Before kicking off the New Year, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) asked some of Waterloo’s leaders to make predictions for 2019. Tony LaMantia, Waterloo EDC’s President and CEO, said this about business investment in Ontario:

The prediction is – Tony would admit – optimistic. It certainly bucks many projections. However, it isn’t unrealistic. In 2018, Toyota Canada committed to a $1.4 billion investment in Waterloo (and neighbouring Woodstock), and they’re hardly alone. Numerous advanced manufacturers have made investments in the last year – LEONI Elocab is just one example.

Even home-grown tech companies like North are getting in on the action. In 2018, the company released its newest product – augmented reality glasses that are getting significant attention – and it is manufacturing them right here in Waterloo.

As we’ve written before, the changes Canada has made to improve competitiveness – including 100% write-offs for manufacturing machinery and equipment – are also very exciting for those looking to invest in Canada or expand their business.

As Waterloo begins 2019, we’re very optimistic. We have exceptional talent and cost advantages, a very diverse economy with support from some of Canada’s greatest education and research institutions and, most of all, we have momentum.

Interested in reading more predictions from Waterloo leaders? The CBC has divided them into tech, business and education.