INNISFIL, Ont. – How does Innisfil attract the interest of Premier Doug Ford?
All it took was the start of construction on a $200-million, state-of-the-art warehousing facility.
On a hot and humid June 19, a few dozen representatives from the Denmark-based DSV global transport and logistics company gathered with local dignitaries to host a groundbreaking at a site on the southeast corner of Innisfil Beach Road and the 5th Sideroad, in the Innisfil Heights Employment Area.
Ford did not take questions from the media, instead making a short podium speech and posing for multiple photo-ops where he tossed dirt with a shovel.
“I’m just so proud to be here,” he said, before touting the strength of Ontario’s economy. “We have now become an economic powerhouse around North America. You don’t take money out of peoples’ pockets, you make money on businesses.”
Once complete, this 1.3-million-square-foot facility will create about 225 jobs. It is the second-largest facility the company has built in Canada to date, and a key cog in its expansion into the Ontario market, said Rob Chanona, DSV Solutions’ Canadian managing director.
“Our strategy with DSV Innisfil is to offer our clients an option outside of the constricted (Greater Toronto Area) industrial market,” he said. “However, we did not want to sacrifice time to market. (This) location, with seamless access to Highway 400, fulfills this promise. We are excited.”
Construction, which is being handled by the development firm Broccolini, should be finished by August 2025.
“Community is a bunch of people, a bunch of families, that all come together,” chief executive officer Anthony Broccolini said. “When I look at everyone here today, we are all part of that. We are all here rallying to make this happen.”
Meanwhile, the town sees this as a “major catalyst” toward the implementation of its strategic plan and overall economic development, and it could trigger a “wave” of construction interest within both the employment zone and wider 400 corridor, Mayor Lynn Dollin said.
“The groundbreaking of DSV’s new facility is not just about the construction of a building; it’s a symbol of growth and potential,” she said. “We are dedicated to making Innisfil Heights a prime location for investment.
"Today really is a remarkable day. It means more jobs and boosts to our local economy," the mayor added. "The town is committed to growth in a responsible and sustainable way — we’re so impressed with DSV’s approach to both of those concepts. By putting a shovel in the ground today, we’re making history as well as shaping our future.”
Innisfil Heights spans more than 1,600 acres and includes various lot sizes that can accommodate industrial, commercial and tourism-related uses.
The town says it should be fully serviced by 2028. Once completely built out, the area has the potential to house more than 16,000 jobs.