Located along the southern border of Cambridge and Kitchener in Waterloo Region, the Township of North Dumfries is known for its calm countryside, fertile fields and agricultural heritage.
North Dumfries leverages its rich farmland and rural conveniences to attract growing businesses in the agriculture industry and beyond. Despite being the smallest of the townships, North Dumfries features some of the most sought-after land, especially given its proximity to Highway 401 and the Canadian Pacific’s main rail line.
In this article, we’ll explore why North Dumfries could be the perfect choice for your business expansion or relocation.
About North Dumfries
Established in 1973, North Dumfries has roots dating back to 1816, when Absalom Shade purchased 94,000 acres of land on behalf of Scotsman William Dickson. Dickson named the early settlement after his hometown of Dumfries in Scotland, which also has a river named Nith running through it. Within a year, several sawmills were operating and its population had reached 163.
Today, North Dumfries is home to over 10,500 people. The township’s largest communities are Branchton and Ayr, along with many other smaller towns within its 187 square kilometres.
North Dumfries is experiencing significant economic growth, thanks to a mix of economic advantages and lifestyle opportunities. Its strategic location near key transportation routes and the region’s urban centres makes it an attractive location for residents and businesses to plant roots.
Branchton and Ayr are the township’s largest communities.
Big Brands and Hometown Successes
The North Dumfries business ecosystem spans a variety of sectors, from advanced manufacturing to agri-tech, showcasing its broad appeal to growing businesses.
Bend All Automotive (BAA), a global leader in automotive components and automation tooling equipment, supports customers worldwide with leading technology through product design, prototyping, product validation, tool building and a flexible, streamlined manufacturing process. In North Dumfries, its production facilities focus on tooling and automation systems.
For over 50 years, Unilock has helped people create beautiful outdoor spaces with its innovative paving products and solutions. The company added its largest facility on its Ayr campus in 2018 – a $40M, 76,000 square-foot manufacturing site.
When food processors need to get temperature-controlled products from A to B, they trust Thermo King. The Bloomington, MN-based company leads the market in manufacturing temperature control transport systems for trucks, semi-trailers, buses, railway wagons and sea containers.
For a longer list of businesses in the region, visit our Business Directory.
Attractions & Amenities
North Dumfries is rich with history, heritage and nature. The Shade’s Mills Conservation Area offers a range of family-friendly activities, from hiking to swimming. In the winter, you can try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even ice fishing.
The multi-use North Dumfries Community Complex is the home of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Ayr Centennials. You can also find youth hockey action from the Ayr Flames and Ayr Rockets. The facilities include an ice pad, walking track and soccer fields.
Ayr is also home to one of Canada’s best small distilleries, Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery. The first-generation distillery is located just outside downtown Ayr and features an on-site restaurant featuring unique dishes and cocktails.
The multi-use North Dumfries Community Complex is the home of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Ayr Centennials.
Discover Waterloo
The Township of North Dumfries offers prime real estate and farmland for any business expansion or relocation, especially those focused on food or other agriculture businesses. North Dumfries is just one of several exciting possible destinations to grow your business across Waterloo Region.
Our community is made up of three cities and four townships, all of which offer unique benefits for business expansion. Conveniently located along Canada’s 401 superhighway, it’s an ideal destination for manufacturing, automotive and technology companies looking for room to grow.
Contact us to learn more about how to locate, re-locate or expand your business in Waterloo.