Greater Charlottetown Area
The greater Charlottetown area includes: the City of Charlottetown, the Town of Cornwall, and the Town of Stratford.
A Great Place to do Business
The Greater Charlottetown Area has proven its excellence as a business environment, having experienced significant growth in the past number of years in knowledge-based sectors such as: aerospace, biotechnology, information technology and financial services. These sectors and others on PEI benefit from close working relationships with local post-secondary institutions (namely, the University of PEI and Holland College) and public sectors partners.
Pride in Our Place – The Greater Charlottetown Area’s Accolades
- Top 10 ranking among 111 major cities in mature markets around the world for cost of doing business (KPMG Competitive Alternatives study, 2016)
- Number 1 in Canada for cost of doing business in the corporate services sector (KPMG Competitive Alternatives study, 2016)
- In the Top 3 of lowest cost cities in all of Atlantic Canada and New England (KPMG Competitive Alternatives study, 2016)
- Designated the ‘Lowest Cost Capital City’ in Canada (KPMG Competitive Alternatives study, 2014)
- Named among the Top 10 Canadian Economic Development Groups (Site Selection Magazine, 2014)
- Charlottetown ranked Top Place to Visit in Canada (vacay.ca, 2014)
Business Benefits
- Low cost business environment
- Exceptional quality of life, making it easier to attract and retain skilled labour
- Dedicated workforce with high labour market participation rate (66%, 2016)
- Located close to major markets in Eastern North America; 2 days quicker shipping to Europe than New York
- Access to top decision makers in public and private sectors as well as academia
City of Charlottetown
The City of Charlottetown is a flourishing community of over 34,500 people located on the south shore of Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown is the province’s capital city, and is often called the “Birthplace of Confederation” after the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference – the first meetings that led to the forming of our nation.
A contemporary city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, Charlottetown is a Canadian Heritage designated ‘Cultural Capital of Canada’. Throughout the year, the city offers a myriad of cultural experiences to enjoy – from world class theatrical and musical performances, to distinct local food and architecture, to festivals and events for a diverse range of audiences.
Town of Stratford
The Town of Stratford is located on a peninsula just south of Charlottetown, across the Hillsborough River. It is linked to the capital city by the Hillsborough Bridge. The town’s population of 9,000 is a growing one, with more and more residents setting down roots in Stratford to take advantage of its peaceful, convenient location and close connection to the Island’s rural way of life.
This Town’s growth has led to the formation of the its own commercial core, and allowed for further expansion and enhancement of municipal services, recreation programs, beautification projects and local parks and trails.
Stratford is…
- The fastest growing municipality in Prince Edward Island
- The second fastest growing community in Atlantic Canada
Town of Cornwall
The Town of Cornwall is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, just west of Charlottetown. Its population of over 5,000 benefits from this idyllic setting among a gently rolling pastoral landscape with dramatic water views. The Town is located along the province’s main transportation corridor from the Confederation Bridge to the capital city, which provides many economic development and tourism advantages.
The Town offers a wide range of recreational programs and cultural opportunities for residents, along with numerous well-maintained parks and walking trails.
