The final report from a labour market study done in Leamington in response to the Heinz closure predicts demand for over 800 new jobs in the town by 2020.
The report shows local businesses are expanding and outlines the need for continued support of small businesses.
Mayor John Paterson says the report is good to have in hand when looking for government funding.
"What it will do for us is give us that ammunition that we need when we go out to make some of the proposals — like the recommendations that are in this report — to the local businesses, to the provincial and the federal governments to say, 'This is our situation, here's the study, these are the recommendations. How can you help us?'" says Paterson.
The mayor points to the report's projection for demand of hundreds of new jobs in the next few years as proof the town has rebounded well since the closure of the long running Heinz factory in 2014.
"They said 800 new jobs. Well, we're already at 400 new jobs and those weren't included in the numbers, so we're well on our way," says Paterson. "We're definitely in a much better spot than before this study began."
The study conducted by Ghanam Consulting paid for by a grant from Employment Ontario also identifies skills gaps and shortages in the Leamington labour market in areas like marketing, logistics and application of new technologies.
The report also has recommendations related to the feasibility of a greenhouse centre of excellence and the need for regional transportation.
