Top 10 Reasons

From a highly skilled workforce to our unparalleled lifestyle, find out why businesses choose Oakville.
Harbour with Toronto skyline in the background

1. Location

Oakville is only 30 minutes outside Toronto

  • Located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area
  • Only 30 minutes from downtown Toronto - Canada's economic powerhouse and the fourth largest city in North America

About Oakville

Business office

2. Cost

Oakville offers competitive cost of doing business

  • Competitive rates for tenants in business parks
  • Tax rates and employment lands are competitively priced compared to other GTA communities
  • Ontario has the second lowest corporate tax rates among the G7 countries

Business Costs and Incentives

Local workforce

3. Workforce

Access a highly skilled and professional workforce

  • 81 per cent of the population (ages 25 to 65) has a post-secondary education
  • One of the most educated communities in Canada and the world
  • Great depth of talent available locally - specialized professionals with skills and experience for knowledge-based industries
  • Labour pool of over 3.9 million in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area

Labour Force data

Airplane taking off

4. Global access

Reach your customers in major US and world markets

  • Major U.S. cities are within a one-day drive including New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington DC
  • Pearson International Airport provides access to over 160 destinations around the world through more than 40 airlines 
People walking by the lake

5. Lifestyle

One of the best places to live in Canada

  • Abundance of natural surroundings - waterfront parks, walking trails and bike paths
  • Safe community with excellent schools, community facilities and health services

Lifestyle

GO Train

6. Transportation

Quick connections to regional, national and international markets

  • 25 minutes to Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport
  • 30 minutes to Union Station and downtown Toronto
  • 1 hour to the U.S. border
  • 2 major shipping ports within 40 kilometres
  • Intermodal rail access
  • Access to highways 403, 407 and QEW from within Oakville

Shipping and transportation information

Construction site

7. Land

Ample land and facilities to build, expand and invest

  • Business park space available now and in the future
  • High profile developments for offices and industrial facilities
  • Future Life Sciences and Technology District

Sites and Buildings

Sheridan College statue

8. Education

Top schools nearby

  • Sheridan College, one of the world's premier animation and design schools, providing applied arts and technical programs
  • 17 world-class universities and colleges within one hour
  • Home to many of the best private schools in Canada

Leaders in animation and design

Crane

9. Incentives

Programs to support your business

  • Government funding programs, loans and tax incentives
  • Selected exemptions on development charges
  • Local energy efficiency and environmental programs

Invest and Grow

Medical laboratory

10. Key sectors

Oakville's industry clusters are growing

  • Key sectors include life sciences; professional services; digital media, ICT and film; and advanced manufacturing
  • Head offices in our key sectors located in Oakville
  • Home to many industry leaders including Ford Canada, PwC and Siemens

Key Sectors