COMBINED ASSETS:

LOCATION

» Access to 130 million people, 2 Canadian provinces and 9 US states with a Combined GDP of $5.6 trillion (USD) – all within a one day drive.
» Consistently ranked as one of the best locations in North America for overall investment value, cost competitiveness and connectivity.
» The Hamilton Niagara region serves as a single window approach in providing business assistance within this mega region.
» 5 international bridge crossings are the busiest point of entry between Canada and the US, its the number 1 crossing for people and number 2 for goods.
» The Niagara Escarpment allows for a one-of-a-kind climate and agricultural growing conditions that set the region apart from anywhere in North.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The only location in Southern Ontario that can offer every mode of transportation available to facilitate the movement of goods and people (Road | Rail | Air | Sea)

Road

» Six 400 series highways (QEW, 403, 405, 406, 407, 420) that form the backbone of Southern Ontario’s connection to the USA.
» 4 International CDN/US vehicle border crossings.

Rail

» 2 Class 1 railroads with border crossings.
» Region offers daily passenger GO Train and GO Bus Services between Niagara, Hamilton and Toronto.

Air

» Hamilton’s airport is Canada’s largest overnight express cargo airport.
» Minutes to Canada’s largest and busiest commercial airport.
» 5 International Airports within 100km.

Sea

» Port of Hamilton – Port of Hamilton is the busiest port on the Canadian Great Lakes.The port provides access to 120 million North American customers and global markets via Highway H20 (a 2,300 mile marine highway with direct access to the commercial, industrial and agricultural heartland of North America).
» The Welland Canal connects and carries 78% of Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System freight.

COST OF DOING BUSINESS

» Ranked as one of the most competitive centers in Ontario for doing business.
» Ontario’s first Foreign Trade Zone point. A special designation that offers companies competitive
advantages related to the export of goods, including duty and tax rebates. – www.nftz.ca
» Low industrial tax rates combined with unique and aggressive tax and development incentives help to make
the region more cost competitive than almost anywhere in North America.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The Digital and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is strong in Hamilton/Niagara with many small and medium enterprises- attracting digital media, gaming and entertainment companies as a result of established curriculum at the nearby universities and colleges, which compliment the industry.
Hamilton/Niagara have a wealth of assets to help drive the development of our Information and Communications Technology (ICT) & Digital Media cluster. Innovation Factory (iF) and Innovate Niagara (IN) possess a network of strategic business resources to help ICT companies in Hamilton/Niagara. From executive resources, to a network of volunteer mentors, community partners, iF and IN both offer services and events to help Information and Communications Technology and Digital Media companies thrive.

EDUCATION

An education leader – with 2 world-class universities and 2 colleges that are all deeply connected to the communities and provide some of the best rated education, skills development and research programs in Canada. Hamilton/Niagara also has access to 21+ universities and colleges, within commuting distances (100 km). Hamilton/Niagara has top talent and world-class academic institutions to propel industry forward. The region is well positioned to take the lead in any highly competitive sector with innovative programs tailored to the emerging needs of local Industries.

WORKFORCE

The Hamilton/Niagara region is ready with a smart and skilled workforce of more than 640,000 people, 60% having postsecondary education. Hamilton/Niagara draws talent from nearby communities. More than 1 million people are available to work within a short commuting distance (less then 30 minutes).
McMaster University is ranked Canada’s top research-intensive university. The region has access to 21+ universities and colleges, within commuting distances.

QUALITY OF PLACE

» Ranked as one of the best places in Canada to buy a home
» Regularly ranked as one of the best places in Canada to live and raise a family.

COST OF LIVING

» Lower cost of living compared to Toronto or Waterloo
» More affordable housing options than the Greater Toronto.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

» The Niagara Escarpment is an internationally significant ecosystem, creating a micro-climate for agri-business. The area produces 80%+ of Canada’s total grapes and wines.
» The region is home to the World’s iconic Niagara Falls, a natural wonder situated within the waterfall capital of the world.
» Dozens of conservation and recreational lands.

The Niagara Escarpment produces 80%+ of Canada’s total grapes and wines

ARTS AND CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

» Numerous theaters, entertainment venues, museums and galleries.
» Many festivals, events, and annual celebrations.
» 15+ Waterfront marinas, 10+ Amusement parks, 55+ golf courses, 100+ wineries, 3 casinos.
» Hundreds of fitness / recreation centers, arenas and community centers.
» Hundreds of km of world class cycling trails
» More than 75 km different walking and hiking trails, spanning hundreds of kilometres.