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.
Pearson Econonmic Zone Characterization
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.