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Invest Durham logo with text that reads, "Durham Region, Ontario, Canada"

November 2025

 
 

Powering Canada’s Clean Energy Future

Durham Region is driving the future of clean, reliable energy with a $3 billion joint investment from the federal and provincial governments to the Small Modular Reactors (SMR) project at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. 

 

Announced October 23, Ontario is investing $1 billion through the Building Ontario Fund, and the federal government is contributing $2 billion via the Canada Growth Fund. 

 

Construction is underway on the first of four SMRs at Darlington. The project is expected to create and sustain 3,700 skilled, high-paying jobs, as well as an additional 18,000 during construction., It is also expected to inject $500 million into the Canadian nuclear supply chain annually over its lifetime and add $38.5 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product over the next 65 years through construction, operation and maintenance of the four units. 

 

As the Clean Energy Capital of Canada, Durham Region is emerging as a global hub for next-generation nuclear innovation. Companies such as GE Vernova Hitachi, Laurentis Energy Partners, Black & McDonald, AtkinsRéalis and Global First Power are driving sustainable growth and expanding the region’s skilled energy workforce. 

Industrial Property Outlook in Durham Region

Durham Region's property market is navigating a pivotal moment, balancing national economic pressures with the promise of long-term opportunity.

 

In a recent presentation at Durham Regional Headquarters, Carl Gomez, Chief Economist at CoStar Group Canada outlined the drivers behind Durham’s evolving property landscape. The discussion looked at:

 

  • The national economic outlook, and how macroeconomic trends and tariffs are influencing regional real estate. 
  • Durham’s industrial market performance within the GTA submarket context.  
  • Supply, demand, and pricing trends for industrial assets.  
  • Upcoming employment land developments and industrial parks.  
  • Existing industrial inventory and future asset pipelines.  
  • Alignment to investment opportunities with Durham Region’s long-term population growth.

Shop In Durham Week

Small businesses are the heart of Durham Region, and we’re celebrating their impact with Shop in Durham Week from November 23 to 29.

 

With rising costs from U.S. tariffs and other economic pressures, many local businesses are feeling the pressure. Shop in Durham Week encourages residents to shop neighbourhood businesses, keep their money local, and celebrate the entrepreneurs, makers, and retailers who help our communities thrive.  


Spread the word by promoting your offerings, engaging with customers, and joining the conversation online by using the hashtag #ShopInDurham and tag @DurhamTourism on social media.

Spark Centre Ignites Innovation

If you’re building a tech and innovation-driven business in Durham Region, Spark Centre could be your competitive edge.

  

Based in downtown Oshawa, Spark Centre is a business incubator that helps entrepreneurs thrive with tailored programs, funding support and global growth opportunities. With over 180 clients, Spark Centre’s services bring businesses from concept to reality. Just as important, it fosters a vibrant community of founders, mentors, and industry leaders. Many clients say these connections have been key to their long-term success. 


No matter what stage your business is at—idea, startup, or growth—Spark Centre has programs for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Charting Durham’s Music Sector

Durham Region is laying the foundation for a thriving music economy, and local businesses stand to benefit. With more than 125 venues, 74 festivals and events, and a $162 million contribution to regional Gross Domestic Product, Durham’s music sector is a growing economic force.

 

Using the Durham Region Music Industry Analysis as a guide, Invest Durham is leading efforts to strengthen the local music industry through targeted priorities and initiatives, such as Beyond the Music—a series of free networking and workshop events tailored to local musicians and industry stakeholders.

 

The momentum in Durham Region’s music sector presents new opportunities for investment, partnership, and community engagement.

 

Events and Partnerships

 

Feast On® with Local Food Leaders

If you’re part of the local food movement or curious to learn more, pull up a chair at the Feast On® Mixer with Ontario’s Culinary Tourism Alliance on November 10 at Trail Hub’s Nest restaurant in Uxbridge.

 

The networking event is where members of the restaurant and hospitality community connect, collaborate, and share ideas. It’s also the perfect opportunity for non-certified businesses to discover the benefits of becoming Feast On® certified. 


Want to know who’s already a part of Feast On® in Durham Region? Discover these certified businesses.

Drive the Next Wave of Healthcare Innovation

Help shape the next wave of health and medical tech and turn innovation into impact at Invest Durham’s Access IO Studio Event, Future of Integrated Health, on November 12.


Hosted by Angel Investors Durham and Oshawa Clinic Group, the event will showcase breakthrough innovations—from AI-driven diagnostics to patient-centred platforms—that are advancing whole-person care and solving real-word system needs. 


The event connects founders with investors, industry experts, and healthcare leaders who can help shape their next stage of growth.

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week

Make November 17 to 21 the week you invest in your business. Register now for  

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week, an event series that celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week around the world. 

  

Choose from more than 30 sessions offered both online and in person across Durham Region. Most events are free, and all sessions provide practical strategies, fresh ideas, mentoring opportunities, and new connections. 

 

Kick off the week on November 17 with a celebration and networking event at Town Brewery in Whitby. Another highlight of the week is the Business Summit on November 20. The full-day conference will focus on innovation and sustainability, and features a public expo showcasing cutting-edge innovations.

 

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week is coordinated by the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) with the support of premier sponsors City of Oshawa, Invest Clarington and Invest Whitby. Partner sponsors include Invest Durham, Invest Pickering and Town of Ajax. Community Sponsors are Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University and Spark Centre.

The Movies – AI and Climate Change

On November 18, take part in a thought-provoking evening on how film is contributing and responding to two forces shaping our world: artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.

 

Presented by Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and Invest Durham, the evening features a selection of short films that challenge how we think about technology, the environment and storytelling, followed by a panel discussion of industry professionals. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

 

Recent Business News

 

TEDxOshawa has announced its speaker lineup for next year’s event. Find out who's taking part on May 2, 2026. Meantime, this year’s TEDxOshawa talk from Durham College’s Robin Young has been selected as an Editor’s Pick on the TEDX YouTube channel. Watch his full talk on how leading with kindness can create a real impact. 

 

Ajax is positioning itself as an electric vehicle hub, with construction nearing completion on its Tesla Supercharger station. Learn more about what’s ahead.

 

Durham College’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship has received funding support for the MRC Studio (Mixed Reality Capture Studio). Read more about the funding and how it will advance immersive virtual technology research. 


Construction is underway on CentreCourt’s massive development at Pickering City Centre. Learn about plans to transform this area. 


Durham Region is experiencing some booming growth. Find out why it’s creating a moving revolution.

Contact Us

Toll-free: 1-800-706-9857

InvestDurham.ca 





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