A $1.3-billion investment at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Chalk River is reshaping the economic landscape of eastern Ontario, creating new demand for skilled labour, housing, services, and supply chains.
On its own, it represents a once-in-a-generation development – but it’s actually just the beginning. As Canada pursues a bold nation-building strategy to become an energy superpower, develop its natural resources, lead in science and technology, and strengthen defence and security, Renfrew County is emerging as a prime example of that vision in action.
Renfrew County has long been anchored by traditional industries – manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, and tourism – supporting dozens of small towns and tightly connected communities. Today, those foundational industries are intersecting with new sectors of national and global significance, positioning Renfrew County as one of Canada’s most strategically important economic regions.
All this activity bodes well for Renfrew County, located just a short distance east of Ottawa, says Melissa Marquardt, manager of economic development for the County of Renfrew. “These are long-term investments with significant, positive impacts for our region and for the country as a whole,” she explains.
Petawawa, home to Canada’s largest army base
Garrison Petawawa is a rapidly-growing economic and community force in the county. As a result, the town of Petawawa is now one of Ontario’s fastest-growing communities, with its population surging to 18,500 residents. Petawawa boasts one of the youngest median ages in Ontario and has among the highest household disposable incomes in the province. Apartment buildings, subdivisions, schools, recreational facilities, and commercial developments are rising rapidly.
Beyond population growth, military investment has sparked a thriving defence manufacturing and technology sector across the county. Companies such as PSP, MED-ENG, Bubble Technology Industries, Raytheon, and others form a growing supply chain serving defence, aerospace, and security markets.
With Canada significantly increasing defence spending, the Petawawa region is well-positioned to capture long-term benefits from that expansion.
Science, technology, and an orchestra in the town of Deep River
At Chalk River, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories anchors a nationally significant science and technology hub with global reach.
Nearby, the town of Deep River offers an unusually rich quality of life for a community of its size. With a yacht club, waterfront parks, top-tier recreation, and even an orchestra, the community is increasingly attracting highly skilled professionals and their families.
Critical minerals and a new proposed industrial park
The county is also well-positioned to play a key role in Canada’s critical-minerals sector, particularly in magnesium and graphite – essential minerals for electric vehicles, batteries, aerospace, defence manufacturing, and clean-energy infrastructure.
Northern Graphite’s operations highlight the opportunities in the sector. Northern Graphite’s plans to develop the advanced-stage Bissett Creek graphite project (15 km from Highway 17, between Deep River and Matawa) is a case in point, with potential to have Phase I production of around 44,000 tonnes per year of high-quality, battery-grade graphite, and could be brought online within two years of an investment decision once funding and permits are in place.
The former Timminco Mining site, just west of Cobden, is currently under environmental remediation and could become a critical part of the region’s essential mineral supply chain.
As a result, the Haley Corridor, an industrial area just north of Cobden, is being considered for a future industrial park with ready access to key infrastructure and amenities, including natural gas, electricity, and the nearby Highway 17.
Tap into Canada’s next growth hub
For skilled trades, engineers, and professionals, Renfrew County offers high-paying, long-term careers without the housing pressures of major urban centres – and is just a 25-minute commute from Kanata.
For infrastructure, construction, and industrial firms, the region provides proximity to nation-building projects and municipalities actively seeking long-term partners.
For business owners and retailers looking to start up or expand, the region boasts a growing, affluent customer base. Commercial space remains affordable, municipal leaders are accessible, and competition is manageable, offering rare first-mover advantages.
Renfrew County has also launched a powerful new search tool for manufacturers, processors, and logistics operators, mapping all the large industrial and commercial parcels across the county. Click here to review available sites now.
“Some of our communities are underserved in the services sector,” says David Wybou, business development officer at the County of Renfrew. “For example, we have a strong need for entrepreneurs in the independent sit-down restaurant category in Petawawa and a branded hotel for the town of Deep River.”
As Canada retools for a new industrial era, Renfrew County is where strategy becomes reality.
For more information, visit www.InvestRenfrewCounty.ca.
This article first appeared in the 2026 City Building in the April Magazine produced by the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in it’s digital format below: