Living in Cambridge

Population

• 2021 population is 138,500
• An estimated 53,000 households in 2021
• Cambridge is part of the Region of Waterloo, with an estimated 2021 population of 647,000
• City involvement in industrial land development and community marketing

Lifestyles

• Excellent schools, 12 community centers and 5 public library branches
• Over 100 Parks covering more than 408 Hectares and 14 golf courses within driving distance
• 140 sports fields, numerous organized sporting and leisure activities with a wide variety of cultural events
• 7 ice surfaces, 2 private arenas, 5 indoor and 4 outdoor pools, 15 indoor soccer fields
• Over 70 km of trails, with over half along the banks of the Grand and Speed Rivers

Labour

• Within commuting distance of Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Brantford, Mississauga, Milton, Hamilton and several communities in between
• Cambridge has a labour force of 71,880 and the surrounding Region has a workforce of 290,430 including an excellent pool of skilled workers
• Over 17% of the labour force is employed in skilled trades, 4% more than the provincial labour force estimates

Diverse Industrial Base

• 12,904 businesses, of which 497 are manufacturing businesses which range in diversity from advanced manufacturing to leading edge science and technology firms
• Strong manufacturing support system through various specialized machine shops, technology-based services and University-sponsored research opportunities

Strong Economic Growth

• The economy of Cambridge has experienced strong growth over the past decade in both output and employment
• Non-residential construction in 2018 was valued at $78 million.
• Residential construction in 2018 was valued at $140 million representing 482housing starts
• The total building permit value for 2018 was $249 million
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada is the largest employer in Cambridge with a 3.01 million square foot facility on 400 acres, employing 6,000 people
• The City of Cambridge offers reasonable taxes

Location

• Ideal location for “Just in Time” manufacturing due to climate and road transportation network
• Nestled along the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River
• Within Southern Ontario, the most industrialized area of Canada
• Strategically located in Canada's Technology Triangle known for its significant number of technology, science, and advanced manufacturing companies
• Right on Highway 401 for ready access to markets and major metropolitan areas
• Within 50 to 130 km. (30 to 80 miles) of Toronto including the border crossings of Niagara Falls/Buffalo
• Within 50 minutes of Toronto's Pearson International Airport for global travel needs

The Cambridge business community consists of 12,904 businesses in the manufacturing, service, warehouse, retail, professional services and other sectors. Small business continues to dominate the Cambridge landscape with 69% of firms having 1 to 9 employees and 24% having 10 to 49 employees. The manufacturing labour force is 22% of the total workforce reflecting the strength in manufacturing in Cambridge. 

Filming

The City of Cambridge is rapidly becoming a hot spot for location filming in Ontario and has been recognized by the Location Manager’s Guild International with a global nomination for “Outstanding Film Office” – a first ever nomination for a Canadian office.  There are many reasons Cambridge is becoming a “Hollywood” favourite, from the beautiful natural and built architectural assets, the heritage designated Grand River and the supportive community atmosphere.

Some projects filmed in Cambridge over the years include, Murdoch Mysteries, The Queen’s Gambit, The Hardy Boys, The Good Witch, The Handmaid’s Tale, American Gods, Designated Survivor.