Why Invest in Windsor
Why locate your business in Windsor?
Windsor is an international city with a prime location, great economic prospects and a highly skilled workforce that is eager to work. It is the home to first class educational institutions and hospitals, and it boasts a breathtaking waterfront park system among its many attractions. With a diverse population of approximately 215,000 residents and a land area of 147 square kilometres (57 square miles), Windsor is the right size for your business!
Location advantages
Windsor, Ontario, Canada is strategically located at the crossroads of two nations as one of the most used and important gateways between Canada and the United States. Windsor’s geographical location truly provides unparalleled exposure and easy access to major air, rail and highway links on both sides of the border!
- Windsor and Detroit are connected by the Ambassador Bridge (North America's most used international cargo crossing), Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Canadian Pacific Railway Tunnel, and Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry. Similarly, a proposed second bridge is in process.
- Windsor has quick access to both Highway 401 and I-75, which allows for convenient travel to major markets in Canada and the United States.
- The Windsor International Airport is a quick gateway for domestic, business and global travel. The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, less than an hour’s drive, also provides critical connections to international markets.
Distances and Driving Times from Windsor to Canadian and American Cities
| Cities | Distance (Kilometres) | Distance (Miles) | Driving Time in Hours (h) and Minutes (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (Canada) | 332 | 206 | 4 h 20 min |
| London (Canada) | 165 | 102 | 2 h 25 min |
| Hamilton (Canada) | 280 | 174 | 3 h 30 min |
| Ottawa (Canada) | 682 | 424 | 9 h 10 min |
| Waterloo (Canada) | 285 | 150 | 3 h 30 min |
| Detroit (United States) | 4 | 3 | 20 min |
| Chicago (United States) | 385 | 239 | 5 h 10 min |
| Ann Arbor (United States) | 58 | 36 | 30 min |
| Toledo (United States) | 85 | 53 | 1 h 15 min |
| Lansing (United States) | 136 | 84 | 1 h 50 min |
| Cleveland (United States) | 142 | 88 | 3 h 10 min |
| Pittsburgh (United States) | 327 | 203 | 5 h 10 min |
Windsor as a recognized leader
- Named as one of the top 7 intelligent communities in the world by the Intelligent Community Forum in 2011.
- Chosen in 2007 and 2008 as the number one small city for investment in North America by the Financial Times of London.
- Named among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Magazine's North American Small Cities of the Future 2007-2008
Learn more reasons to invest in Windsor and area.
Incentives for new and Growing Businesses
The City of Windsor takes an active leadership role in economic development to ensure Windsor's continued prosperity. Through its development incentives, the City of Windsor partners with investors and businesses to contribute to job creation and the diversification of the local economy while retaining Windsor’s local heritage:
For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, contact us at:
Planning & Building Services Department
Suite 210, 350 City Hall Square West
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, N9A 6S1
Phone: (519) 255-6543
Fax: (519) 255-6544
Email: planningdept@citywindsor.ca