When most people hear the words suburban town, they think about quiet neighbourhoods with a few people where everyone knows everyone. You don’t really picture a place with a growing workforce, an expanding industry; a place where you can grow a business, a place that has global access and is filled with countless investment and business opportunities.

Here we are going to be talking about a town that breaks the mould and goes beyond, a place which is establishing itself as a place for business and growth, an upcoming place that is now in demand.  Here we will be talking about Oakville in Ontario Canada and why you should be investing there.

A little bit about Oakville

Oakville was founded in 1857 by Colonel William Chisholm, who purchased the land from the Mississauga people. With two natural harbours and shores dense with trees, ship-building and timber became important early industries.

The town can be found nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto. Oakville is known for its picturesque harbours, vibrant shopping districts, active arts community and some of the best dining options in the Greater Toronto Area.

Now that we have the introductions out of the way, let’s take a look at Why Oakville is one the best places for business.

1. Skilled and Professional Workforce

Oakville provides access to a labour pool over 3.5 million strong, coming in from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has at least a post-secondary education, with an age range of 25 to 65. You will find a great depth of talented and specialised professionals here, with experience and in-depth knowledge in their respective industries.

2. Global Access

Oakville is strategically located and you can easily reach customers in major US cities and markets all over the world. Cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington DC are just within a one day drive and the Pearson International Airport – which is just 20 – 25 minutes away from the town – gives access to over 180 destinations around the world.

3. Only 30 minutes from Toronto

Located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Oakville has access to quick connections to regional, national and international markets. Its strategic location is such that the town is:

• 20 – 25 minutes away from the Pearson International Airport
• 30 minutes to Union Station and downtown Toronto
• 1 hour to the U.S. border
• 40 kilometres away from 2 major shipping ports
• Has intermodal rail access
• Has access to highways 403, 407 and QEW

4. Ranked the best place to live in Canada

The town of Oakville has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. It has also been placed in the top ranks of best places for newcomers, as the best place to retire and the best place to raise a family. The town provides a safe community, good schools, and excellent health care services for residents. The area also has an abundance of natural surroundings, waterfront parks, walking trails and bike paths as well.

5. Top schools within easy access

The town is home to many of the best private schools in Canada. Over 15 world-class colleges and universities are located within an hour of Oakville. It is also home to the prestigious Sheridan College, one of the world’s premier animation and design schools.

6. Incentive programs for businesses

The government provides various funding programs, loans and tax incentives to support businesses in this area. There are also selected exemptions on development charges and local energy efficiency and environmental programs to help the businesses in an all round manner.

7. Growing industry clusters

Oakville’s industry-clusters continue to show a healthy growth pattern. Head offices for the following key sectors can be found in Oakville: life sciences, professional and financial services, digital media, ICT and film, and advanced manufacturing. It is also home to many industry leaders such as Ford Canada, PwC and Siemens.

8. Land and facilities to expand and invest

Oakville has an abundance of land and facilities available for you to build and expand your business. There are business park spaces available now and for future planning. It is home to a number of high profile developments for offices and industrial facilities and also has the Future Life Sciences and Technology District.

9. Competitive costs of doing business

Oakville provides competitive rates for its tenants in business parks. Also, tax rates and employment lands are modestly priced compared to other Greater Toronto Area communities. And if that’s not enough of an incentive, Ontario has the lowest overall business costs among the G7 countries.

As you can see, Oakville has a lot to offer, both for business owners and investors. So if you’re thinking of investing in the area and are looking for good way to get into it then you’re in luck. A new project, Kingridge Square, is now in development in the area. These office and residential condominiums are well priced and give you an excellent alternative to other buildings that are offered for lease or sale in this area. The medical building at Kingridge Square will be marketed exclusively to medical users and will provide an unmatched ownership opportunity for local health care professionals.

Check them out for yourself. Send a message our way at info@iqicanada.com and we can tell you more about Oakville and Kingridge Square.

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