EDCO Member Updates

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER!

Join us for EDCO's 2026 Clearview Regional Event

With October fast approaching, now is the time to secure your spot for EDCO's 2026 Clearview Regional Event on October 8.

Don't wait until the last minute, this is your opportunity to be part of one of EDCO's most engaging regional events of the year. Join economic development professionals from across Ontario for a day packed with practical learning, valuable networking, and unique behind-the-scenes experiences. Earn 3 Certification Points for attending.

From collaborative problem-solving in the Idea Exchange, to discussions on rural growth planning, resource extraction, private airport development, and climate resilience, this year's agenda delivers timely insights and strategies you can bring back to your community.

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the Walker Duntroon Quarry Tour, featuring a scheduled quarry blast viewing, and connect with peers facing many of the same opportunities and challenges.

REGISTRATION CLOSES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st!

Pre-Event Workshops (Oct 7 – Limited Space)

*Separate registration required for these workshops.

Clearview Information and Registration

We’re Hiring: Membership & Engagement Coordinator

EDCO is growing our team! We’re seeking a Membership & Engagement Coordinator to help strengthen connections with our members and support an exceptional membership experience across Ontario.

This role will focus on membership recruitment, engagement and retention, while also supporting member communications, events and programs, and EDCO’s Board and Committees.

Position at a glance:

Location: Fully remote within Ontario
Salary: $48,500–$61,889
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Term: 12-month contract, with an approved extension of up to 11 additional months
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

If you’re an organized, relationship-focused professional who enjoys connecting with people, building strong communities and delivering a great member experience, we’d love to hear from you!

View the full job posting & apply

NEW! Bring EDCO's Elected Officials Program to Your Community

Looking for a convenient way to strengthen your council's understanding of economic development?

EDCO is pleased to introduce a new delivery option for our highly regarded Elected Officials Economic Development Education Program. Municipalities, regions, and partner organizations can now host a dedicated half-day or full-day session delivered directly in their community.

Designed for elected officials, CAOs, senior staff, and community leaders, this interactive program provides practical insights into economic development, investment readiness, and municipal leadership. Through engaging discussion and real-world examples, participants gain a deeper understanding of how municipalities can create the conditions for long-term economic success and community prosperity. Information Sheet Here

Why Host a Session in Your Community?

✅ Train council and leadership together

✅ Deliver learning locally and maximize participation

✅ Strengthen informed decision-making and economic development advocacy

Host a Session

EDCO Member Rates

Half-Day Session: $2,500 + HST
Full-Day Session: $4,000 + HST

Non-Member Rates

Half-Day Session: $3,000 + HST
Full-Day Session: $5,000 + HST

Bring EDCO's elected officials education program directly to your community and equip your leaders with the knowledge and tools to support sustainable economic growth.

To learn more or book a session, Visit our website or submit an inquiry to book your session here.

More Information

Applications are now open for the 2027 EDCO Mentorship Program!

Whether you're seeking guidance from an experienced economic development professional or looking to share your knowledge as a mentor, EDCO's Mentorship Program offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow within Ontario's economic development community. Through a structured 12-month mentorship experience, participants build meaningful relationships, share expertise, expand professional networks, and support personal and career development.

📅 Applications close: October 15

Participation is free and exclusively available to EDCO members.

Apply today and invest in your professional future. The application deadline is October 15.

Learn More

HAPPENING TODAY!!

Building Accessible Content: A Digital Accessibility Primer for Economic Development Professionals

Webinar

Join EDCO and Fiddleleaf Accessibility Services for a webinar on digital accessibility, focused on the municipal accessibility topics that matter most for Economic Development Professionals.

From investment profiles to strategic plans, Economic Development Professionals produce and publish huge amounts of digital content. That content needs to be accessible to every member of your audience, from residents to investors. This session breaks down what digital accessibility is, why it matters under the AODA, and practical steps you can start using in your next document or web page.

This session covers:

✅ What the AODA requires for digital accessibility, and what "web content" includes

✅ The importance of visual and structural accessibility

✅ Why webpages are generally more accessible than PDFs

✅ Building templates that save you time and reduce accessibility barriers

✅ The importance of heading structure for accessibility and usability

✅ Writing effective alt text and avoiding common image accessibility pitfalls

✅ Navigating complex visual documents and use of colour

Presented by Fiddleleaf Accessibility Services, with an exclusive discount on Fiddleleaf On Demand training available to all EDCO members.

Only a few weeks left to apply for

The EDCO Awards of Excellence 2026!

The application period for the 2026 EDCO Awards of Excellence is open!

The Awards of Excellence program recognizes outstanding municipal economic development initiatives and achievements from across Ontario. Categories include Business Attraction & Retention, Workforce Development & Talent Attraction, Visitor Attraction & Tourism Product Development, Excellence in City Building, Rural Economic Development, and more.

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026. Review the guidelines and submit your entry today!

Learn more and apply.

Awards Information and Application

Introducing EDCO’s 2027 & 2028 Board of Directors Nominees!

EDCO is pleased to introduce the nominees for the 2027 & 2028 Board of Directors term:

Megan Boyd
Joani Gerber
Brad Hammond
Darryl Julott
Kyra Knapp-Lambourne
April Marshall
Sharon Murcia
Luisa Sorrentino

This year’s election will fill five vacancies on the EDCO Board of Directors for a two-year term.

We encourage EDCO members to get to know the nominees and learn more about the experience, perspectives and passion they hope to bring to the EDCO Board.

Learn more about the nominees and EDCO’s Board election here.

Meet the Candidates Webinar

Join us for our 'Meet the Candidates Webinar' on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Meet each of the EDCO Board Nominees, learn about them and hear their answers to the questions asked by our members! Get all the information before voting starts on October 15th!

Time is running out, take advantage of this offer before it ends!

EDCO & Environics Analytics: Community Profile Report Offer

EDCO is excited to announce a renewed partnership with Environics Analytics to bring Ontario’s smaller municipalities an exclusive opportunity to access high‑quality, privacy‑compliant community data at a fraction of the usual cost. Building on the success of the 2022–23 program, the Community Profile Report is now available to communities under 100,000 residents—providing a powerful evidence base to support planning, investment attraction, reporting, and strategic decision‑making.

This comprehensive 37‑page report delivers current demographic projections, PRIZM lifestyle segmentation, Social Values insights, media and digital habits, sports and leisure patterns, household and food expenditure trends, and a wealth profile—giving municipal leaders a clear, actionable picture of who lives in their community and what drives their decisions.

Exclusive Pricing for EDCO Members!

Learn more by joining an Information Webinar. Get an overview of the report, see examples of insights in action, and learn how to sign up. Deadline to sign up is October 31st!

Learn More

Check out the new EDCO Award Winner Spotlight Series, a collaboration between EDCO and the Hyper Local Podcast. Hear directly from Awards of Excellence recipients as they share the stories, challenges, and community impact behind their award-winning projects. Tune in to discover the innovators shaping economic development across Ontario. New episodes coming weekly!

Read more on EDCO website

Inside EDCO's New Strategic Plan

Curious about what's next for EDCO?

Join us for a virtual open house to learn more about EDCO's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and the priorities that will guide our organization over the next four years. We'll share why the plan was developed, highlight our key strategic priorities, discuss what members can expect, and answer your questions during a live Q&A session.

Whether you've already explored the plan or are just getting started, this is a great opportunity to gain insight into EDCO's future direction and how we'll continue to support economic development professionals across Ontario.

October 14th, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am

Big News for Ontario’s Economic Development Professionals!

ResearchFDI and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) have teamed up to bring you an exclusive opportunity to elevate your career with special discounted access to the ResearchFDI Academy!

What’s in it for you?

✅ Cutting-edge, self-paced training in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

✅ Expert-led modules on global investment strategies, stakeholder engagement, lead generation, and investor aftercare

✅ Earn the prestigious FDIP (Foreign Direct Investment Professional) certification

✅ Exclusive Ontario module developed with Invest Ontario for regional investment expertise

✅ Customizable learning options for your organization

This is your chance to sharpen your investment attraction skills, enhance your credentials, and stand out in the competitive economic development landscape. EDCO members get exclusive pricing—don’t miss out!

We were proud to celebrate the Ontario FDIP graduates recognized at the 2026 EDCO Conference for their commitment to excellence in investment attraction, and we look forward to recognizing future graduates at next year’s conference as this community of certified professionals continues to grow across Ontario. This partnership further demonstrates EDCO’s commitment to equipping its members with top-tier resources, exclusive pricing, and access to an industry-leading platform designed to meet the evolving challenges of modern investment attraction.

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, EDCO members must be current members and can use the code #EDCO2025 for special pricing on the ResearchFDI Academy platform when signing up here.

CanExport offers funding for FDI training—learn more about the CanExport Community Investments Program here.

More Information on EDCO Member Discount

Discover Global Opportunities with ResearchFDI’s Aerospace, Defence & Security Events Guide

Developed through the extensive research and expertise of ResearchFDI in partnership with EDCO, this comprehensive guide is an essential resource for Ontario’s economic development professionals. It highlights 18 key international trade shows across six continents, offering unparalleled insight into where global aerospace, defence, and security investment conversations are happening.

This guide is designed to help EDCO members strategically identify high-impact events, connect with decision-makers, and position their communities as prime destinations for foreign direct investment. Each listing provides practical details and strategic context, making it easy to prioritize opportunities and maximize engagement.

This tool empowers members to take a focused, informed approach to global outreach—turning trade show participation into meaningful partnerships, investment attraction, and long-term economic growth.

View Aerospace, Defence & Security Events Guide PDF

Member Requests

The Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards celebrate the people and places making a difference across rural Ontario.

Nominations are now open!

The awards recognize individuals, businesses, organizations and communities that are supporting local economic growth and creating a stronger, more prosperous rural Ontario.

The eight award categories are:

· Rural Inspiration

· Rural Community

· Rural Entrepreneur

· Rural Youth Leader

· Rural Economic Innovation

· Rural Partnerships

· Rural Champion

· Rural Heart

Nominate an individual, business, organization or community making a difference in rural Ontario, or nominate yourself.

Submit a nomination by: October 23, 2026

Link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/rural-ontario-inspiration-awards

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and Google Canada invite you to join us for the official launch of Cyber Clinics Canada on October 14, 2026.

This new coast-to-coast initiative focuses on developing Canadian cyber talent while helping local organizations strengthen their cybersecurity. Join us at The Beach (Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre) from 4:00–6:00 PM to learn more about this exciting new approach.

RSVP here

Hire a student—get $5000 in support

Join the thousands of employers across Canada who have benefitted from wage subsidy funding from the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), powered by Magnet.

Funded by the Government of Canada, SWPP offers employers financial support to help reduce the costs of hiring students for work-integrated learning placements. Students benefit from early work experience in their field of interest, and employers get to bring new skills and fresh ideas to their team.

RTO 9’s SEe ON Tourism Summit is taking place in Cornwall on November 17 and 18 at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre.

The Summit s a great opportunity to connect with tourism operators and industry partners from across South Eastern Ontario, learn about what’s happening in the industry, and bring home some new ideas.

The agenda looks great, with sessions covering a variety of topics relevant to tourism businesses and organizations, along with plenty of opportunities to network and learn from others working across the region.

You can find all the event details and registration information here:

https://www.rto9.ca/events/seeonsummit/

The 2026 Clean Energy Frontier Conference is less than one month away!

Taking place October 8th and 9th at the Unifor Education Centre in Port Elgin, this year’s conference theme is It starts here: reflecting on how clean energy leadership begins in the Clean Energy Frontier region but delivers real economic benefits to businesses and communities across Ontario and beyond. Highlights include a keynote from science journalist and TV host Dan Riskin, workshops on investment attraction, provincial advocacy and municipal resilience, and a full day of sessions featuring Robert Lavigne (OMERS), Eric Chassard (Bruce Power) and James Scongack (Green Ribbon Panel) on Canada's economic outlook, nuclear refurbishment and the path toward our nation as a clean energy superpower. Plus, you won't want to miss an exciting announcement on new opportunities for Canada!

New this year is an evening reception, sponsored by Teeswater Concrete, featuring the Clean Energy Frontier Awards. It's a great opportunity to network with attendees from across the sector in a more relaxed setting.

For the full agenda and registration links, visit our website: nii.ca/clean-energy-frontier-conference-agenda. 

The Osgoode Certificate in Municipal Law and Governance:

Jan 25 & Feb 23, 24 & Mar 2 & 3, 2027 | In-Person OR Online (Blended)

Designed for professionals working in or with Ontario municipalities, this unique OsgoodePD certificate provides the legal insights, governance strategies, and practical tools needed to navigate the complexities of municipal roles, obligations and relationships with clarity and confidence. EDCO members receive 10% off registration using promo code found in our members portal.

Learn more & register: osgoodepd.ca/edco

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and Destination Canada have refreshed the Canadian Travel Insights Dashboard with 2025 data, giving tourism businesses and organizations access to the latest insights into how Canadians are travelling.

The free, easy-to-use dashboard explores what motivates Canadian travellers, barriers to travel, accommodation preferences and travel timing. Domestic data can also be filtered by province and traveller segment, helping tourism operators and destinations make more informed business and marketing decisions.

Explore the Data

Help Innovation Cluster Reach Trades Professionals Ready to Build Stronger Businesses

Innovation Cluster is recruiting participants for BuildUP, an 8-week business program designed specifically for trades professionals who want to start, strengthen, or grow their business.

We're looking for partners who can help us put this opportunity in front of trades professionals in their networks and communities.

Program Dates: October 6 – November 24, 2026

Learn More & Apply: https://innovationcluster.ca/buildupaccelerator

Sporting Event Bid Information

CANADA SOCCER

is now accepting bids for the following events:

EVENTS:

2027-2029 National Championships
Challenge Trophy and Jubilee Trophy
U-17 Cup
U-15 Cup

LETTER OF INTEREST DEADLINE: September 30, 2026

BID DEADLINE: December 16, 2026

CONTACT: competitions@canadasoccer.com

Available Funding Opportunities

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)

FedDev Ontario’s RTRI provides funding to help southern Ontario businesses impacted by tariffs address financial pressures, strengthen competitiveness, diversify markets and build long-term resilience.

Learn more and apply

Rural Ontario Development Program application period 3 is opening soon

The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program application period 3 is open from August 17, 2026 to October 1, 2026.

Need help with your application? Attend a ROD program information session.

Community Development Stream:

· August 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

· September 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Business Development Stream:

· August 20, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

· September 1, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Coaching for applicants is also available in French. More information can be found on the website.

Learn More

Ontario Together Trade Fund Program

The OTTF provides financial support to businesses looking to make near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses, build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Projects must be completed within 24 months of the start date.

Learn More

The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is the Province's main general assistance grant to municipalities, providing a total of $600 million in unconditional funding to 388 municipalities through the 2026 OMPF program.

The program primarily supports small, northern and rural municipalities across the province. Its objectives are to:

recognize the challenges of small, northern and rural municipalities, while targeting funding to those with more challenging fiscal circumstances
support areas with limited property assessment
assist municipalities that are adjusting to year-over-year funding changes.

Learn More Here

For additional information, or for other general inquiries about the OMPF program, email your query and contact information to: info.ompf@ontario.ca.

News

Ontario Protecting Workers and Businesses From Latest U.S. Trade Actions

TORONTO — In response to the United States government’s latest import ban on Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, the Ontario government is expanding eligibility under the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) to these sectors to protect impacted workers and businesses. The expansion reflects the government’s adaptive approach towards ongoing U.S. trade actions, ensuring businesses are equipped with the capital support needed to withstand mounting operational pressures, keep workers on the job and reshore supply chains. The POFP continues to support businesses still subject to existing section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and automotives, as well as a broad range of goods previously tariffed under the section 338.

Learn more

Ontario Protecting Workers by Investing in the Jobs of the Future

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $30 million in the Vector Institute, a globally recognized non‑profit organization dedicated to research in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), to advance the responsible adoption of AI across the province’s leading industries and unlock new, job-creating opportunities for Ontario’s world-class STEM and AI talent pipeline. By supporting Ontario’s homegrown talent, the Vector Institute will deliver on the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s digital sovereignty and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant workforce with the capacity to strengthen the province’s leadership in North America’s tech market.

Learn more

Check out the EDCO Career Page