An Economic Impact Assessment of the Green Infrastructure Sector in Ontario

In partnership with Green Infrastructure Ontario An Economic Impact Assessment of the Green Infrastructure Sector in Ontario is a first-ever assessment of the full scope and economic impact of the green infrastructure sector across the province. Green infrastructure is the natural vegetative systems and green technologies that collectively provide society with a multitude of economic, environmental and social benefits.

This study evaluates the current and potential future economic impact of Ontario’s green infrastructure sector. From maintenance and landscape staff on the ground, to designers and engineers, nursery staff, manufacturers of equipment, and public administrators, the green infrastructure sector includes jobs with businesses and organizations at various scales across the province.

Ontario’s Green Infrastructure sector was responsible for nearly 122,000 jobs and $8.33 billion in GDP in 2018.

The seven key sub-sectors evaluated include:

• landscape horticulture and open spaces
• natural heritage
• parks
• urban forests
• green stormwater management
• green roofs and walls
• cross-sectoral support services

Key findings:

• The green infrastructure sector in Ontario is an important contributor to Ontario’s economy, generating $8.6 billion in gross output (revenues), $4.64 billion in direct gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018.
• Ontario’s green infrastructure sector was responsible for nearly 122,000 jobs and $8.33 billion in GDP in 2018.
• In 2018, Ontario’s green infrastructure sector was larger than Ontario’s wood, computer, electronic and pharmaceutical product manufacturing sectors.
• Using two growth scenarios, this study projected that Ontario’s green infrastructure sector could grow between 22%-73% by 2030.