For many, the Ottawa Valley is a place of deep attachments and sound business opportunities. Serving markets worldwide, the region offers a diverse economic base of small and medium manufacturing plants, tourist sites, agricultural operations, service centers and advanced nuclear, aerospace, defense industries. Renfrew County’s stable economy reflects the prosperity of its surroundings: Canada’s national capital region at the east, the Ottawa River and the province of Quebec to the North, and the lucrative markets of Southern Ontario and the Northern United States within a three-hour drive.
The economics of doing business in the Valley are sound. The area has a substantial inventory of serviced industrial land and buildings, and a ready supply of affordable water, power, natural gas and waste treatment services. The sizable labor force is loyal and dependable, with a proven aptitude for upgrading and training. There is a higher ratio of skilled trade certification there than the rest of Ontario.
But doing business in Renfrew county is not simply a matter of economics. Successful business depends on healthy, contented employees. The Ottawa Valley offers what good living is all about: clean air and water, unlimited recreational and leisure activities, safe neighborhoods, and access to quality health and education services. This is the best of both worlds - a unique blend of progressive business environment and relaxed lifestyle; big-city amenities and small-town quality of life.
Like wise pioneers, the people of the Ottawa Valley have always looked to and planned for the future - harnessing a strong work ethic to build a diversified economy and ensure economic resiliency.
Opportunities
Recent studies indicate opportunities for growth within several areas of Renfrew County’s industrial sector: metal fabrication, electronics, metallurgy, plastics, environmental technology and to added value opportunities and reforestation technology. The travel/tourism industry is also predicting a boom in the local tourism industry, with new visitors expected from Asia/Pacific and the United States. Business travelers and tourists to the region can fly directly to the Canadian capital and a hotel near the Ottawa airport provides a convenient launching point for exploring the region’s natural wonders and puts visitors just a short drive away from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
Renfrew County’s economic resources are diverse, encompassing high technology, manufacturing, the traditional sectors of forestry, agriculture and mining, as well as the growing field of tourism.
Manufacturing
More than 8,000 people are employed in this sector, producing everything from wood based products to high-tech components for the nuclear and aerospace industries. Many of the region’s manufacturers have been in business for decades and some compete in a global environment.
Technology
This sector of the economy benefits from its close proximity to Ottawa’s Silicon Valley North, with many local firms engaged in the research and manufacturing of prototype products. That close working relationship leads many firms into international markets, where their innovative and high-quality products are meeting with great success.
This sector has also benefited greatly from the direct access it has always enjoyed to the research and development facilities found at the Nuclear Research Laboratories of Atomic Energy of Canada, located at Chalk River.
Whether you’re a business owner, senior management, or going to Ottawa for business of any kind you'll find it a safe enjoyable place.
