Mayor Jordan Highlights Quality of Life as Grimsby’s Economic Advantage at Annual Business Breakfast

The Town of Grimsby was proud to host its Annual Mayor’s Business Breakfast, presented by the Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC). The event welcomed Sam Oosterhoff, Members of Council, local business leaders, community partners, educators, and investors for a morning focused on economic opportunity and community strength. Remarks were also delivered by GEDAC Chair, Councillor Reg Freake, and the event was emceed by Frank Miele, the Town’s Economic Development Manager.

This year’s theme – Quality of Life as an Economic Advantage: Attracting and Retaining Businesses – highlighted a defining reality in today’s competitive economy: businesses are choosing communities, not just infrastructure. They are investing in places where people want to live, work, and thrive.

Grimsby’s exceptional quality of life is not only a source of pride – it is a strategic advantage that attracts talent, drives investment, and supports long-term business retention. Access to excellent schools, vibrant public spaces, parks, and a connected community strengthens workforce stability and business confidence alike.

The event featured keynote speaker Mary Rowe, President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute, who shared national insights on how strong communities fuel economic success and why livability and prosperity are increasingly interconnected.

Mayor Jordan reinforced this message in his remarks.

“Companies are choosing places where employees want to live, where families feel safe, and where talent chooses to stay,” he said. “Grimsby offers that balance.”

Strategically located along the QEW corridor, with proximity to Hamilton International Airport and direct access to the GTA and U.S. border, Grimsby pairs small-town character with strong regional connectivity. Its closeness to leading post-secondary institutions – Brock University, Niagara College, and McMaster University – supports a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Beyond location, the Mayor pointed to the Town’s natural and community assets, including waterfront access, the Bruce Trail, vibrant arts and heritage, safe neighbourhoods, and a new hospital that strengthens health care access for families and seniors.

At the heart of the community is the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre – a space designed for movement, connection, and belonging.

“Spaces like this strengthen social bonds,” the Mayor noted. “And strong communities build strong economies.”

Seventy-two percent of residents report a strong sense of belonging – a powerful indicator of workforce stability and long-term confidence.

That livability has also earned national recognition. The Globe and Mail ranked Grimsby #37 in Canada in its Most Livable Cities report and #2 among medium-sized cities in Ontario.

“But what makes that recognition meaningful isn’t the number,” the Mayor said. “It’s the people behind it.”

He acknowledged the dedication of educators, health care workers, municipal staff, small business owners, and volunteers whose daily efforts strengthen the fabric of the community.

The Mayor also addressed ongoing regional discussions regarding potential municipal restructuring, expressing support for exploring efficiencies that protect affordability while emphasizing that any changes must be grounded in evidence, transparency, and meaningful public engagement – and must protect Grimsby’s unique identity and long-term interests.

“Any decision about our future must clearly and demonstrably strengthen Grimsby,” he said. “My responsibility, and my promise, is to always act in the best interests of Grimsby and the people who call it home.”

He concluded by reaffirming that Grimsby is financially strong, well-governed, and positioned from stability.

“Protecting our quality of life is not separate from economic growth – it is the foundation of it. Grimsby is not just a place to do business. It’s a place to build a life. And that will always be our greatest competitive advantage.”