Guelph, and Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch Townships. Continue reading Guelph region ninth in Canada for expected growth in gross domestic product

The City of Guelph is entering the national Smart Cities Challenge for a potential prize of $10 million funding. Continue reading City of Guelph bidding for $10 million in Smart Cities Challenge

Development partner will be chosen this summer Guelph, Ont., February 14, 2018—Last night Council approved four recommendations from staff related to the Baker District development including the size of and costs to design and build a new Main Library as part of this major capital project. The Guelph Public Library’s (GPL’s) business case identified the need for an 8,175 square metre (88,000 square foot) space to meet current and future library needs. Staff supported GPL’s business case in its report to Council and requested that Council approve the size as well as $1.9 million in capital funding to design and build the library as part of the Baker Street development. A development partner is expected to be chosen this summer. Currently the City is evaluating… Continue reading Council approves staff recommendations to include new Main Library as part of the Baker District development

On February 4, the Wilson Street parking lot will be closed as the City and their contractor, Newton Group, prepare to board up the site for construction. Continue reading Wilson Street parking lot closes February 4

Toronto Mayor John Tory will bring a message of economic opportunity across the entire Toronto-Waterloo corridor when he comes to Guelph as the keynote speaker at the 2018 Regional Economic Summit. Continue reading Toronto Mayor John Tory to bring Innovation Corridor message to Guelph

Guelph, Ont., December 18, 2017—The City of Guelph invites artists  to apply for the  Wilson Street public art project— a commissioned project  to create a permanent outdoor art installation at the corner of Wilson Street and Gordon Street — an initiative of the Wilson Street reconstruction project. “We are very excited about the launch of this public art project,” says Stacey Dunnigan, the City’s manager of culture and tourism. “This opportunity furthers our goals of animating public space and creating new opportunities for the appreciation of public art while growing the City’s official collection.” This is a commissioned art project in two stages: Request for Pre-Qualifications (RFPQ) where artists (individuals or teams) submit their resume and references, digital images of past works, and a letter… Continue reading City seeks artist for Wilson Street public art project

Guelph, Ont., December 14, 2017— Guelph ranks seventh in a national list of cities having a high concentration of software developers, according to Stacking Up: A snapshot of Canada’s developer talent. “Guelph’s concentration of software developers speaks to our regional strengths in technology and innovation,” says Peter Cartwright, general manager of business development and enterprise services. “This is just one of the many reasons why companies are considering Guelph as a location for technology-driven businesses.” The national list is part of a report released by the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship in partnership with Stack Overflow this month. Rankings are based on an annual  survey completed by Stack Overflow earlier this year, as well as web traffic data to their site, “a website where… Continue reading Guelph ranks seventh for leaders in software development

Guelph, Ont., November 30, 2017—City Council has approved a staff recommendation to submit the City’s Letter of Intent to purchase 98 hectares (243 acres) in the Guelph Innovation District lands, formerly known as the York District lands. “We’re pleased Council has approved this start to bold and innovative development in our city,” says Scott Stewart, deputy chief adminstative officer of Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise for the City. “We’re excited to be one step closer to making the Guelph Innovation District Secondary Plan come to life.” The City will be submitting their Letter of Intent to the Province immediately. The purchase will include the former Wellington Detention Centre lands, the Guelph Research Station lands and 15 hectares (38 acres) of conservation lands. The purchase does not… Continue reading Council approves City purchase of Guelph Innovation District lands

Guelph, Ont., December 8, 2017 – International engineering firm Control Systems International (CSI) is celebrating the opening of their third satellite office today, their first in Guelph. CSI provides engineering design solutions for clients. Their new office will lead the design of robot systems used in client manufacturing processes. The Guelph office will also provide servicing and troubleshooting services to clients, and the company has plans to hire electrical apprentices, robot technicians and engineers in the near future. Guelph is ideally located with access to educated talent developed at the University of Guelph and Conestoga College. Guelph’s proximity to the Toronto-Guelph-Waterloo Innovation Corridor, the second largest cluster of technology innovators in North America, also makes the city an ideal choice for new businesses to set… Continue reading Control Systems International choose Guelph for their third satellite office

Guelph, Ont., October 19, 2017 – The City of Guelph, University of Guelph and area regions have come together to support the Toronto Region’s bid for Amazon HQ2. Amazon, the U.S. tech giant in the business world, sought bids from across North America in search of a location for its second headquarters. Toronto Region’s bid provides 10 sites as possible locations for Amazon HQ2. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for the entire Innovation Corridor. Guelph is pleased to bring our strengths to the table to make Toronto Region’s bid even more competitive. Those strengths include a pool of highly skilled talent and the research strengths of the University of Guelph,” said Guelph’s Mayor, Cam Guthrie. Guelph provides a unique offering of skilled local talent with… Continue reading Guelph supports Toronto Region’s bid for Amazon HQ2

Guelph, Ont., September 28, 2017 – Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. broke ground on their new facility today, two months after purchasing a 4.3 acre parcel of land in phase one of the Hanlon Creek Business Park. The new facility will be located directly at the corner of Downey Road and Hanlon Creek Boulevard, producing a cutting edge corn-based biomaterial, PhytoSpherix®. The product is an ingredient used in the personal care and cosmetic industries. “Mirexus chose Guelph as the prime location to establish their facility and we’re pleased they chose the Hanlon Creek Business Park to make their mark in our community,” says Barbara Maly, Manager, Economic Development. “Meeting the aggressive timelines of this project is a perfect example of how we’re making it easier for business… Continue reading Groundbreaking ceremony welcomes Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. to the Hanlon Creek Business Park

Guelph, Ont., September 21, 2017 – The City of Guelph economic development enewsletter, Mind Your Business (MYB), is the winner of the Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 19 during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held September 17–20 in Toronto. “On behalf of the IEDC board of directors and Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, we extend congratulations to the City of Guelph. Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community – their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use as a benchmark,” says Michael Langley, CEO of Greater MSP and 2017… Continue reading City of Guelph wins award of excellence for Mind Your Business enewsletter

The City of Guelph is updating its parkland dedication strategy. This update is required under Section 42 of the Planning Act and will implement the revised parkland dedication policies adopted by Council under Section 7.3 of Official Plan Amendment 48. Learn more about the Parkland Dedication Bylaw review and update by joining City staff at a public open house. Thursday, October 5 2–4 p.m. (2:30 p.m. presentation) or 6–8 p.m. (6:30 p.m. presentation) Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street The open house is your opportunity to: view a presentation (background research, what we’ve heard from key stakeholders to date, and draft framework for parkland dedication in Guelph); ask questions about the project; and provide feedback to City staff and the project consultants. Have your say!… Continue reading Notice: Parkland Dedication Bylaw open house

Guelph, Ont., September 15, 2017 – New data released from the 2016 census paints an excellent picture for business development in Guelph. The median household income rose by 2.6 per cent to $77,984 from 2005 to 2015. This jump in income for Guelphites plays an important role in job growth and attracting talent to the city, which is a goal of the City of Guelph’s Prosperity 2020 strategy. When Guelph’s low unemployment rate of 4.3 per cent is looped in, the result is a thriving community that looks attractive to investors and prospective employees. “Our goal is to bring jobs to the city and growing household incomes helps with attracting business and talent,” says Scott Stewart, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise. “These results reflect… Continue reading Growing household income attracts business and talent to Guelph

Council unanimously approves development of Community Plan for Guelph Guelph, Ont., July 24, 2017 – Guelph City Council received its first update on the City’s progress on implementing the Corporate Administrative Plan (CAP), introduced in September 2016, and further progress towards the Council Shared Agenda (CSA), introduced in 2015. The full CAP and CSA updates can be seen in the Council report. This report is the beginning of a program of improved corporate performance reporting and continuous improvement practices that will result in increased accountability to citizens and better results. “On behalf of Council, I’m very pleased to see the integration of the Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “Over the past year we’ve made tremendous progress on multiple fronts.… Continue reading Council updated on City’s Corporate Administrative Plan and Council Shared Agenda

Guelph, Ont., July 21, 2017 – Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. will continue to invest in Guelph with the  purchase of a 4.3 acre parcel of land in the Hanlon Creek Business Park. “We are thrilled that Mirexus is expanding their business in Guelph – they began here and have been a great asset to the community,” says Mayor Cam Guthrie.  “We look forward to creating these types of opportunities for the growing bio-tech industry as part of our commitment to make it easier for businesses to do business with city hall.” “Through our Grow Guelph Business Retention and Expansion initiative we are well positioned to attract innovative companies, like Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc., and help them grow in Guelph,” says Derrick Thomson, Guelph’s chief administrative officer. The… Continue reading Local biotechnology company expands operations in Guelph

Guelph, Ont., July 18, 2017 – Last night Council directed staff to complete the request for proposal (RFP) process for the redevelopment of the Baker District—the priority project for the Downtown Secondary Plan — including a requirement for space allocation for a main library. “With Council’s support to secure proposals for the Baker District redevelopment, we can forge ahead with fully realizing the economic and social potential of this desirable downtown property within the next five to seven years,” said Derrick Thomson, Guelph’s Chief Administrative Officer. The competitive RFP process will allow staff to  align development work plans and the funding strategy for this site.The resulting proposals will confirm the commercial development interest in today’s market, which has changed since 2014 when the initial concept was… Continue reading City to pursue Baker District redevelopment proposals

Co-operative insurer’s new consolidated location will build upon the organization’s 50 year history in the community Guelph, Ontario, July 17, 2017 – The Co-operators and the City of Guelph announce plans for the national co-operative insurance and financial services organization to build a state-of-the art facility in 2023, situated in the city’s south end. “The Co-operators has a proud and vibrant history with the City of Guelph that we are thrilled to see continue,” says Rob Wesseling, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Co-operators. “We are grateful to the City for their support and collaboration in working with us to find a location that allows us to remain rooted in this community as we bring our three Guelph offices together under one roof.” In anticipation… Continue reading The Co-operators and the City of Guelph announce 2023 plans for new south end state-of-the-art headquarters

Guelph is making it easier for business to do business with city hall. The City offers more support, better tools, and easier processes for businesses moving to Guelph and applying for planning and development approvals Continue reading City hall focuses on building partnerships with business community

The City has successfully secured $25,000 from Global Affairs Canada thanks to funding from the Government of Canada, to raise Guelph’s business friendly profile among Canadian and foreign investors. Continue reading Guelph receives $25,000 in federal funds to attract foreign direct investment

  Guelph, Ont., May 8, 2017– Fusion Homes celebrated two major milestones in The Metalworks development today, cutting the ribbon on its 133-unit Phase 1 building and breaking ground on its 132-unit Phase 2 building, The Studio at the Metalworks. Mayor Cam Guthrie joined Fusion Homes Chief Executive Officer Lee Piccoli for the event. “It’s not every day I get to cut a ribbon and break ground on the same project, on the same day,” said Mayor Guthrie. “I’m thrilled that The Metalworks is breathing new life into this property. I’m even more excited to welcome the hundreds of new residents who will be part of the incredible lifestyle downtown Guelph has to offer.” “Each new residential phase will bring more community members, more diversity… Continue reading The Metalworks celebrates ribbon cutting and ground breaking

Guelph is the most attractive city for real estate investment value in Canada, according to MoneySense’s 2017 Where to Buy Now list. Continue reading Guelph ranked best place to buy real estate in Canada

Guelph, Ont., April 10, 2017– Guelph has ranked tenth best small city for foreign direct investment in fDi Magazine’s American Cities of the Future. The only Canadian city to make the overall top ten list for small cities, Guelph also came in fourth in human capital and lifestyle, and eighth for business friendliness. The bi-annual rankings are completed by fDi Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times. Guelph was ranked against 209 small cities with populations ranging from 100,000-350,000. Ranking criteria included over 95 data points in the categories of economic potential, business friendliness, human capital and lifestyle, cost effectiveness and connectivity. “Guelph ticks all the right boxes: a great location; an outstanding university and college; a skilled labour pool; and a supportive business environment. We’re… Continue reading Guelph ranks among top cities in the Americas for foreign direct investment

On March 7, 2017, Guelph was featured in the Perspective Marketing insert which was distributed throughout Southern Ontario in the Globe and Mail. Guelph is often recognized for its strengths as one of Canada’s top places to live, visit, start and grow a business. The 24 page insert highlights the organizations that make up the unique business support ecosystem found in Guelph including The University of Guelph’s agri-food revolution; Downtown Guelph’s impressive development story; How Guelph’s Civic Accelerator is finding solutions for municipal challenges; Innovation Guelph’s programs and services that help businesses grow and prosper; and Employment lands available for immediate construction.   For a copy of the Perspective Guelph insert, please contact Guelph Economic Development at bizinfo@guelph.ca or (519) 837-5600.  

City’s Water Services and Planning departments to test new tools Guelph, Ont., February 23, 2017 – The City of Guelph’s Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, closed its first round with a Demo Day held yesterday at the University of Guelph. The event hosted representatives of the federal and provincial government, other municipal governments, angel investors, corporate leaders, Accelerator participants and partners, academics and students. Civic Accelerator Demo Day hosted on February 22, 2017 at the University of Guelph Alert Labs and Milieu Technologies showcased products that won each a spot in the Civic Accelerator for their unique ability to solve challenging City issues. “The Civic Accelerator turns local government into the first customer, and… Continue reading Pilot programs announced as Guelph wraps first round of Civic Accelerator

After a three month evaluation process, Synexis Canada Limited has selected Guelph as the location of its first Canadian corporate headquarters. Continue reading International company chooses Guelph for its new Canadian headquarters

Today, the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington celebrates its move to 14 Macdonell Street (the former Guelph Mercury building) with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Continue reading Small business advocate creates ground floor space, services for entrepreneurs

Canada-wide industry award recognizes Guelph’s submission as first among four finalists Guelph, Ont., November 30, 2016—Canadian Brownfields Network and Actual Media Inc. awarded the City of Guelph with a 2016 Brownie Award in the Legislation, Policy and Program Initiatives category at a gala dinner in Toronto last night. “The City of Guelph is honoured to receive this Brownie Award for our brownfield site development guidelines,” said Terry Gayman, manager of Infrastructure, Development and Environmental Engineering. “We established these guidelines to support the redevelopment of properties suspected or known to have some environmental contamination, and we’re pleased that our work has been recognized by the industry experts who were part of the Brownie Awards judging panel.” The Brownie Awards program recognizes leadership, innovation and environmental sustainability… Continue reading City wins award for brownfield site development guidelines

     Guelph, Ont., October 28, 2016 – Today, local success story Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Incorporated (RWDI) officially opened its new 130,000 square foot facility at 600 Southgate Drive in the Hanlon Business Park. A major expansion to the existing building increased the floor area by 40 percent and will accommodate an additional 200 people over the next five to seven years. “We are extremely proud to be a world renowned company that is based right here in Guelph,” says Michael Soligo, Chief Executive Officer, RWDI. “The City of Guelph was an important partner in this move; they were very supportive and keen to have us remain in Guelph. This new space offers a better sense of community for our staff as we… Continue reading RWDI officially opens new 130,000 square foot, state-of-the-art testing facility in Guelph

Guelph, Ont, October 25, 2016 – Last week, three local businesses expanded their global presence at Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) – the world’s largest international food innovation and trade exhibition in Paris, France. The delegation team of Troll Bridge Creek, Dixon’s Distillery, and Wagram Springs, and led by representatives from the economic development offices of the City of Guelph, County of Wellington, University of Guelph and Guelph Chamber of Commerce joined over 7,000 companies from over 100 countries to present their products to retail and food service professionals from around the world. The trip also offered members of the delegation an opportunity to meet with France’s leading network group – Vitagora – who connects its food industry and research members with manufacturers from around… Continue reading Local businesses go global at world’s largest food exhibition

Guelph has been ranked as Canada’s fourth best large city to start and grow a business by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). Continue reading Guelph ranks fourth alongside Canada’s large cities as a top place to do business