St. Thomas/IBNS: The Ontario government has passed legislation that, if passed, will strengthen the provinces' competitiveness by consolidating a new investment-ready mega site in St. Thomas, a news release has said.

The job site challenge designed to attract large-scale advanced manufacturing investments would have the potential to create hundreds of new jobs across the province.

“Our government is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to attract new investments that will create more good-paying jobs and strengthen the economy…Creating more shovel-ready mega sites will help Ontario remain competitive as the province competes for major global investments,” Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade has said.

A critical factor for securing new investment opportunities is finding a suitable industrial site ready for companies to build on.

Ontario's initiative of Job Site Challenge in November 2019 to create an inventory of investment-ready mega sites was responded to by, municipalities, economic development agencies and industrial property owners in putting forward large tracts of land of between 500 and 1,500 acres that could support large-scale manufacturing operations.

A site in St. Thomas that is approximately 1,500 acres has been identified as one of the most investment-ready mega sites in Ontario.

“Our government is taking concrete action to build on our record of attracting jobs and investment…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, “said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)