of Bruce Power, the world’s largest nuclear power plant, located 50 kilometers away. “7% of our workforce is employed there,” says Peabody. While a smaller percentage than agriculture, these highvalue salaries “really augment our local economy,” he adds. A key differentiator for attracting and retaining families is educational choice. Brockton is “one of the only towns in rural Ontario to have two high schools,” says Peabody, providing a significant advantage for parents considering a move to the area.This diverse economic and social foundation provides a stable platform for sustained growth. differentiates us from other towns in the region is that we have a very strong mixed economy,” he says. This robust economic base, combining agriculture, small manufacturing, and high-value nuclear sector employment, provides the stability from which ambitious projects in housing, infrastructure, and commercial development can flourish. Leading this charge are Mayor Peabody and Chief Administrative Officer Sonya Watson, a leadership team championing an aggressive yet pragmatic approach to expansion. From securing multi-million dollar federal grants to implementing innovative infrastructure solutions, their efforts are positioning Brockton not merely to grow, but to thrive. A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMIC PORTFOLIO Brockton’s economic strength lies in its deliberate diversification, creating a stable and attractive environment for investment. The municipality is an agricultural leader in the region. “The agricultural economy in Brockton has the most GDP and revenue of any of the communities in all of Grey and Bruce,” says Peabody, attributing this to a strong livestock sector. “Even in a down year,” he notes,“our building permits in the agricultural sector for sheds and new barns consistently deliver added value to our assessment base.” This robust agri-base is complemented by a resilient manufacturing sector. Companies like Price Schonstrom, a specialized welder of stainless steel pressure vessels, are not just surviving but thriving. “We thought with the tariffs, they might see a downturn in their business,” notes Peabody, “but instead, because of the pressure on Canadians to buy Canadian, their order sheet is filled.” The company is executing a major expansion, purchasing eight acres in the business park and planning to hire 25 new workers. To solve labor challenges, it has successfully tapped into immigrant talent, bringing in workers from Ukraine and Mexico. Further bolstering the local economy is the presence 71 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 MUNICIPALITY OF BROCKTON, ON
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