Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
History
The township was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including: Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake.
Demographics
In 2006, the population of East Zorra-Tavistock was 7,350. Over 70% of East Zorra-Tavistock’s population is under 55 years of age, indicating that the majority of the population is readily available to enter the workforce.
Economy
East Zorra-Tavistock’s economy has historically been heavily dependent on the agricultural industry, which continues to be a major part of the economy today. The township also attracts many skilled workers in the manufacturing sector (the largest employer is Saputo Cheese), as well as people in the health care sector.
The major industries in East Zorra-Tavistock include:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Transportation and Warehousing
|
|
|
- Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
|
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
|
- Management of Companies and Enterprise
|
Education
There are many post-secondary training opportunities available within close proximity to East Zorra-Tavistock to help residents meet the needs of the community. This includes a satellite campus of Fanshawe College in Woodstock, and Conestoga College in Ingersoll. East Zorra-Tavistock is close to many of Ontario’s top post-secondary schools located in Brantford, Guelph, London and Waterloo.
|
Education Levels, Ages 15 +
|
|
|
East Zorra-Tavistock
|
East Zorra-Tavistock %
|
Ontario %
|
|
No certificate, diploma or degree
|
1680
|
29%
|
22%
|
|
High school certificate or equivalent
|
1655
|
29%
|
27%
|
|
Apprenticeship or trades certificate of diploma
|
460
|
8%
|
8%
|
|
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma
|
1310
|
23%
|
18%
|
|
University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level
|
125
|
2%
|
4%
|
|
University certificate, diploma or degree
|
475
|
8%
|
21%
|
Source: Statistics Canada Community Profiles, 2006
Labour Force
East Zorra-Tavistock is home to a multi-skilled labour force. Compared to the provincial average, East Zorra-Tavistock has a high number of workers in agricultural based industries, as well as manufacturing and health care and social services.
|
Experienced Labour Force, Ages 15 +
|
|
|
East Zorra-Tavistock
|
East Zorra-Tavistock %
|
Ontario %
|
|
Agriculture and other resource-based industries
|
510
|
13%
|
3%
|
|
Construction
|
235
|
6%
|
6%
|
|
Manufacturing
|
745
|
18%
|
14%
|
|
Wholesale trade
|
185
|
5%
|
5%
|
|
Retail trade
|
330
|
8%
|
11%
|
|
Finance and real estate
|
195
|
5%
|
7%
|
|
Health care and social services
|
500
|
12%
|
9%
|
|
Educational services
|
110
|
3%
|
7%
|
|
Business services
|
680
|
17%
|
20%
|
|
Other services
|
575
|
14%
|
18%
|
Source: Statistics Canada Community Profiles, 2006
Access to Major Markets
East Zorra-Tavistock is accessible by highway, air and railway. The settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403.
East Zorra-Tavistock is located near several airports, including the Region of Waterloo Airport, Hamilton International Airport, London International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The township also has access to the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National Rail Line
|
Driving Distances
|
|
Kitchener/Waterloo
|
-
|
45 minutes
|
|
London
|
-
|
55 minutes
|
|
Sarina
|
-
|
2 hours
|
|
Stratford
|
-
|
25 minutes
|
|
Toronto
|
-
|
1 hour 45 minutes
|
|
Buffalo
|
-
|
3 hours
|
|
Detroit
|
-
|
3 hours 25 minutes
|