New Five-Year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy Supports Prosperity & Investment

Halton Hills, ON - On February 1, Council approved a new five-year Economic Development and Tourism Strategy to ensure Halton Hills’ long-term economic prosperity, grow non-residential investment, increase local jobs and support strategic decision-making.

“Since the Town’s existing Economic Development Strategy was approved in 2012, and the Tourism Strategy in 2014, countless demographic, technological and economic changes have taken place,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. “This new strategy will position Halton Hills to take advantage of current and future economic opportunities, while also responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Participation by businesses and residents in the strategy’s implementation will help us reach our economic development goals.”

The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy has five sub-strategies which, including the Economic Development sub-strategy are as follows:

• Tourism Sub-Strategy: positions Halton Hills as a destination for investment and growth in the Tourism sector (including recreation, sports, culture and heritage tourism);

• Green Economy Sub-Strategy: builds on Council’s climate change priorities and leverages key related initiatives to position Halton Hills as a leading destination for investment and growth in the clean technology/low-carbon economy sectors;

• Brownfield Development Sub-Strategy: focuses on addressing regulatory, land-use planning and financial challenges and opportunities posed by brownfield sites, with the objective to promote remediation, rehabilitation, adaptive re-use and redevelopment of brownfields; and

• Marketing and Communications Sub-Strategy: includes marketing, branding and visioning statements, as well as a practical suite of marketing collateral and actions to raise awareness of Halton Hills as a prime investment destination.

The new Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026) is modern, practical, actionable and comprehensive, positioning the Town as a leading stakeholder and central driver for economic prosperity, locally and regionally. As well, flexibility in the plan allows the Town to respond to challenges and changing economic conditions as a result of the pandemic. A forthcoming Economic Resiliency and Recovery Framework will supplement the strategy to provide further direction for economic recovery.

“Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the valuable input provided by a variety of stakeholders throughout the course of this project,” said Damian Szybalski, Director of Economic Development, Innovation and Culture. “The strategy builds on many successes achieved over the years and leverages ongoing initiatives, all contributing to strengthening Halton Hills’ economy, attracting investment and supporting our local businesses.”

The full Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026) and a Strategy Summary

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

Visit the website of the Town of Halton Hills

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