What is the Toronto Industry Network?

The Toronto Industry Network (TIN) is a group of manufacturers and manufacturing associations with operations in the City of Toronto. Collectively the Network employees approximately 35,000 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly through suppliers and customers.

TIN provides the manufacturing community with a strong voice at City Hall, participating in the formulation of policies that affect industry. The Network is particularly interested in how it can help make our City more competitive for manufacturing within Canada and internationally including the following recent activities:

  • Continuing to promote industry's needs regarding the City-wide zoning by-law that was enacted in 2010. Repealed in May, 2011, the by-law is currently the subject of 700 appeals including one from TIN,
  • Opposed recent changes to the Development Charge By-law that would allow conversions of industrial buildings to other non-residential uses without the applicant paying development charges. Manufacturers in Toronto are not subject to development charges. TIN is concerned about the conflict generated by non-industrial uses that have spread into manufacturing areas. 
  • Attending stakeholder meetings with City staff regarding the statutory Official Plan review that will have a major impact on industrial lands which are experiencing the pressures from non-industrial uses such as big-box retail, places of worship, schools, recreation clubs, etc.,
  • Worked with the City regarding the Green Roofs By-law to develop alternatives that achieve similar energy and storm water management goals to those provided by a vegetated green roof as a portion of any industrial building expansion or new construction.
  • Discussions with the City to simplify the application of the industrial water rate that offers discounts for large industrial water users, and
  • Encouraged Council to enact a policy to lower Toronto's high industrial property taxes to match the 905 area's residential-industrial/commercial tax ratios.

The Network believes strongly that there is an important role for industry in the development of sound public policy. Our organization closely monitors City Hall and has developed an excellent working relationship with many of the senior managers.


Did you know?

  • Toronto's 5,000 manufacturing establishments employ 143,000 people.
  • Wages are 25% above the national average.
  • 13% of all full-time jobs in Toronto are in manufacturing
  • Key industry clusters include:
    • Food and beverage
    • Aerospace
    • Fashion and apparel
    • Pharmaceutical and life sciences
    • Paper, packaging and printing
    • Plastics and chemicals
    • Metals and machinery
    • Computer and electronic parts
  • Toronto's ethnic diversity strengthens manufacturing. Recent immigrants account for 40% of manufacturing workforce.
  • Manufacturing produces an annual value-added (GDP) of $13 Billion or 10.5% of the total output of the City.
  • Close to 60% of Canada's manufacturing output is exported.
  • Manufacturers pay $250 Million in property taxes including education and other levies.