Valley Heartland
Lanark County’s economic development efforts sustain and support the growth and prosperity of our communities. By way of a Service Agreement, Valley Heartland provides economic development services to Lanark County. Learn more about economic development.
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Opportune Location
The County’s convenient proximity to Ottawa at an affordable cost offers tremendous opportunity. More than 50 million people live within 800 km (500 miles) of Lanark County. Our excellent highway network, easy access to three U.S. border crossings, and rail and air links with the rest of North America all make Lanark County a natural advantage for business.
Superior Quality of Life
An extensive network of beautiful public trails, parks, clear lakes, pristine rivers and public beaches are just some of the natural highlights of Lanark County. This part of the Ottawa Valley is fed by two major historical watersheds—Rideau and Mississippi— a constant source of inspiration, exploration, and recreation. Enjoy the peaceful waterfront lifestyle while having ready access to world-class urban amenities within a short drive. Visit our Lanark County Tourism to discover more.
Advantages to Business
- A climate for innovative, ecologically sustainable and technology-based developments
- Cooperation among members of the community and all levels of government
- Open to the establishment and expansion of business as generators of local employment
- Plans work in harmony with the province to regionally reduce barriers to business
- Partnerships support business development with advice, loans, and workforce training
- Facilities support everyday economic activity with excellent roads, established communication networks, natural gas lines, municipal water and sewer systems, serviced business parks, superb recreational facilities, strong agricultural assets, quality hospitals, and home to excellent schools.
Support and Resources
Lanark County has seen, in a very short amount of time, a fundamental shift in the business climate enriched by startup activity, stronger support for business retention, and accelerated growth of local industries, all contributing to a more diversified local economy. Lanark County’s population is 75,760 (Statistics Canada 2021), comprised of 8 municipalities plus the Town of Smiths Falls.
Population Growth
More recently, Lanark County experienced steady population growth fueled by the significant inward migration of people from elsewhere in Ontario. Out of nearly 300 Census Divisions across Canada, Lanark County ranked 32nd for its net intraprovincial migration rate. The census agglomeration of Beckwith (Township), Carleton Place (Town) and Mississippi Mills (Town) accounts for all net population growth across the county in recent years; 12% between 2013-2018. In fact, in 2018 this agglomeration ranked 3rd out of 152 urban centers across Canada for combined intra- and interprovincial migration.
Business Expansion
In the county, businesses are also in ‘expansion mode’ and there is a growing business base that accounts for a 6% increase in the number of businesses in the past two years. This increase included 113 net new businesses between 2017 and 2019 in farming, construction, manufacturing, and retail, financial and other services. This growth has brought many excellent economic benefits but has also further illuminated the need for a larger workforce to meet the local employment demands.
Although challenges in the labor market are nothing new, workforce development will be a key priority in Lanark County, as identified in the 2019 Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) Plan. The plan was developed through numerous and extensive reviews of data from 134 businesses across the county. Workforce Development rose to the top as 1 of 3 key priorities for business. In the report, local employers identified workforce challenges related to the availability of qualified workers, the stability of the workforce and the ability to attract employees. Concerns related to the retention of employees was minute and speaks to the high quality of life in Lanark County.
To review the workforce development actions identified please see page 24 of the Final Report. By way of a service agreement, Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation fulfills economic development services for the County of Lanark. This collaboration continues to be an effective partnership that leverages the strengths of each partner and is driving economic development activities county-wide.
The REDI Pilot Program
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program helps address local employment needs by enabling employers in rural and northern regions to attract highly skilled international workers to fill in-demand roles. Lanark County is one of four selected regions participating in this initiative, along with Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay.
New OINP Employer Portal now available
As of July 2nd, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has launched a new electronic Employer Portal, this shifts all REDI applications to an employer-led application process. Read the Employer Portal user guide to learn more and visit the OINP Employer Portal to register and manage applications.
For the most recent OINP program updates, news and announcements visit their Program Updates webpage.
- Offer a full-time, permanent job located within Lanark County.
- Ensure the job aligns with one of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams.
- Support the worker’s application for permanent residency.
The REDI program provides a pathway for Lanark County through following Employer Job Offer Streams, there are no additional criteria or a separate application process for the pilot.
The job offer must be in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The applicant must show that they are qualified for the position by demonstrating they have work experience in the same occupation as the job offer or are licensed or authorized to do the work where the occupation of the job offer is regulated in Ontario.
The job offer must be in a skilled occupation at TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The applicant must have a degree, diploma or certificate from an eligible Canadian institution that has been completed within two years of submitting their application.
The job offer must be in an eligible occupation at TEER category 4 or 5 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The applicant must have work experience in Ontario in the same occupation as the job offer and have the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma and language skills in English and/or French.
For more details about the REDI pilot and how it can benefit you or your business, explore the following resources:
What Newcomers/Employees Do:
- Secure a full-time job offer from an employer in Lanark County.
- Apply for one of the OINP Employer Job Offer streams.
- Once nominated, proceed with your application for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Note: When completing the Expression of Interest – EOI form, please be sure to select “Lanark” from the list of census divisions when asked for the location of job offer.
Who to Contact: Visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program website for detailed application steps, or reach out to Lanark County’s Settlement and Recruitment Officer for guidance.
Linda Alexander
Shared Recruitment & Settlement Coordinator
Phone 613-283-7002 x 106
- The legitimacy or operations of a participating business, or
- Non-compliance with settlement obligations for newcomers and their families.
To report concerns promptly:
- Contact the OINP Investigations Unit with tips or complaints by emailing: programintegrityteam@ontario.ca
- Work with OINP to initiate site inspections for businesses suspected of misrepresentation or non-compliance.
Your efforts help ensure the success and fairness of the REDI program for all participants.
The Rural Community Inclusion Pilot Project
The Rural Community Inclusion Pilot Project is a collaborative initiative between Lanark and Renfrew counties, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Rural Economic Development (RED) program. Our mission is to create a more inclusive, diverse, and economically vibrant community by connecting local businesses with skilled newcomers and fostering a welcoming environment.
If you’re a newcomer seeking job opportunities or support with settling into the community, or if you’re a local business looking to enhance your team, our Settlement + Recruitment Coordinator is here to assist you. To connect with the coordinator and explore collaboration opportunities:
Linda Alexander
Email: lalexander@lanarkcounty.ca
Phone: 613-283-7002 x108
Further resources for newcomers can be found at the Local Immigration Partnership.
Co-lead: Renfrew County
Supporting Partner: Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation
