York Region’s employment rate remains strong for ninth year

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York today released the York Region Employment and Industry Report 2007, which provides a detailed analysis of industry and employment in York Region.

The report is based on business information gathered from the 2007 York Region Employment Survey conducted between May and August 2007. Information useful for investment and development decisions, including area municipal profiles and employment trends, collectively comprise the survey.

“York Region continues to succeed in generating jobs to match a growing population,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.  “As we continue to see employment and development goals for the future being met, we are contributing to York Region’s economic vibrancy.”

There were an estimated 485,000 jobs in York Region, representing an average annual employment growth rate of 3.5 per cent between 1998 and 2007.  This growth rate has outpaced both the national and provincial growth rates over the past nine years.

“The Region is able to evaluate and respond to changes within York Region based on trends in employment and the economy,” said Town of Markham Regional Councillor Tony Wong, Chair of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee.  “Employment analyses for each of the Region’s municipalities in the report equip us with strategies for investing in the future.”

The report highlights numerous economic and employment growth indicators including:
• Industrial and commercial construction projects expected to generate approximately 19,500 jobs
• A large supply of new residential housing units under construction to increase the demand for population-based employment
• An estimated 485,000 jobs in York Region representing an average annual employment growth rate of 3.5 per cent between 1998 and 2007
• Increase in personal services and retail trade due to increased demands of a rapidly expanding population

The York Region Employment Database is the most accurate and comprehensive listing of business and employment data for York Region.  The data from the York Region Employment Survey is also used to create the York Region Business Directory and the Economic & Development Review.

Copies of this publication will be circulated to area municipalities, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, other business groups and key stakeholders.  The report will also be available on the Region’s website by the end of this month at www.york.ca

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca