New legislation aims to create investment mega-site in St. Thomas
The Ontario government has introduced legislation that aims to consolidate a new investment-ready mega site in St. Thomas.
The proposed legislation builds on the province’s efforts during the Job Site Challenge, which was designed to attract large-scale advanced manufacturing investments that have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs across the province.
A site in St. Thomas and Central Elgin that is approximately 1,500 acres has been identified as one of the most investment-ready mega sites in Ontario.
However, with the land divided between two municipalities with different permitting requirements, potential investors could face red tape and delays from unnecessary duplication. If passed, the proposed legislation will adjust the municipal boundaries so the site resides fully in St. Thomas, speeding up construction timelines and ensuring that the site is ready for potential investment.
“Our government is taking concrete action to build on our record of attracting jobs and investment,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are taking a collaborative approach across government and with our municipal partners to cut red tape and ensure the benefits of economic growth are enjoyed across the province.”
The province launched its Job Site Challenge in November 2019 to create an inventory of investment-ready mega sites.
As part of this initiative, municipalities, economic development agencies and industrial property owners put forward large tracts of land of between 500 and 1,500 acres that could support large-scale manufacturing operations. The program was Canada’s first mega-site initiative, modeled after successful mega site programs in the U.S.
In 2021, manufacturing accounted for almost 660,000 jobs in Ontario and more than 10 percent of the province’s gross domestic product.