By Claude & Parth on 2026-03-04, City: Grimsby, View Transcript
The Town of Grimsby held its third annual Mayor's Business Breakfast, featuring presentations on economic development and community building. Economic Growth Manager Frank Nell outlined how the town is using Canada's Quality of Life Framework to guide planning, while highlighting major developments including a 650,000 square foot facility that will bring 500 new jobs and become the region's second largest employer. Mary from the Canadian Urban Institute presented on place-based economic development strategies, emphasizing local solutions and main street revitalization. The mayor addressed ongoing regional restructuring discussions, committing to protect Grimsby's interests while remaining open to evidence-based changes. Grimsby was recently ranked #2 for quality of life among midsize Ontario communities.
Three significant industrial projects are underway or approved. The Anatolia Business Park will construct a 650,000 square foot facility on a 36-acre site starting next year, bringing 500 new jobs and becoming the second largest employer in the region. The Grimsby Innovation Park at the former NRB site has attracted AKO, described as a "multinational billion-dollar leader in integrated energy, housing, transportation, and infrastructure solutions." Additionally, 150,000 square feet of industrial space on the service road is in the building permit stage and expected to create 300 additional jobs. Economic Development Committee Chair Rich Frank emphasized: "These are not concepts or projections. These are approved projects with new buildings and payrolls and tax revenues in the making. These are real projects happening now."
Multiple residential projects are in various stages of approval. Approved projects include 85 downtown condos by Santis Homes, 136 purpose-built rentals on Nells and Main Street currently under construction, and 90 rental units at 30 Niagara Street. Projects in the planning process include Rosani Homes' 250 rental units at the former Kohl's site on Main Street, Wolverton development's 150 rental units at Main and Elm, and Cooper House's 305 units on John Street. The West End Home Builders Association is working with federal and provincial governments to secure 100% GST coverage so municipalities don't bear that cost burden.
The mayor addressed ongoing discussions about potential municipal restructuring, stating that any changes must be "grounded in evidence, transparency, and meaningful public engagement" and must "protect Grimsby's unique identity and long-term interests." The mayor promised: "Any decision about our future must clearly and demonstrably strengthen Grimsby" and "My responsibility and my promise is to always act in the best interests of Grimsby and the people who call it home." The mayor noted that Grimsby is "financially strong, well-governed, and positioned from a place of stability."
Economic Growth Manager Frank Nell presented on the town's use of Canada's Quality of Life Framework, which includes approximately 91 factors across five domains: prosperity, health, society, environment, and good governance. Key focus areas include education and workforce development partnerships with Brock University, Niagara College, Blessed Trinity High School, and Leona Training Center, which processes approximately 15,000-50,000 students annually. Nell stated: "Quality of life is not just a feel-good concept. It is a real measurable economic advantage. It's what attracts businesses, it's what retains talent and it's what keeps communities like Grimsby thriving." Grimsby ranked #2 for best quality of life among midsize communities in Ontario by Globe and Mail's 2026 livability survey.
Mary from the Canadian Urban Institute presented on place-based economic development, emphasizing that communities should focus on their unique local assets rather than abstract economic measures. She highlighted that 78,000 main streets have been mapped across Canada through the "Main Street Canada" program, with publicly accessible dashboards. She noted that a disproportionate number of small and medium enterprises, newcomers to Canada, and youth employment are concentrated on main streets. Mary emphasized Grimsby's strategic position as "the gateway and connector between the Niagara region and the GTA" and urged the town to leverage its size advantage: "You have more wiggle room than large municipalities have. They get burdened by process and risk and all these things. You can try stuff. You can lead."
No formal motions were presented, passed, rejected, or deferred during this meeting. This was a presentation and discussion format at the Mayor's Business Breakfast.
The following officials were present: - Mayor (name not specified in transcript) - Councillor Freight - Councillor Vardy - Councillor Chara - Councillor Bradzy - Councillor How - MPP Sam Oosterhoff - Economic Development Committee Chair Rich Frank
Also present were town and regional staff, business leaders, community partners, and representatives from educational institutions and community organizations.