Key Sectors
Key Sectors
Perth County is an economic leader in the province, in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. From robotics to aerospace, auto parts to farm services, technology leaders to world-renowned theatre, Perth County has established itself as a major player on the international stage. The environment for business development is truly exciting.
Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the largest sectors in Perth County. The County is home to 2,438 census farms, and 498,159 acres of farmland. In 2006, farm cash receipts for main commodities totalled $558.5 Million. Dairy receipts led the way at $159 Million. Pork Producers were second highest in farm receipts, at $142.7 Million.
Farms by Industry Group, 2006 Census (number of farms)
| Dairy cattle and milk production................ Beef cattle ranching and farming.............. Hog and pig farming................................. Sheep and goat farming........................... Poultry and egg production...................... Other animal production........................... Oilseed and grain farming........................ Other crop farming................................... |
431 319 379 53 121 199 757 126 |
Major Field Crops, 2006 Census (hectares)
| Winter wheat .................................. Oats for grain ................................. Barley for grain................................ Mixed grains .................................. Corn for grain ................................ Corn for silage ............................... Hay .............................................. Soybeans ...................................... Dry white beans ............................. Other dry beans ............................. |
26,054 1,051 3,741 5,055 44,016 10,362 28,283 39,552 4,111 4,008 |
Manufacturing
Manufacturing in Perth County is a booming sector.
A total of 29% of the labour force in Perth County, is employed in the Manufacturing sector. This compares to 13% in the Province of Ontario.
Perth County employs 7,120 individuals in the manufacturing, industrial and trades sector.
Over 2,400 are employed in the Fabricated Metal Products sector.
The Construction industry employs 1,900 people.
Other key sectors include Food Processing, Plastics, and Textiles.
Tourism
The Perth County Visitors Association was created in 2003 and in its first 5 years of operation, has put Perth County on the map as a destination for tourists and visitors.
In 2006, there were between 1.2 to 1.5 million visitors to Perth County*. Total taxes generated in 2006, as a result of visitor spending reached $46,574,000 including $721,000 in municipal taxes accrued to the County. There are approximately 1,236 jobs which are attributed to the tourism industry. These jobs generate $40,274,000 in labour income. Tourism and visitors in Perth County generate $69,916,000 in GDP.
It is estimated that 23% of visitors are international totalling 340,347 visitors in 2006. 178,210 came from the USA and stayed overnight. Non-USA visitors came primarily from Germany, UK and other European countries. 99% were adult-only visitors, aged 55+.
$90 million in tourism-related expenditures including food, lodging, entertainment, recreation (US & International Visitors)
*statistics include Perth County, the Town of St. Marys, and the City of Stratford
For more information on Perth County Tourism, visit http://www.visitperth.ca/
Entrepreneurship and Business Development
Those seeking to spread their entrepreneurial wings by starting an enterprise of their own won't find a bluer sky in which to soar than Perth County.
· 89% of our businesses are considered small business, employing less than 10 people
· Over 14,000 individuals work for small businesses in Perth County
Small business is supported by a number of organizations, including the:
· Perth CFDC
· Stratford-Perth Center for Business
· North Perth Chamber of Commerce
· Retail Merchants
· Elma Ward Business Community
· Milverton Business Association
· Millbank Business Association
· Shakespeare Business Association
· West Perth Business Affiliates
Whenever an entrepreneur dreams of starting or expanding a business, we want to be there to give them every chance for success.
Contact Us
Inquiries for Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Development, please contact:
Bernia Wheaton
Economic Development Coordinator
Phone: 519-274-4651
Email: bwheaton@perthcounty.ca