Dufferin County has adopted the County’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.

“Dufferin Builds Together: Dufferin County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan” provides a framework for the County to make informed decisions that align with the its vision of being a community that grows together. The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan is grounded in the values of collaboration and innovation and applies both a climate and equity lens to reflect the County’s commitment to ensuring all residents benefit from economic opportunities. It will serve as an integral extension of the County’s broader Strategic Plan, which emphasizes sustainable growth, enhanced quality of life and fostering community resilience.

The Action Plan focuses on five core themes and objectives:

• Business Retention and Expansion: Support, retain, and foster the growth of local businesses, with a focus on medium-sized enterprises
• Upskilling the Workforce: Develop initiatives to enhance skills, training, and create pathways to high-quality employment
• Investment Attraction: Promote Dufferin as a prime location for new businesses and attract private investments
• Local Innovation: Encourage and support innovative practices across industries Destination
• Development: Position Dufferin as a visitor and economic destination, enhancing community connections and fostering a vibrant local economy

Each of these themes is designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges that exist within Dufferin, from supporting local businesses and retaining skilled talent to creating a vibrant cultural hub that attracts visitors and investors alike.

Each action within the B.U.I.L.D. theme is crafted to address the specific dynamics and needs of Dufferin’s local municipalities and key economic sectors as revealed in the comprehensive data analysis provided in the Strategy. Together, the objectives and actions within the Action Plan aim to strengthen Dufferin’s economy by promoting sustainable growth, local innovation, affordable housing, and high-quality employment opportunities, ensuring a thriving and prosperous community for all residents.

The next phase of the Strategy and Action Plan will be a collaborative implementation process involving partnerships with local municipalities and stakeholder organizations.

Read the County’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan here.

“Dufferin County’s population is expected to reach 95,000 by 2051. As our community continues to grow and evolve, the County and its partners must work together to harness Dufferin’s unique assets while addressing key challenges like workforce commuting patterns, regional wage disparities, and the need for more localized job opportunities. County Council is confident that by collaborating with local municipalities and other stakeholders to implement the objectives of the Strategy and Action Plan, the County will foster sustainable economic growth and community well-being across Dufferin’s diverse municipalities.”

• Darren White, Warden, Dufferin County
  

“Inclusivity is a fundamental principle that underpinned the roadmap to developing the County’s Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. This approach brought together diverse perspectives, fostered community engagement and ensured the incorporation of comprehensive data and analysis. We thank our local industries, County partners and community members for getting involved in developing this Strategy and Action Plan, and look forward to further collaboration to achieve results for all of Dufferin.”

• Sonya Pritchard, Chief Administrative Officer, Dufferin County