Industry Report - October 2026 | | Supporting Businesses Through Trade Uncertainty | | |
Another round of U.S. trade measures has added to the challenges facing businesses. U.S. import bans on select Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages and certain dairy products, took effect on September 29.
Support tools and resources are available to help Durham businesses navigate these changing trade conditions. The Invest Durham Tariff Response page offers business resources and links to federal and provincial programs. Recent updates include expansions to the Ontario Trade Together Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Canada Strong program.
The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) continues to meet regularly and collaborate with federal, provincial and local partners to identify emerging challenges and connect local companies with relevant information and support.
| | Build What's Next During Small Business Week | | |
From October 19 to 23, celebrate the entrepreneurs and small business owners who help drive our economy during Small Business Week, Canada's largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship.
Locally, the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) and the region's Chambers and Boards of Trade are hosting a week of practical workshops and networking opportunities. Sessions will focus on helping businesses navigate rapid change, adopt new technologies and find innovative ways to grow.
Whether starting a business, growing an established company or exploring the next opportunity, Small Business Week offers practical insights, new connections and ideas that can be put into action.
| | Ontario Tourism Summit Is Almost Here | | |
Join the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) for the annual Ontario Tourism Summit. From October 21 to 22, tourism leaders from across Ontario will come together in Ottawa to connect, challenge ideas, share insights and look ahead at what's next for the local visitor economy.
This year’s summit will bring together voices from across tourism, government and business to discuss investment attraction, workforce and rural tourism, destination development, transportation, advocacy, visitor experience and the future of Ontario's tourism industry.
If you’ve been meaning to register, there’s still time.
| | DRIFF Turns 10: What’s Playing | | |
The lineup is out for Durham Region International Film Festival's (DRIFF) milestone anniversary.
Celebrating 10 years of film and storytelling, DRIFF returns from October 22 to 24, with Sundance award-winner “Hold Onto Me” as its opening night feature.
With affordable ticket options, and venues across Durham Region, filmgoers can enjoy a lineup of local and international features and shorts, filmmaker Q&As, an interactive workshop, red carpet photo opportunities and a Local Culinary Showcase.
New this year, DRIFF and Invest Durham’s Film Durham division present Myth2Market: The Future of Movie Making Summit on October 23, exploring what’s next for the screen industry, from artificial intelligence and virtual production to visual effects, sustainable filmmaking, and opportunities to grow film production and investment in Durham Region.
In honour of DRIFF's 10-year anniversary, festival-goers have the chance to win one of six Night-Out Giveaway packages. The giveaway includes: a one-night hotel stay, restaurant gift card or voucher and two DRIFF tickets. Purchase a DRIFF Pass to be automatically entered for a chance to win.
| | Tune Into New Opportunities | | |
Invest Durham, in partnership with Town Brewery, is hosting the next Beyond the Music event. The series supports Durham Region musicians, venues and industry professionals with opportunities to connect, learn and showcase local talent.
On November 19 from 5 to 10 p.m., Beyond the Music: Building a Live Music Career will focus on helping participants find and create more live-performance opportunities. Learn what presenters, venues and buyers are looking for, and find out how to create opportunities beyond pursuing existing gigs.
The free evening will continue with the Songwriter's Showcase. The open mic offers local songwriters and musicians a chance to perform, connect and share their work. Pre-registration is required to participate in the showcase. Email info@townbrewery.ca by October 19 to register.
Light refreshments will be served, with additional food and beverage items available for purchase.
| | Get Involved: Join A Regional Advisory Committee | | |
Help shape the future of Durham Region by joining a Regional advisory committee.
Regional advisory committees give residents and organizations an opportunity to share their expertise, identify emerging issues, and help shape the Region's community programming and engagement initiatives.
Applications are now open for appointment to the following committees:
- Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
- Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC)
- Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (DRART)
- Durham Region Transit Advisory Committee (TAC)
- Energy from Waste - Waste Management Advisory Committee (EFW-WMAC)
- Durham Active Transportation Committee (DATC)
- Durham Environment and Climate Advisory Table (DECAT)
- Durham Regional Police Services Board (DRPS)
If you’re passionate about building a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous Durham Region, submit your application by October 26.
| | Access DEI Learning Opportunities | | |
The Regional Municipality of Durham and Central Counties Tourism (CCT) are expanding access to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning opportunities by making six of the Region’s self-paced learning modules available to tourism professionals, businesses and organizations.
The new resources include a four-module DEI Foundations Series. Originally developed as part of Durham’s own learning and development resources, the modules are now being made available to the broader tourism community through the CCT Learning Lab.
The modules are designed to be concise and accessible with individual modules taking approximately 14 to 20 minutes to complete, while the full DEI Foundations Series takes approximately 70 minutes.
| | Local Business Highlights | | Fall is a natural time to showcase what makes Durham Region a unique destination, and CHCH Morning Live recently paid a visit to experience Gather at the Farm. The month-long campaign by Durham Tourism invites residents and visitors to explore local farm experiences, discover new places and return to seasonal favourites. With 16 farm festivals and events and more than three dozen farm stores and markets, Gather at the Farm puts local experiences at the heart of fall and highlights the many ways to spend the season in Durham Region. Watch the Morning Live segment. | | |
Two well-known favourites are now under one roof. Toronto’s Circles and Squares Bakery, prized for its butter tarts, has taken ownership of longtime Port Perry favourite Haugen’s. The classic chicken and ribs aren’t going anywhere, but diners will enjoy a fresh look and some new flavours. Get the tasty details.
Durham Region's music success stories were celebrated at the 2026 DREAMS! Music Awards. Catch up with the winners.
Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm is making headlines for its one-of-a-kind corn maze. The Sunderland favourite is putting a pirate twist to its in-maze puzzle hunt. Find out what all the buzz is about.
The new Scugog Island Experience invites visitors to discover its culture, history, natural beauty and hospitality. Learn more in this recent feature by The Globe & Mail.
Whitby has been recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition. The achievement reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to creating a safer, connected and more sustainable transportation network. Learn more about cycling in Whitby.
Pickering’s The Big M recently landed a spot on CP24’s "On The Menu". A local staple since 1965, the drive-in restaurant serves up classic eats that have kept people coming back for generations. Watch the feature.
Port Perry is making headlines as a favourite destination for its fall charm. Along with Port Perry’s Hallmark movie connection, stops at The Nutty Chocolatier, Hank’s Pastries, Jester’s Court, Palmer Park, the Port Perry Farmers’ Market and Willowtree Farm were all highlighted. Read the article by Narcity Canada.
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From September 29 to October 4, Oshawa welcomed 17 national teams for the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championships. Canada’s women’s and men’s teams each captured silver. Learn more about lacrosse in Canada.
Applications are now open for the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund. Created as a legacy of the 2023 Ontario Parasport Games, the fund supports para and adaptive sports opportunities across Durham Region. Find eligibility details and apply.
There are more ways to get active in Clarington with the opening of the Bowmanville Community Complex. The new facility includes a FIFA-sized multi-sport dome, indoor walking track and gymnasium, with pools and other amenities still to come. Learn more about this new facility.
Whitby also has a new place to play. The Fieldgate Sports Complex is now open, offering sport, recreation and community programming for residents. Find out what’s available.
| | For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism. | | | | |
