Town releases Economic Development Annual Report

The Town of Oakville has released its 2025 Economic Development Annual Report, providing a window into local economic activity that demonstrates continued growth, investment, and resiliency. 

The Town’s Economic Development department, known as Invest Oakville, remains focused on attracting new investment, supporting local businesses, and improving investment readiness. Some key highlights from the report include:

• Oakville Town Council approved a new five-year Economic Development Plan, establishing a comprehensive roadmap to guide business growth, investment attraction, and long-term economic competitiveness through to 2029.
• For the seventh consecutive year, Oakville was recognized by Site Selection Magazine as one of the best locations to invest in Canada.
• The Town welcomed several new companies and business expansions, including ABB Canada, AFX Mixing and Pumping Technologies Inc., Clearlight Energy, Gripple Canada, Miura Canada Co., Mobii Systems, and Rouse Surveyors Inc.
• Oakville also saw major investments and expansion announcements from established businesses, including Ford Motor Company of Canada, Cedar Planters, and Siemens Canada.
• Office vacancy rates declined to 15 per cent, down from 17.7 per cent in 2024 and reaching the lowest level since the third quarter of 2019.
• Invest Oakville launched Branches to Business, a new business retention and expansion program designed to connect businesses with funding supports, workforce development resources, growth opportunities, and assistance with navigating municipal processes. 
• Invest Oakville staff continued supporting businesses impacted by U.S.-Canada trade relations through the Tariff Task Force, the Trade Talk: Programs and Resources for Businesses event, and the ongoing development of an online tariff resource hub on invest.oakville.ca.
• Oakville continued to strengthen its reputation as a film-friendly community, with the Oakville Film Office coordinating 108 filming days across 26 productions and Council approving an extension of the Film Pilot Program through to 2028.
• The permanent Seasonal Commercial Patio Program continued to see strong participation in Downtown Oakville, Kerr Village, and Bronte Village, with 47 patio permits issued in 2025 and the introduction of a new Patio Map to support residents and visitors.

For more details, read the 2025 Economic Development Annual Report, visit invest.oakville.ca, or follow Invest Oakville on LinkedIn and X. 

Quote

“The recognition of Oakville as one of Canada’s best locations to invest reflects the strength of our local economy and reinforces our reputation as a leading place to live, work and invest. Our new Economic Development Plan will continue to support our vision of Oakville as a community where innovative companies want to be for years to come.”

– Mayor Rob Burton