EDCO Member Updates

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Celebrate 70 Years of Economic Development Excellence

EDCO Conference & Showcase 2027

February 1–3, 2027

Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, Toronto

Join us for the 70th anniversary of the EDCO Conference & Showcase, Ontario’s premier gathering of economic development professionals!

Connect with more than 500 professionals from across Ontario for 2.5 days of learning, inspiration and networking. With more than 20 educational sessions, three networking receptions, an engaging exhibitor Showcase, and the annual EDCO President’s Dinner and Awards, #EDCO2027 is an event you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re an experienced economic development leader or new to the profession, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, practical insights and ideas you can put into action in your community.

Conference Highlights

Opening Reception at the Hockey Hall of Fame, sponsored by Invest Ontario
Opening Keynote: Doug Griffiths — The 7 Essentials of Success
Sponsored Plenary: Adapting Regional Economic Development Plans to Evolving Consumer Behaviours, sponsored by Moneris
Engaging concurrent sessions exploring the latest economic development trends, challenges and opportunities
EDCO President’s Dinner, sponsored by Research FDI
Awards Evening, sponsored by Enbridge Gas

Returning Favourites

Ask the Experts – Steal My Idea
Fireside Chat with Elected Officials
Bright Ideas Competition
Knowledge Pod: 20-minute sponsor sessions featuring innovative tools, programs and success stories

Discover What’s New in the Showcase

Explore the exhibitor Showcase to discover innovative tools, technologies, programs and services designed to support your work and help advance economic development in your community.

Make plans to join us for this milestone celebration!

Visit the EDCO Conference website to explore the program and discover why the EDCO Conference & Showcase is a must-attend event for Ontario’s economic development community.

Book your stay: Take advantage of the exclusive EDCO Conference group accommodation rate at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. EDCO 2027 Group Rate Link

President's Dinner Table Reservation

If your registration fee includes The EDCO President's Dinner on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2027, we have a special update regarding seating! You can reserve a full table of 8 people only in advance by using our form to submit. Your guests must have registrations that include the President's Dinner.

The deadline to submit a table reservation is January 15^th, 2027. No reservations will be accepted after this date.

2027 Conference Info and Registration

Did you Receive Your Ballot?

Voting for the 2027-2029 Term Board of Directors opened on Thursday, October 15. You should have received an email from Edco@edco.on.ca noreply@eballot.com with your voting credentials. If you did not receive this email, please contact Stephanie for assistance at edco@edco.on.ca.

Vote Now for EDCO's 2027 & 2028 Election!

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.

To help inform your decision, members can also view the recording of the Meet the Candidates Webinar, where each nominee shares their background, experience, and vision for EDCO.

Voting is open now until December 1st. EDCO members in good standing received their voting ballot by email on October 15, along with instructions on how to cast their vote. If you did not see your ballot, please be sure to check your junk or spam folder. Didn't receive your voting email? Contact us at info@edco.on.ca.

Learn more about the nominees, watch the webinar recording, and find information about EDCO's Board election here.

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) Technical Briefing Webinar

The Government of Canada has relaunched the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) through FedDev Ontario, providing funding opportunities to help businesses and organizations adopt, commercialize, and scale artificial intelligence solutions.

Join us on November 12 at 2:00 p.m. for a 30-minute technical briefing webinar with FedDev Ontario representatives who will provide an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, funding streams, and application timelines. This session is ideal for organizations looking to leverage AI to improve productivity, competitiveness, innovation, and growth.

Funding is available through three streams:

AI Adoption: Supports businesses and organizations adopting and integrating AI technologies into their operations.
AI Commercialization and Scale-Up: Supports businesses validating, commercializing, deploying, and scaling Canadian-made AI products and services.
AI Ecosystem: Supports organizations that help businesses adopt, deploy, and scale AI technologies through services, expertise, partnerships, and ecosystem development.

Eligible businesses may receive up to 50% of eligible project costs, while eligible not-for-profit organizations may receive up to 90% of eligible project costs, subject to program parameters and funding availability.

The current intake remains open until January 19, 2027, with an initial priority assessment deadline of November 24, 2026 for investment-ready projects.

Learn more about the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative here.

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

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 this week - October 31st!

Learn More

A special congratulations to the EDCO members recognized at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence in Ottawa last week. Their award-winning work reflects the innovation and excellence driving communities and destinations across Ontario.

Tourism Event of the Year

Brockville Tourism - Tall Ships Festival

Tourism Marketing Campaign Award (Over $50K)

Grey County Tourism - Gather in Grey

Tourism Marketing Campaign Award (Under $50K)

Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board - Get FREE Gas & Spending Spree

Travel Media Story Award

Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board | Izabela Jaroszynski

Rooted Along the Bay

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

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

Upcoming Ontario Government Export Webinars

November 3, 2026: Powering Morocco’s Smart Factory & Mobility Revolution

The Ontario Government and Global Affairs Canada are organizing a webinar focused on advanced manufacturing and future mobility opportunities in Morocco. Building on a strong automotive ecosystem, Morocco is expanding into aerospace, electronics, electric mobility, battery technologies, and intelligent transportation systems, supported by investments in smart manufacturing, automation, AI, and digital technologies. Participants will gain insights into smart factory technologies, connected and autonomous mobility solutions, public transportation innovations, government policies and incentives, and strategies for success in the AI, IoT, automation and mobility sectors. Register Here to learn how to access opportunities in this rapidly growing gateway to Europe and Africa.

November 17, 2026: Winning IFI-Funded Projects – East & West African Energy

The Ontario Government and Global Affairs Canada will host a webinar focused on helping Ontario companies pursue energy-sector opportunities funded by international financial institutions (IFIs) in East and West Africa. Participants will garner insights into upcoming projects financed by the World Bank and African Development Bank, procurement processes, market-entry strategies, and opportunities across the power generation, transmission, renewable energy, and water sectors. Ontario participants will learn how to position themselves for contracts and partnerships in some of Africa’s fastest-growing energy markets. The session will also provide practical guidance on identifying upcoming tenders, building local partnerships, and improving success in competing for international contracts. Register Here to secure your spot.

Ontario Pay Equity Office Launches Interactive Workplace Pay Equity Toolkit

Based on employers’ feedback on the Ontario Pay Equity Office’s (PEO) existing PDF toolkit, the PEO launched an interactive, web-based Workplace Pay Equity Toolkit. This tool is designed to be accessible, user-friendly and help employers organize the information required to complete their pay equity analysis, making it easier for employers to understand and meet their pay equity obligations under Ontario’s Pay Equity Act.

Access the toolkit here: https://payequity.gov.on.ca/toolkit/

The Ministry of Rural Affairs is seeking a Vendor to provide a Regional Economic Analysis Tool Software as a Service (SaaS) Web User Interface (WebUI) that provides rural Ontario communities with economic development data, analysis and user training. The Request for Bids can be found on the Ontario Tenders Portal.

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) are offering a number of upcoming learning and networking opportunities designed to support business growth, workforce development, trade diversification, and manufacturing competitiveness.

Upcoming Events:

North York Food & Beverage Workforce Incentives Roundtable (October 29, 2026)
Explore workforce solutions, government funding opportunities, and financial incentives available to food and beverage manufacturers.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/north-york-food-beverage-workforce-incentives-roundtable-tickets-2002944568121
Manufacturing Excellence Forum: Unlocking Domestic & Defence Market Opportunities (November 10, 2026)
Discover emerging business opportunities tied to Canada's investments in defence, infrastructure, housing, and mining, while gaining insights on trade and supply chain trends.
https://emccanada.org/events/manufacturing-excellence-forum-brampton
Capacity Building Roundtable for Senior Leadership (November 18, 2026)
An in-person peer-to-peer networking event focused on collaboration, best practices, and strengthening regional manufacturing capacity.
https://www.customfireplacedesign.com

Additional Opportunity:

EMC's WILWorks Post-Secondary Program provides manufacturers with up to $5,000 in wage subsidies to help hire student talent and address workforce needs.

For more information on EMC programs and events, visit https://emccanada.org.

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 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

Available Funding Opportunities

Food-Link Fund

The Government of Canada has launched the $1 billion Food-Link Fund to support food distribution infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, and improve access to affordable, locally produced food across Canada. Organizations can submit an Expression of Interest beginning October 14, 2026, with applications open until December 11, 2026.

Learn more about the Food-Link Fund and eligibility requirements.

Protect Ontario Financing Program Now Available

The Government of Ontario’s Protect Ontario Financing Program is now available to support eligible Ontario businesses facing significant tariff-related disruptions. The program provides repayable financing to help businesses address working capital needs such as payroll, lease and utility payments.

Learn more and assess eligibility

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

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 Future-Proofs Economy by Strengthening Local Utilities

TORONTO — In the face of U.S. tariffs, the government is taking action to build a stronger economy by ensuring local utilities are positioned for long-term success. With projections showing Ontario will be required to add the equivalent of one City of Toronto to the grid every six years to meet energy demand, expanded capacity and a modern local distribution system will be essential to delivering economic growth. Simultaneously, local distribution companies (LDCs) are facing increasing capital requirements, aging infrastructure, workforce pressures, evolving customer expectations, and growing connection needs. To make sure Ontario can compete on a global scale, the government is elevating standards and levelling-up across the energy system to enhance access to electricity capacity, infrastructure, skilled workers and consumer protections.

Learn more

Government of Canada invests close to $5 million to fuel economic development and growth across Northern Ontario

The global economy is rapidly changing. In response, the Government of Canada is focused on what it can control: helping municipalities and First Nation communities develop, diversify and grow their economies. This includes investing to strengthen rural communities and enable businesses to start-up, scale-up and create meaningful jobs for Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay—Superior North, announced a FedNor investment of $4,907,925 to support 17 community economic development initiatives across Northern Ontario.

Learn more

Check out the EDCO Career Page