Industry Statistics

Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in the Western Ontario Region:

Based on 2001 Census data, the horse industry in the Western Ontario Region contributes $213.6 million annually in direct economic impact to the provincial economy. The data also estimates that the horse population in this region has reached 119,923 with an estimated 19,319 operating horse facilities. Each of these figures represents the highest numbers from all regions across the province. This region includes the County/Regional Municipality of Bruce, Dufferin, Grey, Halton, Huron, Peel, Perth, Simcoe, Waterloo and Wellington, and represents the service area for this company, EquiVisions Unlimited, and the Rural Horse website/Directory.

Regional Development Opportunities:

According to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), “there are opportunities to enhance the regional horse industry and development strategies should be planned to encourage the growth and well-being of the local industry and the local economy.” and

“Agribusiness and new entrepreneurs need to be aware of the tremendous size and economic impact of the horse industry in their county/municipality/region, so they can plan the future development of their businesses and recognize opportunities for growth.”

Conclusion:

Based on the 2001 Census, the following conclusions can be made:

Six (6) of the top 10 Counties/Regional Municipalities in Ontario with an estimated number of horses exceeding 10,621 are located in the Western Ontario Region.
Seven (7) of the top 10 Counties/Regional Municipalities in Ontario with an estimated number of horse facilities exceeding 1,788 are located in the Western Ontario Region. This number includes the top four (4) Counties/Regional Municipalities in the provinces.
Six (6) of the top 10 Counties/Regional Municipalities in Ontario with an estimated annual economic impact exceeding 18.9 million are located in the Western Ontario Region.
Four (4) Counties/Regional Municipalities in the Western Ontario Region placed in the top 10 for each of the proceeding categories. They include: Wellington County, Waterloo Regional Municipality, Simcoe County and Grey County respectively.

References:

1996 Ontario Horse Industry Report is available from: Dr. Bob Wright, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), Phone: (519) 846-3412, Fax: (519) 846-8101, Email: robert.wright@omaf.gov.on.ca

Economic Impact of the Ontario Horse Industry - Summary Tables are available at:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/ecimpact.html

Agricultural Statistics for Ontario are available at:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/stats/census/index.html

Summary Tables for the 2001 Census are available at:
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/95f0301x/index-eng.html