Manufacturing
Assembly line at Ophardt Hygiene Technologies Inc. in Beamsville
Niagara region’s physical features made it a unique and attractive place for investors looking to settle industrial businesses in Canada’s growing economy. Niagara’s ample water access, proximity to the United States, Welland Canal systems, and railway lines made it an ideal location for manufacturing goods. Through the 20th century, this trend continued with the introduction of cheap hydroelectric power and its location as a major shipping route.
National and global events, such as the world wars and the Great Depression, helped shape both local conflicts and prosperity in the manufacturing sector. In the first half of the 20th century, manufacturing in Niagara was characterized by the mechanization and consolidation of major industries and major changes in the labour movement and worker’s rights. By the second half of the 20th century, issues of pollution and the start of the “green revolution” created major changes in Niagara’s manufacturing sector.
These papers provide overviews of Niagara’s largest manufacturing sectors and their histories, beginning from Niagara’s earliest manufacturers – millers, and ending with modern automotive and heavy industries. General themes are studied in greater detail, including labour movements, technological advances, and environmental impact.
Below are the full working papers on this industrial history and short vignettes highlighting specific stories within the theme. Click on each to read or download the full work.
Vignettes
During the research process, the team came upon short, revealing stories within the themes that merit some extra attention. Niagara's history is so rich, it was difficult to delve into just a few. These vignettes add to the depth of this project.
Within the Manufacturing section, there are three key stories to tell:
- Isabella Frampton Hawken - an intrepid business person who defied the odds to be successful;
- Niagara Post-War Prospects - a news series from the St. Catharines Standard that highlighted key industries in the area after World War II.
- Margherita Howe: Operation Clean Niagara and the Niagara River Cleanup
Videos
These summary videos provide these important stories in a brief and illustrated format. We hope you enjoy them.