Considering expanding your business into rural areas? Waterloo EDC’s David Reed shares why rural regions are becoming increasingly attractive for growth.
As cities become crowded and costly, rural areas offer lower living expenses, access to fresh talent and close-knit communities. Waterloo Region, which is made up of three cities (Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo) and four rural townships (North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich), provides a diverse landscape for businesses and their employees.
David Reed, Rural Economic Development Manager at Waterloo EDC, shares insights on why our region is primed for rural investment and how we can assist you every step of the way. Explore our conversation to learn why Waterloo is the ideal destination for your business expansion.
Q: Tell us about your role at Waterloo EDC. What are your main responsibilities and objectives in this position?
REED: My role is to support the townships, engage with local businesses, explore growth opportunities and strategize for rural investment readiness.
This involves collaborating with stakeholders from the townships to understand the current landscape and where they would like to be in the next five to 25 years.
Once we understand the current situation and the long-term vision, we can identify the gaps and develop an action plan to provide the necessary support and infrastructure, ensuring ongoing economic growth in our rural areas.
Q: What does success look like?
REED: Success for me means building strong relationships with local businesses and townships, enabling healthy business growth and retention. It also involves having a documented strategy for rural investment supported by actionable items that are being implemented.
Q: How will you engage with township staff and local businesses to drive economic development in the region’s rural communities?
REED: I plan to regularly check in with key stakeholders and municipal leadership to gain an in-depth understanding of the current landscape and growth opportunities. I’ll also attend local trade shows, workshops, conferences and meetings with community partners to stay connected and informed.
Q: What unique advantages does this region offer businesses looking to relocate or expand, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas?
REED: I believe the most significant advantage of Waterloo Region is its history of adaptability and reinvention. When a need arises, the community excels in finding solutions to address it.
Additionally, our community’s strategic location in southwestern Ontario provides easy access to major markets in Canada and the United States, making it ideal for logistics and distribution.
Plus, the region offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, healthcare, recreational facilities and cultural events, making it an attractive place for employees to live and work.
Q: Can you share some examples of businesses that have expanded with Waterloo EDC’s assistance?
REED: Waterloo EDC has facilitated the successful relocation or expansion of many businesses to the region, each with its own unique story of growth and success.
Some of these successes come from our Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) efforts, which support local businesses with tailored resources, networking opportunities and incentives to foster their growth.
Here are examples of businesses that have thrived after relocating or expanding to rural areas in Waterloo Region:
- TechoBloc expanded its Canadian footprint with a new facility in North Dumfries in 2021.
- RTS Companies expanded its operations in Wellesley in 2021.
- SepSolve Analytical relocated its operations from the UK to Woolwich in 2019.
- Huron Digital Pathologies built a new R&D manufacturing facility in Woolwich in 2017.
- Unilock launched a third manufacturing plant in North Dumfries in 2017.
- Conestoga Meats doubled its processing capacity in Woolwich in 2017, adding hundreds of jobs.
Q: What support and resources are available through Waterloo EDC?
REED: Waterloo EDC offers comprehensive support to businesses. We assess a company’s needs and then use a network of partners to provide tailored assistance for their specific needs.
This may include legal support for establishing a business in Canada, connecting companies with local talent, immigration assistance for employees, providing regional data organizing ecosystem tours or assisting in finding real estate options.
Learn more about the townships in Waterloo:
Explore opportunities for business growth in Waterloo. Reach out to David to discover how we can help your company grow.