The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence celebrate the innovative, collaborative, and standout initiatives led by economic development teams across the province. Each year, award recipients are recognized as emerging best practices in the field and are viewed as leaders in economic development. Their projects often serve as models for others and frequently lead to invitations to share their achievements at events such as the EDCO Conference and Showcase.
The 2025 Rural Award Recipients are:
County of Brant – Winner of the Excellence in Rural Economic Development and Business Attraction and Retention, Rural
The County of Brant advanced its largest Downtown Dig phase, closing a key stretch of Grand River Street North that hosts nearly half of Downtown Paris BIA businesses. Though only 250 metres, the closure had major tourism and economic impacts. The 2025 Dig focused on upgrading critical infrastructure while keeping downtown vibrant and supported for residents, visitors, and businesses. The results were outstanding!
The Downtown Dig
Bay of Quinte – Winner of the Excellence in Workforce Development and Talent Attraction
The Work in Quinte initiative includes a twice‑yearly career fair hosted by Belleville and Quinte West, connecting 500+ job seekers with over 50 employers. It also features WorkinQuinte.ca, a free local job board managed by the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, giving employers an easy way to post jobs and track applicants, and helping residents find real, local opportunities without ads or spam.
Town of Innisfil – Winner of Excellence in Planning and Strategic Development
Innisfil’s Heights Investment Readiness Initiative tackled barriers to developing its prime industrial land, creating a detailed land inventory, a site‑selection response team, and 19 action items. This collaborative effort helped attract Northern Transformer Corporation’s $207‑million manufacturing investment, bringing more than 150 new jobs to the community.
Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc – Winner of Excellence in Visitor Attraction and Tourism Product Development
Strathroy’s Canvas and Culture Night Market celebrates a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone can connect and create. From drum circles and dance classes to live painting, performances and the sharing of generational knowledge through storytelling, music and art, the Strathroy-Caradoc community came together to honour everything that makes Strathroy and area a vibrant place to live.
Congratulations to the finalists:
York University, Town of Georgina and Town of East Gwillimbury – Entrepreneurship Hub Partnership, Yspace North
City of Kawartha Lakes – Manufacturing Doors Open: Bridging Education and Industry in Kawartha Lakes
County of Prince Edward – Community Capital: Driving Economic Impact Through Non-Profit Innovation
Hastings County – Hastings County Be the One Campaign
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent & Wheatley Task Force – Healing the Heart of Wheatley: A Post Disaster Community Action Plan
Town of Stouffville – Town of Stouffville Visitor Plan
County of Perth – Discover More Flavour Farm Stand Project
Municipality of Huron East – Made Here in Huron East
Please visit the EDCO Awards of Excellence website for more information.
Leave a Reply