The City of Greater Sudbury has been ranked among the 20 best cities in Canada in which to do business by Canadian Business magazine. The November-December issue rates Greater Sudbury as eighteenth out of 36 metropolitan areas in Canada, placing the community far ahead of many major urban centres as the most desirable location to open or relocate a business venture.

"This survey reinforces the message we want to share with investors and developers around the world: The City of Greater Sudbury is open for business," said Mayor David Courtemanche.

"We have a Council that is progressive and committed to growing this city. We have municipal staff who will find the resources to help build business opportunities. We recognize it takes innovation and action to court new businesses. We’re ready and willing to compete with the best in Canada."

Cities selected for the Canadian Business survey were assigned a ranking based on five socio-economic indicators: operating costs of doing business (payroll and benefits, construction costs, property taxes, cost of utilities and travel costs), cost of living index, forecast GDP growth, unemployment rate and crime rate.

Moncton, N.B. and Saguenay, Que., were rated as the most advantageous places in Canada to set up shop. From Northern Ontario, only Greater Sudbury and Thunder Bay appear on the list. Thunder Bay placed twenty-first in the survey ratings.

Doug Nadorozny, General Manager of Economic Development and Planning Services, said the results reflect the advantages that a smaller community can offer over large metropolitan areas like Toronto and Vancouver.

"We know businesses that move here are very satisfied," said Nadorozny. "We are a growing market with a low crime rate and a lower cost to operate...all of which are key factors in a site selection process. This report gives us another marketing tool to attract new business."

The complete story "The best cities for business in Canada" is available on the Canadian Business web site at www.canadianbusiness.com.