Bruce County Economic Development Update | April 2025

In this Bruce County Economic Development update we compare the most recently available economic development plans from Bruce County with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Ontario Economic Report (OER). We're using a custom GPT tool to make this assessment. We've asked the Bruce County team to review and provide any comments and will update accordingly. - Chris Herbert, Mi6 Founder and Mana

Introduction

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce recently released its 2025 Ontario Economic Report (OER).

It outlines the state of Ontario’s economy—covering business confidence, sector outlooks, workforce challenges, and more.

But what do these findings mean for Bruce County?

With Bruce County's unique mix of nuclear energy, agriculture, tourism, and small business, Bruce County doesn’t always move in step with the province.

Here's a breakdown of where their regional plans align with Ontario’s economic direction—and where we’re forging our own path.

What's in the 2025 Ontario Economic Report?

The 2025 OER highlights several important provincial trends:

• Business confidence remains low (only 26% are optimistic about Ontario’s economy).

• U.S. trade tensions and tariffs are a top concern, especially for exporters and manufacturers.

• Labour shortages persist across key sectors like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.

• Productivity is declining, with GDP per capita below pre-pandemic levels.

• DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and climate investments are down due to cost pressures.

Where Bruce County's Economic Development Plans Align

Workforce Development: Bruce County is actively investing in talent attraction and retention, especially in trades, energy, and tourism. These efforts directly support local business growth and align with the province’s workforce concerns.

Housing Affordability: While housing costs are rising across Ontario, Bruce County is tackling the issue through attainable housing strategies and incentive programs to support workforce stability.

Business Readiness & Infrastructure: The County is focused on being "shovel-ready" with land, services, and policies in place to attract and expand businesses—right in line with the province's push for economic resilience.

Economic Diversification: Ontario wants a broader, more balanced economy. Bruce County is already investing in clean energy, nuclear innovation, agriculture, and tourism to diversify its economic base.

Where Bruce County Diverges from the Province

Trade & Tariff Concerns: Ontario businesses are highly concerned about U.S. tariffs and trade instability. Initially, Bruce County focused more on local priorities—but that’s changing.

County Council is now exploring Buy Canadian and Buy Local procurement policies in response to U.S. tariffs. Staff are also working on an advocacy approach with federal and provincial partners. This evolving policy signals growing alignment with provincial and national trade concerns—especially important for local manufacturers and producers.

Productivity vs. Sector Strength: While Ontario’s overall productivity is falling, Bruce County is doubling down on its niche sectors: nuclear energy, agriculture, and tourism. Instead of broad reforms, the County is focused on what it does best.

Climate & DEI Investment: Across Ontario, many businesses are pulling back on DEI and environmental initiatives due to cost pressures. But Bruce County remains committed to clean energy, community partnerships, and sustainability.

Unemployment Trends: Ontario’s unemployment rate is projected to rise to 7.5% by the end of 2025. In contrast, Bruce County is taking proactive steps through job fairs, training programs, and educational partnerships to build its workforce pipeline.

What This Means for Your Business

Opportunities

• Tap into workforce development and housing initiatives.

• Explore procurement opportunities as the County prioritizes Buy Canadian policies.

• Leverage sector support in clean energy, tourism, and agri-business.

Risks

• Provincial trends like rising unemployment and lower consumer confidence could still affect local markets.

• Provincial funding for sustainability and DEI may shrink—even if local priorities remain strong.

Key Takeaways

Issue	Ontario Economic Report Says...	Bruce County is Responding With...
Trade & Tariffs	U.S. tariffs pose a major threat to Ontario’s business confidence.	Developing Buy Canadian procurement policies and engaging federal/provincial partners on advocacy.
Productivity & Confidence	Productivity is declining; confidence is low among small businesses.	Prioritizing sector-specific growth over broad productivity fixes.
DEI & Climate Action	Businesses are stepping back from DEI and sustainability investments.	Continued commitment to clean energy and inclusive economic development.
Labour Market & Unemployment	Job creation is lagging behind population growth.	Investing in talent attraction and workforce retention strategies.
Housing Affordability	Housing costs remain a barrier for employers.	Rolling out attainable housing programs to stabilize the local workforce.

Final Thoughts

Bruce County’s economic plans are forward-looking, flexible, and grounded in local strengths.

While Ontario’s economy faces macro-level challenges, our County is charting a responsive, strategic path forward.

Local entrepreneurs and business owners have a unique opportunity: stay focused on sustainability, workforce development, and innovation—and take advantage of the growing alignment between County and provincial priorities.

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