York Region Economic Development Action Plan advancing economic strength

May 26, 2026
Business supports, sector development and innovation capacity a focus amid global uncertainty

Newmarket – York Regional Council received an update on the 2024-2027 Economic Development Action Plan, highlighting some of the notable activities and outcomes throughout 2025 to support businesses across York Region’s nine cities and towns.

“Strengthening economic vitality in York Region remains a strategic priority and is essential to ensuring our continued resilience in the business community during these unpredictable times,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “Through ongoing collaboration with our municipalities, senior government and industry partners, this plan continues to advance initiatives to sustain and build economic growth across the Region.”

The Economic Development Action Plan focuses on business support, building innovation capacity, talent attraction, marketing and awareness. 2025 highlights include:

  • Providing consultations, in-depth supports and guidance for over 900 businesses
  • Launching trade diversification and sector development initiatives in response to recent economic events in sectors such as automotive, agri-food, aerospace and defence
  • Attracting foreign investment, positioning York Region as a competitive destination and receiving  “Canada’s Best Locations for Investment” recognition by Site Selection Magazine
  • Supporting business and job growth through innovation partnerships with ventureLAB and York University’s YSpace
  • Establishing an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network Regional Technology Development Site by leveraging $2 million from the York Region Innovation Investment Fund
  • Supporting entrepreneur development through programs such as the Agri-Food Start-Up Program, offering entrepreneurship training to Indigenous and under-represented communities, plus additional programs and events with the York Small Business Enterprise Centre
  • Engaging with the business community and achieving over 1 million views on York Region’s economic development digital marketing platform, York Link; engagements included a #MadeInYR digital campaign to showcase and promote businesses who manufacture products within the Region

“The Economic Development Action Plan is well positioned to support York Region’s growing community of nearly 59,000 businesses,” said Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of Finance and Administration. “Advancing strategic partnerships, strengthening key sectors and supporting business adaptability and innovation helps ensure residents have access to meaningful employment opportunities. This includes strong post-secondary institutional partnerships, connecting education, training and workforce development with evolving industry needs to build a strong pipeline of skilled talent.”

Actions outlined in the plan are progressing with additional priorities on the horizon in 2026, including building on sector development supports and trade diversification. York Region continues to adapt to changing economic conditions and incorporate tailored business supports in collaboration with local municipalities and industry partners. Tariff and trade support and resources for businesses is available at YorkLink.ca/Trade

Key facts about York Region’s economic landscape:

  • Ontario’s third largest business centre with nearly 59,000 businesses
  • Ontario’s third largest manufacturing hub; fifth largest in Canada
  • Canada’s largest auto parts and electronics manufacturing industry cluster
  • Canada’s third largest technology sector hub with over 4,800 Information and Communications Technology companies
  • Ontario’s second largest food and beverage processing sector and fourth largest in Canada

For more information on economic development in York Region and available resources to grow a business, visit YorkLink.ca

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.3 million residents and over 58,000 businesses with 624,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contact:

Stephanie Crowley, Corporate Communications,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 289-763-2598
Email: @email