Developing an Approach for Your Region

To help you understand how the business district framework was developed, the data sources used and the types of insight that can be gained, a data guide has been created to provide a detailed picture of the economy and a framework for recovery planning.

Provided here to help to inform other regions in Canada, this guide is an essential resource and an integrated view into the needs of business districts and the economic activities within them, supporting smarter, regional economic and infrastructure planning.

This data guide:

  • Presents the data used to establish baseline economic indicators, which determines the overall picture of the districts’ economic health
  • Explains how the data provide insights into the different parts of the region, their key industries, as well as strengths and challenges they face, prior to the pandemic
  • Provides an overview of the data used to assess the impacts the pandemic has had, which include: (i) the impact on jobs in different industries, (ii) office space, (iii) remote working, (iv) travel patterns, and (v) municipal tax revenues

Download the Assessment Guide for COVID-19 Impact PDF

Business Districts: a new model for our regional economy

To provide effective solutions we must expand our understanding of the regional economy beyond geographical boundaries. Instead, we’ve introduced a business districts framework to examine our economy based on key physical, economic, and workforce characteristics.

We’ve analyzed each of the business districts to better understand the economic impact of the pandemic and identify how to support their recovery. The same districts can also be found across the globe.

Metropolitan Centre

The dominant urban centre of a region, defined by its density and variety of service industries – such as marketing, consulting, finance, tourism and retail. 

Goods Production & Distribution

Areas defined by the production and movement of goods — such as manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. 

Services & Mixed Use

Less dense areas containing a mix of goods- and services-based activities including professional, industrial, and retail operations.

Regional Centres

Hubs that are home to civic and government institutions and professional and retail businesses. 

Knowledge Creation

Engines of the innovation ecosystem which contain post-secondary schools and teaching hospitals.

Learn more about the business districts

Shaping Our Future

Shaping Our Future is a playbook for regional recovery featuring actions to help jumpstart economic growth in the Innovation Corridor, drawn from collaborations between government, businesses and the public.

Download the Shaping Our Future PDF

Leading Practices: safety measures applied to districts and their businesses

Find COVID-19 safety measures appropriate for your organization and your business in our database of control measures. They include leading practices that building owners, employers, cities, and transit agencies are using to mitigate COVID-19 transmission risk and have been compiled with the input of public health experts from our region.

Explore full list of practices

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