Employment growth in York Region keeps pace with population growth

NEWMARKET – Significant business investment in buildings, machinery, processes and training by large employers over the past three years has led to employment growth that has more than kept pace with population growth.

"The Region is supporting this growth with investment in transit and roads, and improvements to water and wastewater services," said Regional Chair Bill Fisch.

York Region's emerging patterns of employment growth and economic development were outlined in the Employment and Industry in York Region - 2001 Survey Report, which was recently presented to the Region's Planning and Economic Development Committee. The Report is an update to a comprehensive survey the Region conducted in 1998.

Last summer, York Region surveyed designated employment areas with high growth and/or business turnover. Within each employment area, all businesses were directly contacted and details about business activity and employment were updated for businesses first recorded in the Region's 1998 survey. Approximately 8,000 workplaces in York Region were contacted either by telephone or in person.

Highlights of the Survey Report include:

• There were an estimated 390,000 to 400,000 jobs in York Region as of June 2001, up from approximately 330,000 in 1998.

• The Region's economic base continues to diversify.

• Manufacturing continues to be the Region's primary employment sector, with strength in the printing, plastics, computer, auto parts and furniture manufacturing categories.

• There was strong growth (approximately 50%) across the business services sector over the past three years. Computer systems design and related services remain the most significant category, accounting for nearly half of employees within the sector.

• The retail, food and entertainment sectors are expanding rapidly, supporting the Region's population growth.

As part of its ongoing employment survey activity, the Region will be surveying employment areas not contacted in 2001, including a comprehensive survey of employment in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King and Whitchurch-Stouffiville.

The Employment and Industry in York Region - 2001 Survey Report, along with an Opportunities for Investment brochure and updated business directory and employment fact sheets will be available from the York Region Planning and Development Department in June. They will also be available from the York Region Web site at www.region.york.on.ca

Contact: Patrick Casey, Senior Media Relations Specialist, York Region

• (905) 830-4444, ext. 1235
• Email: patrick.casey@region.york.on.ca