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Chris Rickett

  • About
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Pearson Economic Zone Manufacturing Study

February 28, 2025

Chris led the development of a report profiling the Pearson Economic Zone as a cornerstone of Ontario’s advanced manufacturing economy.

Produced in partnership with the Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing, the study provides a detailed analysis of the zone’s industrial footprint—home to more than 1,600 firms, 66,000 advanced manufacturing jobs, and $15 billion in annual economic output. With strengths in aerospace, electronics, machinery, and fabricated metals, the zone supports dense supplier networks, export connectivity, and one of the largest manufacturing workforces in the province.

The report highlights growing pressures on industrial land, rising costs, and the need for coordinated planning across jurisdictions. It outlines strategic actions to protect the zone’s competitiveness and reinforce its role as a national hub for innovation, production, and investment.

In Toronto Pearson Tags Research

Pearson Econonmic Zone Characterization

February 28, 2025

Chris led the development of report providing a characterization of the Pearson Economic Zone - one of Ontario’s most vital yet underrecognized economic engines.

Developed in partnership with Deloitte and a network of regional and industry stakeholders, the report analyzes the 200 km² employment zone surrounding Toronto Pearson International Airport—home to over 500,000 jobs and generating $70 billion annually. As a hub for manufacturing, logistics, trade, and innovation, the zone plays a critical role in Ontario’s economy.

The report outlines urgent challenges—land scarcity, infrastructure pressure, and fragmented planning—while identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen the zone’s role as a 21st-century jobs and innovation hub. It offers a clear roadmap for investment, policy alignment, and regional collaboration.

In Toronto Pearson Tags Research

Markham Centre OVIN Demonstration Zone

December 29, 2023

Chris collaborated with the City of Vaughan to secure $2.5 million in funding from the Province of Ontario to establish an Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Demonstration Zone in Markham Centre. The initiative provides a real-world urban environment where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can pilot and showcase advanced mobility solutions—including electric vehicles, robotics, integrated mobility systems, and connected/autonomous vehicle technologies. The zone is now operational across downtown Markham and Vaughan.

See the website.

In City of Markham, Program

Markham is More: Markham’s Economic Development and Culture Strategy

December 1, 2023

Chris co-authored “Markham is More,” the City’s integrated Economic Development and Culture Strategy for 2023–2027. The strategy breaks new ground by uniting economic development and cultural planning into a single roadmap—recognizing the critical role of arts and culture in shaping livable cities and attracting top talent. With five strategic goals, the strategy lays out a vision for Markham’s future focused on business growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative economy development.

It also positions the City to capitalize on major developments, including the arrival of York University’s new campus, Canada’s largest semiconductor cluster, and the planned Markham Innovation Exchange (MiX)—a 1,900-acre employment zone for next-generation manufacturing.

View the Strategy.

In City of Markham, Strategy

Corso Italia Market Research Initaitive

September 28, 2023

To support the Corso Italia BIA on St. Clair Avenue, Chris led a comprehensive trade area analysis to help small businesses better understand local market dynamics. The project included a detailed inventory of existing businesses, an expenditure-based opportunity analysis, and demographic profiling of the trade area.

The research identified key gaps in services—including demand for a dry cleaner and hardware store—and offered data-driven insights into consumer behavior and media preferences to inform future marketing and business attraction efforts.

In Project, The Local Option
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Portfolio

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Throughout his career, Chris has showcased his highly developed leadership and strategic planning skills to drive innovative projects, develop and deliver programs, and foster new municipal policies.

Working with a diverse array of stakeholders, he has the ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders to drive results while administering and delivering complex projects and programs.

The initiatives highlighted here provide some insight into the diversity of Chris' skill set and his ability to adapt to new challenges and subject matter.