Middlesex County pivots to business attraction amidst population surge

Middlesex County officials say that they are trying to attract new businesses amid a population boom. CTV’s Gerry Dewan explains.

As Middlesex County experiences significant population growth, officials are strategically shifting their focus to attract more businesses, aiming to bolster the local economy and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

The municipality has seen substantial residential development, with projections indicating the population could rise from 74,000 in 2016 to an estimated 115,000 by 2046.

However, a recent five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan (2026-2030), presented to County Council on Tuesday, reveals that business growth is lagging behind this demographic expansion.

“This imbalance has implications for long term financial sustainability,” stated County Economic Development Director Cara Finn.

She emphasized the critical need to attract commercial and industrial enterprises.

“Residential requires quite a bit of servicing,” Finn told CTV News. “And when we think about industrial or commercial development, it really doesn’t have the same types of requirements that are needed for infrastructure. However, it provides more in terms of the tax base into the community.”

While commercial developments like grocery stores, restaurants and service sector businesses tend to follow population increases, attracting larger industry poses a greater challenge. Currently, lands along the northern edge of Strathroy, adjacent to the Highway 402, are the primary area for industrial businesses and expansions. The county’s new strategy aims to replicate this success in other Middlesex communities.

Finn clarified the county’s role, noting that while it doesn’t involve itself in local planning or infrastructure decisions, it provides vital support.

“We can put into place things like our county loan program, our new county readiness program for land, and we can really work alongside our local municipalities to attract the investment they’re looking for,” she explained. “The county has already observed an uptick in its loan program, which now prioritizes infrastructure for industrial development, and has received new land readiness applications.”

A key component of the county’s economic strategy is ‘Business Retention & Expansion.’ The objective is to support the continued growth, competitiveness, and expansion of existing businesses across Middlesex County by strengthening relationships and coordinating support through regional partners and municipal stakeholders.

“Existing businesses represent the primary source of job creation, economic stability, and investment within most communities,” the strategic approach outlines.

The economic impact of successful business development is highlighted by the situation in Glencoe. Following the closure of the Cooper Standard plant early in 2024, the Ontario Plant greenhouse operation opened soon after offering a new economic anchor. This company propagates plants for produce and currently employs between 100 and 300 people seasonally, with potential for future expansion.

Beyond generating tax revenues, Finn noted that employees of these businesses also contribute significantly by spending their wages within the community, supporting other local businesses.