“We know that CosmoFEST is all about bringing music and the community together and we wouldn’t have it any other way. More than ever, we are grateful to perform music for the people. On June 3rd we kick off our summer touring at CosmoFEST in Richmond Hill.” — Neil Osborne, 54·40

Retail (page 2)
Retail, manufacturing and warehouse roles among jobs in demand in Aurora
“There are a lot of new retail developments that are coming to Aurora to keep up with the increasing population and to support the people who are living and working there.”
‘Everyone can be a homepreneur’: Home-based businesses booming in Markham
“Home businesses have been around as long as people have had homes,” said Chris Rickett, director, economic growth, culture and entrepreneurship, at the City of Markham.
‘We needed more space’: East Gwillimbury becoming attractive spot for businesses
#FutureOfWork East Gwillimbury is creating an employment corridor near Woodbine and Green Lane anchored by the new Loblaws Distribution Centre
Beertown set to open on the border of East Gwillimbury and Newmarket this spring at Yonge and Green Lane
“The team and I are highly anticipating the launch of our 10th Beertown location. We look forward to expanding and bringing our unique dining experience which encompasses the custom design elements that have defined us, and serving the high quality food and beverage products on which we’ve built our name and reputation,” Jody Palubiski, partner, Charcoal Group said.
York Region’s Top 10 Threats: What’s the plan for your business?
The Regional Municipality of York conducts an annual Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify the top 10 threats facing our communities and York Region businesses. Use it to inform your business continuity plans so your business can be as effective as possible during a service disruption and quickly recover afterwards.
Newmarket-Based International Safety up for an Ontario Made Award
The Ontario Made Awards are voted on by the consumer and you can vote online until Jan. 8. The winners will be announced in a virtual award ceremony on Feb. 22.
Newly Opened Wine on Main is Like The ‘Dave & Busters’ of Wine
The new wine bar has a wall of temperature-controlled machines with 24 bottles of wine in there. Customers can fill up a card with a pre-paid amount and insert it into one of the machines and select your bottle and pour size. The wine is then dispensed right into your glass.
Newmarket YouTube Sensation Peter McKinnon Creating Main Street Creators’ Hub
“I like being able to inspire a young generation everywhere. There’s a lot of people around the world who live in small towns like this and I think it’s cool for them to see this successful person who gets to travel the world and do all these cool things but still lives in a town that looks just like theirs.”
SHEIN Opens 170,000 sq ft. Warehouse and Office in Markham
SHEIN is a global fashion and lifestyle e-retailer committed to making the beauty of fashion accessible to all. We use on-demand manufacturing technology to connect suppliers to our agile supply chain, reducing inventory waste and enabling us to deliver a variety of affordable products to customers around the world.
Is Your Business Protected From Cyber Threats? Simple Tips From ESET During Cybersecurity Month
Earlier this year, Telus conducted a study on ransomware attacks with a staggering finding that 83% of Canadian businesses surveyed reported attempted attacks and 64% indicated they had experienced one. Read these useful digital security tips from ESET’s Chief Security Evangelist, Tony Anscombe in our latest #YRtech Blog in support of Canada’s Cybersecurity Month.
‘Newmarket’s Historic Main Street Truly Comes Alive on Summer Nights’: Town Adds Busk till Dusk to Downtown Vibe
From musical performances to dancing, juggling to standing statues and miming, busking brings a variety of performance art forms to the street, offering close-up entertainment for a tip in the hat, which goes to support the entertainers themselves, and provides a sense of energy and buzz to the area.
2021 Year In Review // York Region Economic Development
On behalf of York Region Economic Strategy, I am pleased to present the 2021 Economic
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaughan-Based Danavation Technologies Awarded Contract by National Grocery Wholesaler for Custom Software Delivery
This software provides Sobeys Inc.’s wholesale operations with a unified digital experience across multiple hardware endpoints. Installation is planned primarily on their wholesale partners’ networked scanner devices, with data being pulled from internal systems.
‘That’s the Place to be in York Region’: Cocoa 40 Opening on Main Street Newmarket
There’s a new name coming to Main Street — Cocoa 40 is opening its first ever retail location there and for owner Stefania Pede it’s come sooner than she expected.
Business with Richmond Hill distribution centre wins an ‘Ontario Made’ award
A company with its distribution centre in Richmond Hill won an award for merchandizing excellence in the inaugural Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters’ Ontario Made Awards.
Markham Headquartered Pet Valu Announces Acquisition of Chico, Québec’s Largest Pet Specialty Franchisor
Pet Valu Holdings Ltd., the leading Canadian specialty retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies, today announced its entry into the Québec market with the acquisition of Les Franchises Chico Inc.
Laser Clinics Expands Into Canada With Richmond Hill Location
Owned and operated by KKR, a New York-based private equity firm, Laser Clinics delivered more than three million treatments globally in 2021. The company expects to open more than a dozen clinics in Canada this year with the Richmond Hill location being the first advanced beauty clinic.
Treats and Toys and Grooming, Oh My! Ren’s Pets Opening in Newmarket, Stouffville
Ren’s Pets is opening five new stores this spring starting in April. The new stores include two in York Region — in Stouffville and Newmarket.
Baked Not Fried: East Gwillimbury Immigrant Family Behind NB Bakery
NB Bakery specializes in baked samosas, not to be confused with the Indian variety. NB’s are baked while the Indian kind are deep fried and spicy. NB Bakery uses a Central Asian and Mediterranean recipe.
Markham Headquartered Luxury Canadian Outerwear Brand, Nobis Announces Return of #nocoldshoulder Charity Initiative this Winter
In Canada alone nearly 10% of our population is living below the poverty line, #NoColdShoulder was designed to help warm the shoulders of community members in need and offer protection from the ever-changing elements.
Newmarket’s NewMakeIt, Maker’s Mark Partner to boost support for area artisans
Opportunities for makers in Newmarket and York Region are growing thanks to a new partnership between two local businesses: NewMakeIt and The Maker’s Mark.
Longtime Family Medical Equipment Business Chooses Newmarket for Second Location
A new medical equipment supplier, Homestead, has officially opened its doors in Newmarket.
Inside Decathlon’s New 65,000 Sq.Ft. Store in Vaughan
Decathlon Vaughan is a 65,000 square foot massive store located on Rutherford Road, between Vaughan Mills and Canada’s Wonderland.
Vaughan Headquartered Danavation Technologies Announces First Installation of Digital Smart Labels™ at True Value Location in New York State
Danavation Technologies Corp., a Canadian-based Internet of Things (IoT) technology company and provider of micro e-paper displays, today announced our first installation of Digital Smart LabelsTM in New York state. The North Fork True Value Hardware (“True Value”) location in…
‘We Had a Great Response’: King Township’s Pop-Up Patio Program Moves Into Second Year
Four restaurants in Schomberg (King Township) will have pop-up patios this summer thanks to a program launched by the Township of King.
Porsche Centre Markham opens at CF Markville Mall
Porsche Centre Markham, Canada’s newest Porsche dealership, is now open on the site of CF Markville Mall – the first car dealership in Canada fully-integrated with a regional shopping centre.
York Region Companies Turning to Online World to Cope With COVID-19 Crunch
Running Hutchings Farm provides enough work for her and her husband, Kevin, without the added task of bringing their farm store online. Business is busiest in summer and at Christmas, but come January, February and March, sales drop.
‘Now is a Good Time to Enter the Workforce’: Georgina Businesses Revving Up Employment
Bill Wilde hired a number of new employees during the pandemic and plans to hire more in hopes of a summer rush.
Farm Boy Opening New Location in Richmond Hill
The new store will be located at 12266 Yonge St. and will be 26,725 square feet. The Richmond Hill Farm Boy location has created 135 new jobs in the community.