Future economic development initiatives by the City of Port Colborne will be guided by a new economic development strategy that was formally adopted and approved by City Council on July 26, 2010.

Port Colborne's first comprehensive economic development strategy was the result of many months of collaboration between the City, the business community, and residents who collectively identified  opportunities for growth and prosperity that will strengthen Port Colborne's economy.

The new strategy identifies five priority areas for the City to focus its economic development efforts and includes action plans to help guide the community through the next five years.

Lone Eagle Sector

Attracting and supporting the growth of entrepreneurs and professionals operating from home offices or non-traditional location destinations is a priority area identified in the strategy. Successful sole proprietorship ventures hold great potential for future growth expansion, providing new sources for local job creation and employment. Sole proprietors are attracted to the high quality of life and diverse features that Port Colborne offers. More direct marketing tools are needed to reach these individuals to promote Port Colborne as a location for their home and office.

Advanced Technology-Based Manufacturing Sector 

Port Colborne's long tradition of manufacturing excellence is recognized as a foundation for future economic growth and development. The strategy recommends that industrial land be made available for new "greenfield" investments in the city and existing manufacturers are to be supported in efforts to break into new markets and expand operations.

Multimodal Logistics Sector

Port Colborne's location and prominence as a growing multi-modal logistics hub, another focus area, helps the growth of the manufacturing sector. Through increasing transportation links, and augmenting connections to markets in Canada and the United States, Port Colborne can position itself to succeed in the transportation sector. This includes the creation of a Gateway Economic Zone and Centre in cooperation with Regional and the Provincial governments.

Tourism and Culture Sector

The tourism and culture sector continues to hold great potential for Port Colborne as a destination to a growing number of visitors to Niagara. Through the creation of new attractions and accommodations, and increased targeted marketing, Port Colborne can position itself to capture a share of this important driver of Niagara's economy.

Senior Government Services Sector

The final area of focus in the strategy is government services. There is a strong need for the current public services in Port Colborne to be retained and expanded, including restoration of acute health-care services to the community. There is strong potential for Port Colborne to host advanced skills training centres or even a satellite campus of a university or college.

Port Colborne's new economic development strategy builds upon existing efforts by the City's Economic Development, Tourism and Marketing Department in such areas as business retention and expansion and the marketing of Port Colborne as a tourist destination. The strategy's action plans and recommendations will be incorporated into existing initiatives to help bring new investment and growth to Port Colborne's economy. The City looks forward to working with the business community and residents at large in completing this important work.

With financial support being provided by the Province of Ontario's Communities in Transition program, the economic development strategy initiative was facilitated by the consulting firm of Millier Dickinson Blais Inc. City councillors, senior staff, stakeholders and the consultants identified priorities and opportunities for retaining, expanding and/or diversifying local key business activities including: fabricated metals manufacturing, distribution and logistics, bio-business/agri-food innovation, food processing, and tourism. 

For more information or to obtain a copy of the strategy, please contact:

Stephen Thompson
General Manager & Director
Economic Development, Tourism & Marketing
City of Port Colborne
296 Fielden Avenue
Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 4T6
Tel: 905-834-1668 ext. 500
Fax: 905-834-2072
Email Stephen Thompson