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What is Economic Development?
Economic development can be described as a program, set of policies, or activities that seek to build capacity for self-sustaining, long-term economic growth. It is the process of generating and sustaining wealth in a community. In practice this looks like working to bolster jobs, diversifying the local tax base, and giving thought to how these actions can contribute to environmental sustainability, social equity, and a good quality of life.
Every community has unique assets that can be used to attract employers and investment. Building on these assets is one of the best ways communities can stimulate their economies.
What does the Economic Department do?
Our Economic Development staff are responsible for:
- answering inquiries and selling lots in our Industrial Park
- connecting local businesses with resources to support their success
- promoting Brighton businesses through targeted campaigns
- working with our partners in economic development to further regional economic development
- attract business to and grow business in Brighton
- support Applefest and Community Events Committees
Want to stay up today with all things Economic Development? Follow us on Social Media for updates on projects, business features and much more!
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Doing Business in...
Located 90 minutes from the GTA along the 401 corridor, Brighton, Ontario has so much to offer its residents and local businesses. Make your future here on the shores of Lake Ontario. Whether you're just starting out or making a change, you'll find a vibrant community with an active and diverse economy that welcomes, commercial, industrial residential and tourism growth. The many outdoor amenities promote an active lifestyle for all ages and interests to enjoy.
Click here for a directory of local businesses.
In June of 2022 the Municipality of Brighton undertook a Business Retention and Expansion Survey that reached 69 respondents. If you would like a digital or hardcopy of this report, please contact Ben Hagerman at bhagerman@brighton.ca.
Downtown Brighton | retail & services
Downtown Brighton is home to several charming boutiques, delicious and diverse dining options, greenspace, band shelter that hosts events and live music as well as essential services, necessary for residents and visitors alike. The Downtown Business Improvement Association and Municipality of Brighton's Economic Development Department are dedicated to support downtown businesses and making the necessary improvements to make the downtown core even more desirable to entrepreneurs and new/returning customers.
Brighton Industrial Park | manufacturing & retail
The Brighton Industrial Park is home to several interesting businesses from manufacturing, warehousing and building materials to automotive care and food processing. The entrance point to the Brighton Industrial Park is located at Loyalist Drive, just off of Prince Edward Street.
The newest portion of the Industrial Park is located on Sharp Road. The Municipality of Brighton is currently open to inquiries for any new business looking for industrial property.
For more information you can view our:
Rural Opportunities | crops & farming
Brighton is known for its rich agriculture when it comes to farming, vegetable production and of course apple orchards. Fresh produce is easy to find at many local stands, and the popular Codrington Farmers' Market every Sunday morning from May-October.
Past & Current Department Projects
The Shed @ King Ed, Opening Summer 2023
Located in the newly renovated ball canteen, The Shed will feature 3 modular vendor spaces for local vendors to showcase their talents and wares. Vendors will rotate every 2 weeks so there will always be something new to experience!
This project is aimed at supporting the many online and small businesses in Brighton that don’t have a brick & mortar location, providing them with the opportunity to test the market while also creating a destination to showcase all that Brighton has to offer for local tourists, or those just looking to try something new in the area.
Click here to learn more.
Makin' It Month, March 2022 & 2023
Brighton Career Fair, February 2023
In 2022, the Economic Development Department, in consultation with the Economic Development Advisory Committee, undertook a Business Retention and Expansion Survey to identify gaps in the Brighton business community. One of the major gaps identified by survey participants was a “lack of available skilled and unskilled workforce”. The Career Fair was created in response to these survey results to connect local job seekers with local employers to close some of the identified workforce gaps.
This year we were able to connect 20+ local employers representing 6+ sectors including healthcare, tourism, construction & manufacturing, real estate and, public sectors connect with over 150+ job seekers.Buy It In Brighton, December 2022
A 'Shop Local' holiday campaign aimed at encouraging local residents to complete their holiday shopping with Brighton businesses.
Applefest, last full weekend of September
Four days full of fall fun celebrating Brighton's rich agricultural history. The Economic Development Department is responsible for coordinating the Street Fair on Saturday which hosts 150+ vendors selling food, crafts, artisanal products and more!
Click here to learn more about Applefest.
Bites of Brighton, Summer 2021 & 2022
A combination social media and 'Shop Local' campaign aimed at bolstering food trucks and restaurants during COVID restrictions.
Our Partners in Economic Development...
Economic Development Advisory Committee
Comprised of community business owners, members of Council, representatives from the DBIA, Chamber and Economic Development Department, this Advisory Committee meets quarterly to discuss Economic Development topics specific to Brighton.
Brighton Downtown Business Improvement Association
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce
A nonprofit, membership-supported organization striving for the advancement of commerce, tourism and community interests in the Municipality of Brighton and surrounding areas.
Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board
A regional partnership of chambers of commerce, municipalities and communities, organizations and businesses, with the common goal of supporting and promoting tourism to the Bay of Quinte Region to increase regional visitation, revenues and investment.
Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC)
An incorporated not-for-profit, regional economic development organization. QEDC are dedicated to the promotion of economic growth in its member municipalities; the City of Belleville, the Municipality of Brighton and the City of Quinte West through the growth and diversification of businesses now established in the area; and to market the Bay of Quinte Region in order to attract new sector- targeted firms to locate in the community.
A county-wide team helping companies set up quickly and link to the resources they need, so businesses can spend more time growing and innovating.
Contact Us
Ben Hagerman, Manager of Economic Development and Communications
bhagerman@brighton.ca | 613-475-0670 ext. 207
Caroline Birch, Economic Development & Executive Offices Coordinator
cbirch@brighton.ca | 613 475 0670 ext. 210