Defense & Security

Military Connection

Barrie is emerging as a hub for the defence and security sector for Central Ontario, strategically positioned to support Canada’s growing defence, dual-use, aerospace, and security industries. Barrie values its strong connection to Canada’s military community, past and present. With a long history alongside Canadian Forces Base Borden, the City is home to many service members and is well positioned to grow as a hub for defence industry manufacturing. 

Canadian flag patch on camouflage military uniform.
Metallic cylindrical object with four robotic arms above it.

Robust Supply Chain

Being situated close to Base Borden, the largest training establishment in the Canadian Armed Forces, Barrie offers a robust pipeline of skilled labour, and access and partners for applied research and testing opportunities through the Regional Technology Development Site. The City has a robust supply chain ecosystem, bringing together academic institutions, strategic partners, and technology and manufacturing companies to collaborate with government agencies—enabling the rapid, scalable transition of emerging technologies critical to the sector.

Prime Development Opportunities

With more than 200 advanced manufacturing firms, direct connectivity to Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and two post-secondary anchors, Barrie provides prime development opportunities for aerospace innovation, maintenance, repair and operations, advanced production, and dual-use technologies. By fostering these strategic connections, Barrie ensures the right technology reaches the right hands at the right time, driving adoption, enhancing capability, and directly strengthening the Canadian defence and security landscape. Coupled with top-tier talent, advanced infrastructure, and a growth-ready environment, it’s clear that business is better in Barrie.

Hands hold a drone controller with an aerial map screen, soldiers in camouflage nearby.

Defence-Ready Manufacturing Strength

Advanced Robotics + Automation

Precision Aerospace + Military Machining

Flight Navigation + Sensory Systems

Heavy Equipment + Steel Fabrication

Military Grade Protective Materials

Investment Ready

Defence programs require reliable suppliers, secure environments, agile innovation, and efficient logistics. Barrie brings these elements together in one connected ecosystem. Situated between the Greater Toronto Area and Northern Ontario, home to a growing advanced manufacturing base, serviced employment land, and with strong access to North American markets,  Barrie is built for readiness, resilience and rapid scale.

  • Canadian military proximity with Canada’s largest military training base and the historic birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force
  • Strategic aerospace access via the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport
  • Secure innovation and applied R&D through local test centers and labs
  • Investment-ready lands, streamlined approvals, and supply chain depth
  • Integrated logistics and redundant infrastructure
  • Dedicated investment support, including a concierge program to streamline approvals and a community improvement plan offering targeted incentive programs
  • Post-Secondary STEM talent pipeline through Lakehead University
  • Barrie was ranked the #2 Canadian growth city of 2025, according to U-Haul's Growth Index data

Quick Facts

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military trainees annually. Access to Canada’s largest military training base.
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Canadian Armed Forces personnel (~5% of Canada’s total) in Base Borden.
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fibre optic lines connecting directly to Canada’s primary data interconnection hub in Toronto.
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advanced manufacturing firms in Barrie.
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in sales generated by manufacturers in the region, accounting for ~50% of total sales (2023).
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in manufacturing exports for the region, the largest of all industries (2023).
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of Canada’s aerospace industry output is generated in Barrie. Part of Ontario’s Innovation Corridor.

Your Partner for Success

Invest Barrie is here to support your success through:

  • Personalized site-selection and investment servicing support, including zoning, planning, and by-law information
  • Regional coordination and strategic matchmaking across industry, academia, government, and innovation partners
  • Visibility into Central Ontario’s capabilities, including secure innovation assets, applied research, market, economic and business community information
  • Collaboration with global leaders to advance Ontario’s position in the sector through national and international delegations and industry showcases to strengthen and expand the local supply chain
  • Municipal infrastructure to support validation of performance, reliability and integration.
  • Concierge and investment support 

Let’s start the conversation. Connect with Invest Barrie to discuss how your business can grow here.

Regional Defence-Ready Innovation Ecosystem

Key Industry Players

Accurate Glass

Provides precision-engineered glass solutions that meet durability, safety, and performance standards required for military vehicles, secure facilities, and specialized dual-use applications.

AG NAV

GPS navigation and control systems for aerial and defense applications.

Albarrie

Manufacturer of advanced Kevlar materials for military use; cut- and flame-resistant; five times stronger than steel.

Aventech Research Inc.

Innovative aerospace instrumentation and data systems for flight measurement.

Brotech Precisions CNC

Precision aerospace machining for military components, fighter jets, and aircraft systems.

Innovative Automation

Automation and robotics solutions enhancing aerospace manufacturing efficiency.

Resonance Ltd.

Advanced engineering, precision manufacturing, and calibration services for complex electronic and optical systems with capabilities proven through work on NASA programs.

Stainless Outfitters Inc.

Custom stainless components built for aerospace, marine, and defense industries.

Stark Group LTD.

Design and manufacture state-of-the-art armored vehicles.

Weldco-Beales Manufacturing

Custom heavy equipment and fabricated solutions adaptable for military support, defense logistics, and specialized infrastructure.

Key Resources

Canada’s defence and dual‑use ecosystem is supported by a network of federal departments, procurement authorities, innovation programs, and export enablers designed to help companies scale, commercialize, and compete globally. From operational requirements and contracting pathways to R&D funding, security clearances, and export support, understanding how these players fit together is critical to success in the defence market. Explore these resources to access key federal agencies, programs, policies, and funding tools that support defence‑ready businesses at every stage of growth.

Canadian Connections

Canadian Resources

Strategic Location. Skilled Talent. Competitive Costs

Discover Barrie's Advantages
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