County releases year-end economic development report

County of Brant’s Economic Development and Tourism Division released their year-end report on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

“2024 was a very productive year for our division,” said Zach Gable, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Council approved the refreshed Economic Development Strategy and the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy, which will guide our work for the years ahead.”

The annual Year End Report is an overview of the community, highlighting the County of Brant’s major industries and showcasing the support that the Economic Development team provided to the business community. It also features updates on key sectors, the Community Improvement Plan, the annual Salute to Brant event, Culture Days, and other initiatives taking place in tourism, arts, culture and heritage. 

The report also provides statistics on building permit data, development charges and tax rate comparisons with neighbouring communities.

Key highlights from the 2024 report include:

Building:

• Continued growth was experienced in 2024, with approximately $26 million in industrial and commercial building permits issued in Brant, including a 25,000 Square Foot expansion of Domite Wear Technology in Paris.

Job and Business Expansion:

• The County of Brant saw job growth across all sections from 2020 to 2024 with an increase of 2,716 jobs.

Major Events included:

• The County of Brant was chosen as a Culture Days “Festival Hub” location with local organizations hosting 48 events over three weeks. Brant was also recognized as the seventh ranked community in Canada for Top Participating Communities – Towns and Rural Communities.

• St. George Applefest Celebrated its 40^th anniversary. The weekend event attracts upwards of 30,000 attendees.
• It is estimated that over 137,565 people attended special events in the County of Brant in 2024.

Future Initiatives in 2025:

• 2025 will focus on the Downtown Dig and supporting the Downtown Paris BIA through construction.

“Our Economic Development and Tourism team is looking forward to 2025,” said Gable. “We are committed to providing support to our business community and working with community partners on tourism, arts, culture and heritage initiatives. The future holds exciting opportunities for growth, collaboration, and showcasing all that the County of Brant has to offer.”

For more information on Economic Development and Tourism, and to view the 2024 Year End Report, please visit www.brant.ca/InvestinBrant