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With its strong agricultural roots, compact urban communities and convenient access to North America's major markets, the Town of Essex presents an attractive investment environment for industrial, commercial and tourism development. Award winning wineries, fertile and productive crop lands, strategic transportation linkages, innovative industries and a willing workforce support our economic diversity.
Our picturesque waterfront wanders along the north shoreline of Lake Erie and has become a popular destination for cyclists, winery tours and agri-tourism events, historic excursions, sport fishing and lakeside activities. A visit to the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum and the John R. Park Homestead will help you learn about our rich heritage.
We are undertaking a streetscape improvement plan for Essex Centre, implementing the initiatives identified in our Community Strategic Plan. Aggressive capital works plans are being completed throughout the Town, all with the goal of maintaining healthy, strong and family-friendly communities. New industrial land is being added to the Official Plan, and commercially zoned properties are ready for development.
We provide a full range of municipal services, active and healthy communities, and wide ranging business opportunities. To help in your decision to invest with us, our economic development office and municipal staff would be pleased to meet with you in confidence to discuss your plans. Contact us for answers to your questions about development opportunities and local development policies and incentives.
Learn more about our communities and what we have to offer by accessing our Community Profile.
Essex Centre
The largest of the four urban areas is located in the geographic centre of the County. While Essex Centre has many local shops and services, its location means that residents can enjoy quick access to any part of the County, including large urban centres in Windsor and Detroit. Highway 401, a main transportation route, is just minutes away.
Harrow Centre
Harrow is home to Agri-Food Canada's research centre for greenhouse vegetables and field crops. This urban centre offers a number of local shops and services. For almost 160 years, it has hosted the Harrow Fair, the oldest country fair in Ontario. The Harrow Fair has stayed true to its heritage with strong emphasis on highlighting the products of local farmers.
Colchester Centre
A waterfront community on the shores of Lake Erie which is noted for its marina and beautiful public beach. Known for its annual Walleye Derby in early June, Colchester is also a quiet stop for cyclists and other tourists following the wine route and the Lake Erie Waterfront Trail.
McGregor Centre
With its strong roots in agriculture, it is known notable for its outdoor sports activities at Co-An Park and the annual McGregor Music Festival. It is also home to the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum, the largest steam engine museum in Ontario.
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