![Graphic with the Invest Durham logo and text that reads, "2020 Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism Annual Report"."](/en/economic-development/resources/News-Featured-Images/invest-durham-news-annual-report-2020.jpg)
The Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism division is responsible for supporting the growth of our Regional economy through creating and retaining jobs. To do this, Invest Durham promotes the region as a great place to do business, provides business services to attract new investment, enables a vibrant tourism industry, and provides agricultural and rural economic development programming in the northern townships.
As one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario, Durham’s economy is ever-changing—and although the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been significant on our communities, Durham’s economy is more innovative and resilient than ever. In 2020, non-residential development increased by 54 per cent, and major investments were announced.
The 2020 Economic Development and Tourism Annual Report captures a high-level summary of the activities undertaken by Economic Development and Tourism to inform the local community on important economic development initiatives—including an economic snapshot, COVID-19 response, entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives, sector developments, awards and recognized achievements, and partnerships.
A key highlight is the formation of the Durham Economic Task Force (DETF). In immediate response to the pandemic, DETF was created in partnership with 26 community organizations, and led numerous projects to support local businesses throughout 2020.
The annual report was created to raise awareness of the activities of economic development and the importance of its role in our community.
View the full report to better understand how Durham’s economy is changing.