On the northeast side of Waterloo Region is where you’ll find Woolwich Township, a place where old meets new.
Home to many big brands and the Region of Waterloo International Airport, Woolwich is a unique area in the region where old-world traditions and cutting-edge technology coexist. Here, it’s not uncommon to find horse-drawn carriages and electric car chargers sharing the same space.
While the region’s three cities offer big-city benefits in small-city packages, the townships provide expansive room for business growth in communities with rich histories and scenic surroundings.
Keep reading to find out why Woolwich might be the perfect place for your business.
About Woolwich
With a population of 27,000, Woolwich is the largest township in the region – and one of the fastest growing. It surrounds the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and is comprised of 10 smaller communities, including the towns of Elmira, St. Jacobs and Breslau.
With picturesque towns and rural landscapes, Woolwich offers a small community setting within a short drive of the region’s urban centres. Because of this, it has become an attractive location for agriculture, tourism and technology businesses.
One tradition that’s been going strong since 1975 is the St. Jacobs Farmers Market. What started as a handful of tents has grown into a large, two-storey building that’s open year-round. It’s Canada’s largest year-round market and features an array of farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses and many other unique offerings.
For travelers, the future is promising, too. Woolwich is home to the Region of Waterloo International Airport. The recently expanded facility provides charter and scheduled flight services to destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America, serviced by three major airlines.
Woolwich Township is home to the Region of Waterloo International Airport, with flights to destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America.
Big Brands and Hometown Successes
While modest in size, Woolwich punches above its weight in the business sector.
Home Hardware, Canada’s largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer, is headquartered in St. Jacobs. This cooperative-based company, founded in 1964, operates more than 1,100 stores across Canada and remains 100% Canadian owned and operated.
In Breslau, you’ll find Conestoga Meats, Ontario’s second-largest pork producer. Founded in 1982, this fully farmer-owned operation has grown to include over 100 farmers since the cooperative was formed in 2001. In 2017, the company announced a major expansion in the region, which doubled its processing capacity and added hundreds of jobs.
Elmira Pet Products, in business for over four decades, leads as Canada’s largest private-label dry pet food manufacturer. The company has been a champion of pet nutrition – intertwining innovation, quality and value in its offerings – and remains committed to environmental sustainability.
Woolwich is quickly becoming a hub for tech innovation, too.
Huron Digital Pathology moved into its new headquarters in St. Jacobs in 2018. The company is a recognized leader in whole slide scanners for digital pathology with over a decade of experience. The company’s new building sits on 1.5 acres of land, giving Huron Digital Pathology ample room to grow.
Founded in 2007, Avidrone Aerospace designs and manufactures customized uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) for delivering large payloads to remote destinations. Headquartered at the airport, the company has developed a proprietary flight operation system for its workhorse UAVs that can carry a 25kg payload at speeds up to 100km/h.
For more businesses in the region, visit our Business Directory.
Attractions & Amenities
Beyond its business advantages, Woolwich offers lifestyle amenities you won’t find in big cities.
St. Jacobs is one of the region’s most visited spots by both locals and visitors alike. This charming village boasts unique shops, restaurants, and the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. In the summer, families can take horse-drawn trolley rides through the village to explore the area.
Grand River Transit provides bus services to and from St. Jacobs and Elmira. The township also enjoys rail service thanks to the Waterloo Central Railway. This volunteer-run railway features fully restored classic railcars and offers weekend trips between St. Jacobs, Elmira and Waterloo.
A community with strong Mennonite roots, Elmira’s downtown core is teeming with vibrant local businesses and eateries. In 1965, Elmira celebrated its first Maple Syrup Festival. The annual event draws a crowd of over 60,000 each spring.
If you love the great outdoors, there’s plenty to discover in Woolwich. It’s home to several parks and trails along the Grand River, as well as many wooden bridges dating back to the 1800s. The West Montrose Covered Bridge (or the Kissing Bridge) remains a popular local attraction.
St. Jacobs Market, Canada’s largest year-round market, is located in Woolwich Township.
Discover Waterloo
A historic community that’s ripe with fresh opportunities, Woolwich is an excellent option for businesses eyeing expansion or relocation. The township offers ample space and amenities for any business expansion or relocation, but it’s only one of several exciting destinations to explore.
Waterloo Region is made up of three cities and four townships, each offering unique benefits for business expansion. Conveniently located along Canada’s 401 superhighway, it serves as an ideal destination for companies looking for room to grow.
If Woolwich’s unique blend of old and new speaks to you, why not consider it for your next business location? Contact us to get started.