Economic Development

• Goderich offers support to businesses through initiatives like the County of Huron’s Supporting Local Toolkit and partnerships with organizations like the BIA and Chamber of Commerce.
• The Town is actively promoting its Community Improvement Plan to encourage private sector investment in the downtown area.

• A “gold standard” team approach to economic development ensures that potential investors receive comprehensive support and guidance from municipal officials and local economic development specialists, generally within three (3) to five (5) business days.
• Goderich is working to attract and retain businesses by highlighting its affordable land prices, tax rates, amenities, and connected location.
• The Town also has plans in place for the development of a new 30-acre municipal industrial park. Please refer to the Industrial Lands webpage for more details.

• The Town is working to diversify its workforce by attracting and developing skilled labour.
• This includes initiatives like Job Fairs and consultation with local industry leaders to address workforce shortages and ensuring a skilled talent pool for local businesses.

• Port of Goderich:
  • The Town is working to expand its footprint at the Port of Goderich for additional business and industrial opportunities.
• Airport Development:
  • Goderich is looking to expand the Goderich Regional Airport's scope to potentially host regional flights, attracting businesses and individuals who value convenient air travel.
• Tourism Development:
  • Goderich recognizes the importance of tourism and continuously works to promote its attractions and events.

• Goderich actively collaborates with Huron County and local organizations to leverage resources, and advocate for funding and support from provincial and federal governments.
• The Town is working with the Goderich BIA and Huron Chamber of Commerce to create a consistently branded message and encourage cross-promotion of local businesses.

• Goderich has identified three Town-owned properties as locations for affordable rental housing.
• As of July 2025, Goderich has granted site plan approvals for approximately 328 units, the majority of these in high-density apartment buildings.

• Goderich is a vibrant community that offers diverse opportunities for new and growing businesses. Goderich boasts robust infrastructure with access to key markets and connections by utilizing four (4) primary modes of transport – major road network, rail and freight network, airport network, and seaport network, ensuring seamless transportation and logistics support for any business.

1. Major Road Network:

• Located 225 km (2 ½ hours) West of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) via 401 E, 100 km (1 ½ hours) North of London via Highway 4 S, and 225 km (2 ¾ hours) South of Detroit, Michigan via Highway 21 S and I-94 W. Goderich is located 45 minutes South from Bruce Power; Canada’s only private sector nuclear generator 5 minutes Northwest of Tiverton, Ontario.

2. Rail and Freight Network:

• Available rail and freight network via Genessee & Wyoming Railroads with interchanges in Stratford, Ontario, with Canadian National.

3. Airport Network:

• Goderich Regional Airport (CYGD) is located within a 3-minute drive from downtown Goderich.
• The Goderich Regional Airport is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency on a call-out basis from the Region of Waterloo International Airport on weekdays and the John C. Munro Hamilton  International Airport on weekends.
• The airport features two paved runways 5000ʹ x 100ʹ (1524m x 30m) & 3000ʹ x 50ʹ (914m x 15m) maintained year-round and one turf runway 1870ʹ x 80ʹ (570m x 24m). The terminal building is open from 7 AM to 5 PM every day.

4. Sea Port Network:

• The Port of Goderich is the only deepwater port on the east shore of Lake Huron. Servicing regional mining, manufacturing, aggregates and agricultural industries, the Port is an important hub of commercial shipping in southwestern Ontario. The Port facilitates the movement of goods, which is crucial for the town's economic sustainability and growth. It also enhances the region's transportation network, connecting Goderich to both national and international markets.

For more information about the Port and the Goderich Port Management Corporation, please visit www.goderichport.ca/Port_Corporation

• Known for its stable and diversified economic base, Goderich supports industries from manufacturing to hospitality, providing the perfect opportunity for new businesses to thrive and grow.

• Goderich provides opportunities for businesses across a variety of key sectors. The Town’s industrial base is complemented by a growing number of small businesses and entrepreneurial operations. An established group of professional service firms and a dynamic Goderich BIA foster a collaborative setting for new business ventures. A profoundly strong creative arts and culture sector interacts closely with our tourism industry. All of this combines to create a versatile and welcoming setting for any business in Goderich.

• Goderich is located 45 minutes South from Bruce Power; Canada’s only private sector nuclear generator 5 minutes Northwest of Tiverton, Ontario.

• Goderich boasts a growing population and skilled labour force working in a number of key sectors. More than 84% of our population has post-secondary education, and the average age of our residents is 49 years, above the provincial average of 42 years.

• With a vibrant community and active support for local businesses, Goderich fosters a collaborative environment perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to integrate into the local business ecosystem.

• Offering an exceptional quality of life and natural beauty, and known as "Canada’s Prettiest Town", Goderich is a growing community and the largest urban community in Huron County.
• Not only are we a centre for shopping and entertainment, but the Town also provides quality childcare, healthcare, top-notch schools, state-of-the-art recreation, dozens of active community and sporting groups/service clubs, as well as government and community services for our residents and our neighbouring communities.
• The Town is an inclusive and welcoming community on beautiful Lake Huron. We offer a variety of activities, cultural events and programs throughout the year that engage any age, with a vibrant Downtown Courthouse Square.
• Goderich is the ideal setting for attracting talent and retaining a satisfied workforce.