Developing the Airport Lands offers the region a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to completely transform its path to long-term economic development, job creation, and sustainability.

Driving growth

Expert Dr. John Kasarda, author of “Aerotropolis: The Way We’ll Live Next”, argues that the global connections provided by major international airports now drive the global economy. High-value industries that require a global market to succeed need the nearby global connections an international airport provides. Building such a hub in proximity to a global city such as Toronto will draw businesses looking to expand their operations.

Job creation and diversity

Regional economic development means developing a diverse array of jobs. In terms of direct employment, an airport could be expected to employ up to 10,000 jobs. However, the real economic effects come from the indirect jobs related to or requiring the airport. A hub surrounding the airport will include clusters of professional services, including banking, consulting, manufacturing headquarters, innovation centres, and more. This means quality, high-paying jobs, closer to home.

Growing a customer base for local business
It isn’t only businesses with a global outlook that benefit from this type of development. More jobs at those companies requiring global connections translates into more people living in Pickering, which increases local business’ customer base. It also draws investors looking for smart growth opportunities.