In This Issue:

• Save the Date: Ontario East Quarterly Meeting
• Ontario East Releases New Study to Help Address Tariffs & Trade

• Ontario East Seeking Members to Join The Board of Directors

• Strengthening Canada’s Trade Corridors through Investment in Eastern Ontario Ports
• Upcoming Events Around Eastern Ontario

Ontario East Events

Visit the Ontario East Events Calendar and stay up-to-date on what's happening

in Eastern Ontario. If you have any events that you would like us to share,

please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.

Save the Date - Ontario East Quarterly Networking Meeting in Kingston - Friday, December 5, 2025

The next Ontario East Quarterly Networking Meeting will be held at the Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront on Friday, December 5 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm). We have a great lineup of speakers providing updates from Ontario Power Generation (Wesleyville Project), Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation & Trade (MEDJCT) and FedDev Ontario (FDO), and more including an update on the recommendations from Ontario East's new report the Eastern Ontario Manufacturing Resilience & Trade Diversification Pilot Report (see link included in this eNews). 

Ontario East News

If you have any news that you would like us to share, please forward to info@ontarioeast.ca.

 Ontario East Releases New Study to Help Address Tariffs & Trade 

The “Eastern Ontario Manufacturing Resilience & Trade Diversification Pilot Report” compiled over the summer with support from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) was announced at the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) and officially released nationally earlier this month at the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) annual conference in Niagara-on-the Lake. The report provides recommendations for regional economic initiatives to support employers impacted by the evolving global trade challenges and opportunities and how economic developers can best support this effort. At EDAC the presentation "Ontario East Regional Framework: Developing New Economic Development Strategies Adapting to New Realities for Manufacturers and Trade" was delivered by Chris King, Chair, Ontario East Regional Marketing Committee, Gillian Sheldon, Director, Investment Partnership at NGen and Jon Worren, Vice President, World Trade Centre-Toronto. Ontario East is exploring opportunities with both the provincial and federal government to help support and implement some of the recommended actions. An update will be provided at the Ontario East Quarterly Networking Meeting in Kingston, Friday, December 5, 2025. The full report is available for download here: https://offers.ontarioeast.ca/-manufacturing-trade-diversification-report

Ontario East Seeking Members to Join The Board of Directors

Elections for the Board of Directors of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission will soon be held for the 2026-2027 term of the Board and Members are invited to submit nominations by November 6, 2025. This is your opportunity to serve on the Board and assist in governance oversight and forming the strategic direction of the Commission. Participation on the Board of Directors provides an excellent professional development opportunity where you will be able to share ideas, learn and serve the Ontario East community along with economic development peers.

Terms & Meetings

Directors are appointed for a two-year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms if re-elected for a second term. The Board meets a minimum of four times per year and for special meetings as required. The next Board term will begin in February 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of five (5) Active Members and up to two (2) Associate Members. Active Members are employed in economic development with a municipality or regional agency funded by municipalities. Associate Members are employed by an agency, organization involved in economic development through the private sector, educational system or government. Members must be in Good Standing (dues paid) to be nominated and elected. This year nominations are being sought from all Member categories.

Nomination Process

Nominations must be received by 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Please send a request for a nomination form in confidence to info@ontarioeast.ca

Enquiries may be directed to Jay Amer, Board Secretary: jay@ontarioeast.ca or (705) 755-1141

Strengthening Canada’s Trade Corridors through Investment in Eastern Ontario Ports 

Ontario East ports are just one of the key assets that make our region the prime choice for business investment and growth! Thank you to our partners the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus for your advocacy for this important Ontario East supply chain advantage including Port of Johnstown and Picton Terminals Ltd.

Read the EOWC’s letter to Prime Minister Carney regarding federal partnership for eastern Ontario ports here: https://eowc.org/news/strengthening-canadas-trade-corridors-through-investment-in-eastern-ontario-ports/ 

Upcoming Events!

Here are some exciting events coming up around Eastern Ontario: 

Peterborough Funders Forum

Thursday, November 6, 2025

8:00am - 1:00pm

Learn More and Register Here

Cobourg Funding Forum

Thursday, November 13, 2025

9:00am to 10:30am

Lecture Hall - Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center

Learn More and Register Here

Economic Development Summit 2025

Friday, November 21, 2025

North Grenville Municipal Centre

Learn More and Register Here