INVESTMENT GUIDE OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT

PARTNERS IN YOUR SUCCESS BUILD WORK GROW

TALK TO US 905-775-5366 ext.1310

www.gotoBWG.ca MAYOR’S MESSAGE

On behalf of Town Council, I am Our strategic location to key urban delighted to present the new BWG centres, access to major highways, Investment Guide. This comprehensive investment in modern infrastructure document was developed by our and growing pool of skilled labour Office of Economic Development to makes BWG an ideal business location. provide a detailed overview of the I invite you to invest in BWG and many benefits of locating a business experience why so many businesses in our community, as well as key are locating and prospering here. investment facts and statistics. Build, work and grow with us. We As one of the fastest growing welcome and appreciate your business! communities in Canada, the Town Sincerely, of BWG is successfully building on its agricultural legacy to become Rob Keffer a dynamic mixed economy, Mayor supporting a host of manufacturers, developers and small businesses.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 1 CAO’S MESSAGE

I am pleased to introduce the new and assist tremendously in launching new updated BWG Investment Guide on enterprises and revitalizing older behalf of the Town’s senior management businesses in our downtown core and and staff. This guide provides very two established industrial parks. As useful information for any business we expand, our newly serviced lands or organization looking to invest along Highway 400 represent the in Bradford West Gwillimbury. next frontier of business expansion and economic opportunity. Record-level growth in our community is creating a wealth of opportunities The Office of Economic Development, for business owners and investors alike. your first point of contact with our To help facilitate this growth, staff Investment Readiness Team, is ready to from our various Town departments assist you. I urge you to call, email or are working seamlessly to help you visit us at www.gotoBWG.ca to see the locate and launch your business here. economic opportunities that BWG offers. We look forward to working with you! Economic Development is a key priority for our Council, and our Community Geoff McKnight Improvement Plan grants Chief Administrative Officer

2 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca ECDEV MANAGER MESSAGE

Our newest BWG Investment Guide Please consider us as your key contact is a source of valuable information, for any business inquiry. We are happy to intended to assist anyone considering assist you directly, and as a liaison to our investing in our community or making partners, to help your business prosper. BWG home to your business. Call or email us at your convenience. We Look to the BWG Office of Economic look forward to doing business with you!

Development to provide updated and Michael Disano relevant statistics on labour force, Office of Economic Development available land, and business grants to make your introduction to BWG both streamlined and informative.

Our office works collaboratively with both internal departments and external agencies to provide a range of services and advice for new businesses or those looking to expand their operations.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 3 INVESTMENT GUIDE INDEX

This is your portal into the YOUR FUTURE IS IN BWG...... 6 development potential in A location built on opportunity...... 6 Bradford West Gwillimbury. FACTS & STATS...... 7 Start here to learn about Limitless Growth Potential...... 7 the land, resources and Industrial Profile...... 8 opportunity that awaits. Industry Specialization...... 10 Fastest Growing Industries...... 11 Explore everything BWG Job Numbers...... 12 has to offer. Demographics and Employment...... 14 Education Level...... 14 Post Secondary Institutions...... 14 Advanced Technology Centre...... 14 Population & Labour Force Within 30km...... 15

SITE SELECTION...... 17 Industrial, Commercial, Institutional...... 17 Developers...... 18 Industry Partners...... 21 Business Supports...... 22

KEY INDUSTRIES...... 25 Advanced Manufacturing...... 25 Transportation/Logistics/ Warehousing...... 26 Agri-Food Processing/Manufacturing...... 29 Corporate Head Office Facilities...... 30

4 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca PARTNERS IN YOUR SUCCESS...... 33 Our Experts Helping Yours...... 33

BWG BY THE NUMBERS...... 34 BWG is Building...... 34 Investment-friendly Development Charges....35 Downtown Community Improvement Plan Incentives...... 36 Industrial Areas Community Improvement Plan Incentives...... 37

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS IN BWG...... 38 Bradford West Gwillimbury Office of Economic Development...... 38 Office of Economic Development...... 38 Bradford Board of Trade...... 38 Provincial and Federal Business Services....38

BWG VALUE...... 41 Investing in Safe, Healthy Communities...... 41

BWG: PARTNERS IN OPPORTUNITY.....42 The Case for Doing Business in BWG...... 42

BWG – HOW CAN WE ASSIST?...... 44 Let Us Help You Build, Work, Grow...... 44

10 WAYS BWG IS BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS...... 44 YOUR FUTURE IS IN BWG

A LOCATION BUILT ON OPPORTUNITY

Located minutes from Greater Toronto, Bradford 60KM West Gwillimbury is well-positioned for innovative economic activity across a broad spectrum of sectors. It is a progressive, dynamic community that welcomes 400 investment and growth. 30KM

BWG Office of Economic Development is BWG 404 a key partner in your success, offering local MARKHAM market expertise, an intuitive approach to VAUGHAN development and planning and a commitment to work seamlessly with other internal TORONTO 401 departments, staff and our Council to help make 407 your investment or development opportunity a reality.

BWG’s 26% growth rate is second- highest in and 11th overall in Canada

6 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca FACTS & STATS

LIMITLESS GROWTH POTENTIAL BWG is a progressive, affordable and safe community, prompting rapid population and business growth. BWG offers families and businesses a dynamic community, a variety of job opportunities and a growing market for goods and services.

POPULATION - 2016 WORKFORCE - 2016 35, 320 27, 740

POPULATION PROJECTED - 2031 50, 500

AGE GROUPS - 2016

4,055 12% 7, 230 ARTESIAN INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY 20% 280+ ACRES REAGENS INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY 165+ ACRES 24,045 68% DOWNTOWN 80+ ACRES HIGHWAY 400 EMPLOYMENT LANDS 0-14 years 15-64 years 65 years+ 900 ACRES

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 7 FACTS & STATS

INDUSTRIAL PROFILE readiness team poised to assist you, we BWG has a dynamic, balanced and welcome you to share in our success. growing economy, led by an advanced A strong American and Canadian and collaborative manufacturing economy have underpinned growth sector that employs one in five local and prosperity in BWG. Forecasts by workers. The top five employment RBC Economics suggest that growth sectors for BWG are: manufacturing, in the Canadian market will remain construction, retail, health care and solid at 1.5% in 2019 and 1.8% in 2020. accomodation, accounting for 54 Real GDP in Ontario will continue to per cent of overall employment. grow at 1.7% in 2019 and 1.6% in 2020. The remaining 46 per cent includes Retail sales will grow at 3.3% in 2019 professional and technical services, and 3.6% in 2020. The Canadian dollar administrative services, food and will remain in the $0.73 to $0.74 (US) entertainment services and a robust range and interest rates are predicted agriculture and agri-food industry, to plateau at their present rate of 1.75%. owing to the rich farmland in and around the Holland Marsh – Ontario’s TOP EMPLOYMENT SECTORS - most bountiful growing area. BWG WORKFORCE

The numbers indicate a thriving MANUFACTURING 2, 480 economy, driven by a versatile, CONSTRUCTION 2, 830 diverse and growing workforce. RETAIL 2, 315 BWG’s growth and pro-business HEALTHCARE 1, 590 attitude has created an environment of economic opportunity and prosperity. ACCOMODATION 1, 115

With an abundance of affordable SOURCE: STATS CANADA 2016 CENSUS properties, development charges that are lower than neighbouring Greater Toronto communities and an investment

8 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca BWG IS EXPERIENCING EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH ACROSS ALL SECTORS, PROMISING FUTURE OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPERITY.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 9 FACTS & STATS

INDUSTRY SPECIALIZATION Bradford West Gwillimbury’s economy A diversifying marketplace, coupled is diversifying across all sectors. This with booming population base has broadening economic base is expected created a catalyst for economic to accelerate as new, innovative, large- growth, with an expanded workforce scale developments come on-stream. and broadened consumer base.

EMPLOYMENT INCREASES – (CENSUS 2011 TO 2016)

MANUFACTURING 18%

CONSTRUCTION 52%

FINANCIAL SERVICES 40%

PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 36%

WHOLESALE TRADE 35%

SERVICE INDUSTRY 53%

SOURCE: STATS CANADA 2016 CENSUS

10 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES BWG’s growth has created a wealth of jobs in the real estate industry, with employment rising by 72% according to recent census data. Demand for new homes and businesses has resulted in a 52% increase in construction jobs.

BWG’s manufacturing industry remains robust, increasing by 18% since 2011. Manufacturers are concentrated in Artesian and Reagens Industrial parks, with affordable properties and grant programs for new builds and renovations. These industrial parks are hubs where collaboration and innovation happen.

As of 2019, BWG has received multiple applications for new builds and expansions in Reagens Industrial Park, complementing a wealth of new development projects underway on the Highway 400 Employment Lands, with 900 acres of properties zoned for prestige industrial growth.

Other areas of BWG’s economy to profit Manufacturing and from growth are the service industry (up 53%), financial services (up 40%), construction leading professional and technical services (up 36%) and wholesale trade (up 35%). the charge in BWG.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 11 FACTS & STATS

JOB NUMBERS (SME) account for the majority of jobs The evidence is clear, Bradford West in BWG, with nearly 65% of businesses Gwillimbury is thriving! In 2019, there employing four people or fewer. were more than 11,500 jobs within There are nearly 776 businesses in BWG, the community, following an upward employing 1 to 10 people. Home based employment trend of hundreds of new businesses are also a formidable presence jobs each year for the past several years. with approximately 2,500 entrepreneurs. As growth provides new job BWG’s business-friendly climate has opportunities, working locally is attracted and maintained large-scale an increasingly attractive prospect employers as well, defined as businesses for BWG’s workforce of 19,965. with more than 100 employees. Presently, Small and medium-sized businesses nine manufacturing and agri-food are the innovators, the risk takers, processing companies are part of the the ones on the leading edge of new BWG large-business community, with technologies and new ideas. These many planning expansions. Detailed small and medium-sized enterprises listings of BWG businesses are available

12 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca on a database at gotobwg.ca. in the north and the communities of York Region and Toronto in the south. With development already underway in Peak service is offered every half- the Highway 400 Employment Lands, hour. The Bradford GO Station also and multiple planning applications in offers GO Bus service to surrounding progress, BWG is poised for tremendous communities and transit terminals. growth in large-scale employment, complimenting an already well-balanced BWG Transit, operated by the Town and robust investment climate. of BWG, offers daily weekday service throughout town, with links to the Transportation is critical to business and Bradford GO Station and Reagans housing growth. BWG has a variety of Industrial Park. Saturday service and personal or business travel options both after-hours taxi services are also available. within the community and beyond. For other regional or international GO Transit, operated by the Government travel, there are three airports within of Ontario, offers seven-day passenger 30 km of BWG, with an additional rail service at the Bradford GO Station, two airports within 60 kilometres, which is located on Dissette Street including Pearson International on the east side of town. GO Transit’s Airport in Toronto. Intermodal rail rail service provides links to Barrie is available within 30 kilometres.

BUSINESS SIZE – EMPLOYEES VS NUMBER OF BUSINESSES

1-4 610

5-9 166

10-19 85

20-49 47

50-99 16

100-199 9

200+ 2

SOURCE: STATS CANADA BUSINESS REGISTER, 2019

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 13 FACTS & STATS

DEMOGRAPHICS AND secondary education, including EMPLOYMENT approximately 41 per cent Measured as part of the with a diploma or degree economic region spanning from a recognized college Kitchener, Waterloo and Barrie, or university. Seven per cent the strong Ontario economy have earned an apprenticeship has helped to push BWG’s or trade designation. unemployment rate to 5 per cent POST SECONDARY in 2019, down from an already INSTITUTIONS impressive 5.8% measured in Simcoe County offers a wealth the 2016 Census. This compares of post secondary educational to an Ontario unemployment opportunities, with two rate of 5.9% in 2019. colleges: Georgian College There are nearly twice as many and Collège Boréal, and two youth as seniors in BWG, creating universities: Lakehead University opportunity for a strong local and Laurentian University. labour force over the coming GEORGIAN COLLEGE – years. The median age in ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BWG is 37.1 years, compared CENTRE to 41.3 years for Ontario. This In 2018, Georgian College opened places BWG in a competitively the Peter B. Moore Advanced advantageous position for access Technology Centre, featuring the to workers (20,000 people and Centre for growing) and access to a strong Research, Innovation and and active consumer base. Commercialization, which EDUCATION LEVEL can assist with research and Nearly three-quarters of development efforts BWG’s workforce has post or commercialization of

14 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca technologies. The centre also offers customized training to suit the needs of your business.

POPULATION AND LABOUR FORCE WITHIN 30 KM OF BWG BWG is strategically situated between a number of growing communities in Simcoe County, York Region, Peel Region and Toronto. A total of 700,000 people live within a 30-kilometre radius of the town, including 400,000 currently in the workforce and another 150,000 youth – the future workforce.

The 30-kilometre radius includes the communities of Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Bolton, Alliston and Barrie.

HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION, POPULATION 25 TO 64

• No Certificate

• Secondary School 15% 20%

• Apprenticeship/Trades 2%

• College 28% 27% • Some University

• University Bachelor or 8% Above

A skilled, diverse, and growing workforce means your potential for success is limitless.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 15 REAGENS INDUSTRIAL PARK

BWG offers 5-minute access to Highway 400, ensuring we get to market efficiently and cost-effectively.” – Justin Moreau, VP Kumi Canada

16 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca SITE SELECTION

INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, EMPLOYMENT AREAS INSTITUTIONAL Reagans Industrial Park is a 5-minute BWG has hundreds of acres, ideally drive from Highway 400. There suited for a variety of industrial, are 165 acres of serviced land commercial and institutional uses. (services to the property line) ready for industrial development. BWG Economic Development staff are available to assist with site Artesian Industrial Park, on the east side selection inquiries and can match of town, is a 10-minute drive from you with available land parcels and Highway 400. There are 280 acres property owners to help advance your of serviced land (services to the development. With access to zoning property line) ready for both industrial information, status of new infrastructure and commercial development. and established relationships with The Highway 400 Employment Lands, owners and the development 900 acres of ready-to-develop, community, our team can provide all municipally-serviced lands along a pertinent information to assist you. six-kilometre stretch of Highway 400, BWG’s Economic Development team represent the next frontier for is working on building a diverse and manufacturing and commercial growing regional economy, based development. on innovation, sustainability, a skilled Downtown BWG, the heart of the workforce, and an ever-widening community, is undergoing a rapid range of industrial, commercial revitalization into a vibrant place of and institutional development. commerce, with restaurants and shops Please consider The BWG offering a variety of goods and services. Economic Development staff as Join the many businesses that are your partner in bringing your thriving in BWG! development projects to fruition.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 17 STRATHALLEN CAPITAL CORP.

We get many leads from the BWG Office of Economic Development...It has been a very pleasurable experience investing here.” – Grant Pretorius, VP Development, Strathallen

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 18 SITE SELECTION

DEVELOPERS details of each project, to identify any Adopting a pro-industry approach that challenges early. Applications for pre- encourages business investment, BWG consultation are available at is undergoing a major economic expansion www.townofbwg.com under - residential, industrial, commercial Community Planning. and institutional. STRATHALLEN Between 2016 and 2022, the Town Strathallen Capital Corp., a prominent will have invested $394 million on Canadian property ownership and new road, water, wastewater and development company, is one of the first transit infrastructure, to ensure to develop parcels in the BWG Highway that services are in-place to help 400 Employment Lands. Strathallen’s expedite construction projects. mandate, to acquire property and BWG’s Office of Economic Development add value through servicing, property is your first stop to find the ideal site management, leasing and development, and engage the planning process. has been the impetus behind the The BWG Investment Readiness Team development of approximately 100 acres brings together staff from all pertinent of property on the southwest quadrant departments (economic development, of Highway 400 and County Road 88. planning, capital, engineering, fire Strathallen has worked diligently to services, building and legal/finance become the first accredited company in as required), external experts and BWG to qualify under the Government consultants, to advance your project as of Ontario’s Investment Ready: quickly as possible. We also work closely Certified Site Program, which offers with members of Council to keep them important information to investors and apprised of applications in their wards to site selectors, encouraging faster site help address any questions or concerns. selection decisions. As of publication, BWG uses a mandatory pre-consultation this accreditation is in the final stages. process to determine the scope and

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 19 DG GROUP

The infrastructure is here. The new highway interchange is here. This town is extremely well positioned for business investment.” – Warren Melbourne, Project Manager DG Group

20 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca SITE SELECTION

INDUSTRY PARTNERS investment ambassadors with intimate The BWG Office of Economic knowledge of the local community, Development has an extensive businesses, services, trades and network of contacts built over years of other supporting organizations. relationship-building with land owners, developers, service providers, other DG GROUP levels of government and various non- Formerly known as Metrus, DG government organizations. These Group has more than four decades of contacts are an invaluable resource to experience as a leading developer in assist in locating and building in BWG. southern Ontario and is now one of the largest developers in Canada. Our support network, including Nottawasaga Futures (Community DG Group has hundreds of acres of Futures Development Corporation), land available for development along Bradford WORKS (Contact Highway 400 in BWG and brings a Community Services) and Bradford wealth of experience in developing Board of Trade are committed to the properties through its affiliation with same broad goals – managed and ConDrain Company Ltd. diversified growth and employment DG Group has a number of that benefits the local community. developments in BWG, with its first

Through these established partnerships, Highway 400 corridor development we can help early-stage entrepreneurs underway in the northeast quadrant develop and refine business plans, of Highway 400 and Line 5, which access capital, as well as provide will greatly benefit from upgraded practical ways for new and expanding road infrastructure including the new organizations to network with others, to highway interchange. build a more interconnected economy.

Consider the team at the BWG Office of Economic Development as your

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 21 DORTEC BRADFORD (MAGNA)

BWG is open to industry and Magna has been extremely well received. The Town’s openness, diverse workforce and close highway proximity make BWG very attractive.” – D. Viveiros, HR Director, Dortec Bradford (Magna)

22 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca SITE SELECTION

BUSINESS SUPPORTS Seminars and Workshops: Working with The BWG Office of Economic partners such as the Bradford Board of Development has created a streamlined, Trade, Nottawasaga CFDC and Simcoe fully integrated, cross-department County, we facilitate workshops/seminars approach to development, ensuring to help with various aspects of starting projects proceed efficiently and and running a successful business. successfully. We offer a number of Celebrating Your Success: We will services to help you succeed, including: co-ordinate commemorations of CIP Grants: Community Improvement important business milestones, such Plan incentives are available for as grand openings or anniversaries, downtown businesses to encourage including arranging for media more housing and building coverage and visits from officials. improvements. Incentives are also available in designated industrial DORTEC BRADFORD (MAGNA) parks to build or improve commercial Dortec Bradford (Magna) produces and industrial properties. stainless steel and aluminum stampings to supply the precision needs of BMW, Site Selection Assistance: Our Ford, Honda, GM and Chrysler. Dortec team has updated mapping and was attracted to BWG’s strong workforce. property information to assist Today, many of their 374 employees business owners and decision makers are local, with temporary workers, hired to find a new location for your as demand requires, receiving the first business creation or expansion. opportunity for full-time work. Dortec Business Data and Statistics: BWG actively supports local high school co- maintains up-to-date databases on op programs and the Ontario Youth key demographic and economic Apprenticeship Program, creating an information for prospective effective system of local school-to-job investors and business owners. placement. It’s an investment that has created success for Dortec and BWG.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 23 CHANNEL INDUSTRIAL GROUP

We built from scratch, and we chose Bradford ... Great culture, great people.” – Glen MacAdams

24 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca KEY INDUSTRIES

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING BWG continues to attract firms from various industries, including advanced manufacturing, agri-food production and processing, logistics and distribution, as well as head office facilities. Businesses in these sectors have been highly successful and have established in our two traditional Industrial Parks – Reagens and Artesian – as hubs of economic activity. CHANNEL INDUSTRIAL GROUP Our community has a rich heritage of Channel Industrial Group is a home- manufacturing and agriculture, owing grown BWG success story. Brothers to the generous bounty of the Holland Glen and Richard McAdams started as Marsh – among the most productive a home business in the community of farmland in Ontario. This pioneering Bond Head. They moved the company legacy has grown over the years to to Reagens Industrial Park in 2000 and include a robust manufacturing sector in continue to build. Channel Industrial automotive parts, plastics, aluminum and Group currently has a 24,000 sq. ft fabrication, plus on-farm diversification. plant with a 14,000 sq. ft building planned for construction. The company The Highway 400 Employment plans to develop a further 20,000 sq. Lands represent the next frontier ft. facility on site. Channels’ state-of- of development in BWG, with the-art laser cutting, sheering, plasma hotels, corporate headquarters and cutting, plate and structural rolling and manufacturing facilities establishing other technologies provide custom in the newest business park. light to heavy fabrication, finishing and painting, serving a global marketplace.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 25 SERVICE STAR FREIGHTWAYS INC.

Bradford offers great connections to transportation routes. “It’s easy in, easy out.” – Mike Smith

26 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca KEY INDUSTRIES

TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS/ International. Pearson features 1,200 WAREHOUSING daily flights and carries nearly 50 million BWG is an ideal location for a passengers annually to more than 180 transportation, logistics and/or global destinations. Lake Simcoe Regional warehousing enterprise. There is ready Airport, located in Simcoe County access to two major highways (Highway (also less than an hour drive), provides 400 and 404) which feed directly into international flights, immigration/ Greater Toronto and Canada’s busiest border services and cargo shipping. transportation route, Highway 401. The airport is presently expanding to Highway 400’s two BWG interchanges enhance flight service as well as add new provide superior access to markets across assembly and maintenance facilities. southern Ontario and the U.S. A planned link between Highway 400 and 404, north of Line 8, will provide even greater SERVICE STAR FREIGHTWAYS access to these markets, and increased In 1992, Mike Smith and Frank opportunity to businesses in BWG. Malatesta’s home-based business relocated to Artesian Industrial A network of regional and provincial Parkway. Over the past 24 years roadways provides safe and efficient Service Star has built both its solid transportation alternatives, as well reputation and its fleet, now at 20 as access to smaller regional centres. trucks and 40 trailers. Service Star CN and CP rail lines are available for moves freight across the U.S. and access to continental or international Canada through a network of 20 seaborne shipping, in conjunction with partner carriers, providing shipping the highway system. Intermodal facilities solutions that maintain multiple supply in Brampton, Mississauga and Vaughan chains. Service Star Freightways’ are a mere 60 to 90 minute drive. small size and level of specialization

BWG is less than an hour drive from helped build a reputation as a quality, the largest airport in Canada, Pearson responsible carrier.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 27 GWILLIMDALE FARMS

Location is key in the farming business. We’re located in one of the best areas ever.” – John Hambly, President, Gwillimdale Farms

28 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca KEY INDUSTRIES

AGRI-FOOD PROCESSING/ for all products, making it an ideal MANUFACTURING location for both growing and food The soil of the Holland Marsh provides processing. With thousands of acres a rich bounty to farm families and reserved for agricultural use, BWG commercial agricultural organizations, recognizes the importance of the making it a valuable hub for food agri-food industry and has worked growing, processing and distribution to to ensure this growing legacy markets across Canada and beyond. continues for the coming decades.

BWG has generations of residents with experience in all aspects of food GWILLIMDALE FARMS growing, harvesting and processing on From humble beginnings in the 1870s, a mass or artisinal scale. The Holland under the stewardship of fourth- Marsh Growers Association (HMGA) and generation farmer John Hambly, Bradford Co-op are integral components Gwillimdale farms comprises 2,500 of agri-business in BWG and vital acres in Bradford, and an additional partners in providing data on production, 600 acres in New Liskeard. It includes crop diversity and export markets. an Angus cow-calf operation, and produces cash crops of carrots, The Holland Marsh is home to the Muck onions, parsnips, potatoes and beets, Crops Research Station, which includes in rotation with corn, wheat and soy. a plant pathology lab, greenhouses The company also runs three packing and cold storage facilities for field lines, capable of processing about research. The station collaborates with 250,000 lbs. of produce daily. To the University of Guelph’s agricultural keep the lines running and customers’ program and was established to orders supplied, the farm not only devise improved crop growing, processes vegetables grown on its protection and pest management. own land, but also that of other area BWG’s transportation network partners. ensures timely arrival to market

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 29 MITEK CANADA

After 60 successful years in BWG we’re expanding to a new headquarters near Highway 400. BWG is a great place to do business and we’re here for the long haul.” – Mike Sanderson

30 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca KEY INDUSTRIES

CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE FACILITIES Already home to a growing number of corporate headquarters, BWG is the ideal location to establish a corporate or head office and ancillary facilities. The BWG location allows for ready access to various transportation MITEK MiTek focuses on innovative technology routes, and is close to markets and engineering software that has made and customers. The BWG staff can the company a leader in the building help expedite the acquisition and industry. For more than 60 years MiTek property development process to get Canada Inc. has been a manufacturing your staff in the building and being and corporate leader in BWG since productive as soon as possible. opening its 80,000 sq. ft. facility BWG is perfectly positioned for on Industrial Road (part of Artesian your modern, adaptable facility Industrial Park) in 1990. The company with access to the traditional transit has evolved to the position where it is networks including GO Transit, at the top of the Canadian engineered enhanced telecommunications, and wood products market. Having high-speed internet resources. benefitted from many successful years in BWG, MiTek recently announced BWG is a welcoming, vibrant and active its plans to build a new, larger facility community that opens its doors to new in the town’s newest industrial park – residents. Nature surrounds the Town, the Highway 400 Employment Lands. offering opportunities for outdoor MiTek recently broke ground for a new recreational pursuits on land or water, as 240,000 sq. ft. facility to consolidate its well as exceptional schools, health care two plants, providing employment for facilities and practitioners and diverse 210 people. and vibrant arts and culture scene.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 31 AURORA RIVER

We were welcomed with open arms. It’s nice to go where you are wanted!” – Aaron Denhartog, Aurora River

32 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca PARTNERS IN YOUR SUCCESS

OUR EXPERTS HELPING YOURS Our website, gotobwg.ca, has been The BWG Office of Economic Development designed for quick and easy access to is your first stop for information on information that decision-makers and the local and area labour market, land industry analysts require. A call or email and building availability, demographics to our office will be answered promptly, and business networking. We are and establish a clear path to helping committed to providing information your business goals come to fruition. quickly and comprehensively.

AURORA RIVER “The location was ideal for us. By bordering With operations around the world, the Greater Toronto Area, being in BWG Aurora Cannabis is defining the future of allows us to both attract and retain the best cannabis globally. That reputation has been and brightest employees to our world-class earned due to the consistent quality of its facility and ship our products effortlessly production facilities, which include Aurora across Canada and the globe.” River in BWG. With annual production capacity of 28,000 BWG has proven to be an ideal spot in kg., Aurora River now employs 350 people, south-central Ontario for the cannabis making it one of the region’s largest facility to flourish. “The region has a lot employers. The 210,000 sq. ft. operation is to offer,” says Darren Karasiuk, Aurora’s highly-automated and state-of-the-art. Chief Commercial Officer. “But the most In addition to supplying the Canadian attractive quality about investing here is the medical and recreational markets, Aurora wonderful support we have received from River ships high-quality medical cannabis Council, town staff and the community as a products to countries worldwide, including whole.” Council and staff embraced the idea many in Europe. The facility is EU-GMP of a cannabis production facility in Reagens certified, meeting the European Union’s Industrial Park and worked diligently to strict requirements for manufacturing incorporate necessary zoning changes. medical cannabis products.

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 33 BWG BY THE NUMBERS

BWG IS BUILDING growth by balancing residential In 2018, BWG experienced $88 million in needs with expanded commercial and business-related real estate transactions, industrial sectors, underpinned by a with a further $350,000 spent on leased comprehensive capital plan, to ensure spaces. BWG’s growth has also spurred that growth is accommodated with tremendous demand for planning an appropriate level of transportation, applications and building permits. water and wastewater servicing.

In 2018, the town had 51 active planning applications, with 19 of these BWG’s Gains – 2018 undertaken that year alone. The town issued more than 2,600 non-residential $88 million dollars in real estate transactions building permits over this period, with construction value of non-residential 51 planning applications developments averaging more than $65 million annually over the past two years. 2,600 non-residential building permits BWG is carefully managing this

34 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca INVESTMENT-FRIENDLY communities in York Region. DEVELOPMENT CHARGES Industrial/non-retail rates are also highly BWG wants your business investment competitive, lower per square foot and has created a business-friendly than the Greater Toronto communities climate to attract companies. In 2019, of Brampton and Caledon, and BWG reviewed its Development Charges markedly lower than York Region. Bylaw, implementing recommendations to keep rates attractive and lower BWG works to build positive, than surrounding jurisdictions constructive relationships with developers and investors and will Retail/commercial rates in BWG are consider deferral agreements on approximately 25 per cent lower, select projects. Reach out to the per square foot, than neighbouring Office of Economic Development communities in Simcoe County and and let us work with you! roughly 1/3 the rate of neighbouring

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 35 BWG BY THE NUMBERS

DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN INCENTIVES To ensure a balance of both urban renewal and residential/ commercial growth, BWG implemented a Downtown Community Improvement Plan (DCIP) in 2011 with a mandate of encouraging infill development, housing intensification and business/dwelling improvements.

The plan offers development charge grants, tax increment grants and funding for façade improvement, interior building upgrades and building/permit fees to business owners or tenants investing in new buildings, expansions or renovations. To date, more than $1 million has been invested in transforming BWG’s downtown core into a vibrant area to live and shop.

At a recent mid-program review, BWG Council has extended the program to at least 2021, with the option to continue. The DCIP grants provide tremendous incentive for new investors and existing merchants alike to invest in downtown BWG.

DOWNTOWN BRADFORD CIP INCENTIVES FAÇADE, LANDSCAPE AND SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM

BUILDING, RESTORATION AND IMPROVEMENT

PLANNING FEES AND BUILDING PERMIT GRANT PROGRAM

DEVELOPMENT CHARGE GRANT PROGRAM

TAX BASED REDEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

36 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca INDUSTRIAL AREAS and Reagens, as well as COMMUNITY to provide incentives for IMPROVEMENT PLAN existing businesses to INCENTIVES expand or renovate. As part of Bradford West Development Charge grants, Gwillimbury’s Industrial Areas tax increment financing, Community Improvement Plan building/permit fee abatement (IACIP), a suite of incentives was and renovation grants are all created to help promote growth available. The program has and encourage expansion of been renewed to 2021, with the Town’s industrial base. higher incentive rates for the The goal of this IACIP is early years of the program. to stimulate private sector This generous grant program is development and investment tremendously advantageous to in the two established BWG those looking to invest or re- Industrial Parks, Artesian invest in BWG manufacturing.

INDUSTRIAL AREAS CIP INCENTIVES

DEVELOPMENT CHARGE GRANT PROGRAM

TAX BASED REDEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

PLANNING FEES AND BUILDING PERMIT GRANT PROGRAM BUILDING, RESTORATION, RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

“BWG is building on its agricultural legacy to become a dynamic mixed economy,” – Mayor Rob Keffer

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 37 OPPORTUNITY AWAITS IN BWG

BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY BRADFORD BOARD OF TRADE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC The Bradford Board of Trade is a DEVELOPMENT volunteer-run non-profit organization BWG Economic Development is here to that works to promote and enhance local help you with all your business needs. businesses, by providing services to help local businesses run more effectively, Visit www.gotobwg.ca for a full list creating networking opportunities and of business services provided. advocating on behalf of local businesses to all levels of government. SIMCOE COUNTY OFFICE OF www.bradfordboardoftrade.com ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Simcoe County Economic PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL Development Office assists organizations BUSINESS SERVICES with all of their County-approved The Government of Ontario and business development and relocation Government of Canada each offer unique needs, providing an upper tier of resources in the form of grants, loans government support. This office also and information for entrepreneurs and helps provide funding and resources economic development experts. Support to the municipal level economic from these upper levels of government development offices, including BWG. assist in local planning and economic www.edo.simcoe.ca development initiatives, as well as help build the economy in communities such as BWG. www.canadabusiness.ca

38 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FROM ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO HELP YOUR PROJECT SUCCEED

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 39 WE ARE A SAFE, SECURE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR NEW BUSINESSES AND NEW RESIDENTS.

40 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca BWG VALUE

INVESTING IN SAFE, HEALTHY services such as cancer treatment, COMMUNITIES dialysis and leading-edge cardiac care. Investing in BWG is an investment in BWG offers a lifestyle and a pace of one of Canada’s safest communities, life that is perfect for employees who according to Maclean’s magazine. Their wish to raise healthy, active families, 2018 study, citing data from Statistics with an extensive, year-round parks Canada, determined the neighbouring and trails network, modern recreational towns of Bradford West Gwillimbury facilities and exceptional schools. and to have one of the lowest crime severity indexes in the country.

This statistic is not news to the many businesses that make their homes in “BWG is one of the BWG, as the community is well serviced by South Simcoe Police (a shared service safest communities between BWG and Innisfil), County EMS and municipal Fire Service. Each in Canada … it has service constantly strives to improve one of the lowest response times, proactively work with residents and businesses and adopt crime severity the latest technologies and practices.

Complementing exceptional emergency indexes in the response services are two world-class hospitals – Southlake Regional Health country” Centre and Royal Victoria Hospital, which are less than a 30-minute drive – McLean’s Magazine from the community. These facilities offer state-of-the-art primary care facilities, critical care and specialized

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 41 BWG: PARTNERS IN OPPORTUNITY

THE CASE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN BWG BWG works closely with our partners at Simcoe County, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada, to co-ordinate and execute comprehensive economic development strategies that promote business investment and employment. All levels of government have an effective lead-handling protocol in place to ensure that business inquiries and opportunities are followed up quickly and accurately, regardless of the level of government approached.

BWG’s Investment Readiness Team handles hundreds of direct inquiries and works very closely with Simcoe County through its Made in Simcoe program (https://edo.simcoe.ca/made-in-simcoe-county) to quickly respond to indirect inquiries. Working as a team with various levels of government ensures that information is delivered accurately and quickly.

BWG is committed to creating an environment that fosters development, growth and success

42 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca BWG CONTINUES TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH SIMCOE COUNTY AND THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO TO SUCCESSFULLY ATTRACT AND RETAIN INVESTMENT

gotoBWG.ca | Bradford West Gwillimbury 43 BWG – HOW CAN WE ASSIST?

LET US HELP YOU BUILD, WORK, sourcing and acquisition of suitable GROW property and facilitating partnerships The BWG Economic Development and contacts with local service staff is dedicated to supporting our providers, we are here to meet your developers, entrepreneurs and investors needs and exceed your expectations. with all aspects of your project to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. From planning and permitting,

10 WAYS BWG IS BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! TECHNOLOGY Minutes from GTA, highly accessible, Leading-edge telecommunications close to Canadian & American markets infrastructure

PRO-INDUSTRY APPROACH WORKFORCE Growth, development and prosperity are Skilled, enthusiastic, educated people BWG priorities who are ready to work

AVAILABLE LAND ENERGY Premium, affordable, fully-serviced Fully-serviced power and water supplies, properties in abundance with decades of capacity

COMPLEMENTARY COMPANIES COMPETITIVE ALTERNATIVES A diversified and innovative commercial Exceptional land, lifestyle and scalability and industrial base opportunities

SUPPORT COST EFFECTIVE Information and expertise when you need Better, more abundant serviced land at a it, how you want it lower fixed cost

44 Bradford West Gwillimbury | gotoBWG.ca BUILD WORK GROW

TALK TO US 905-775-5366 ext.1310

www.gotoBWG.ca THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

MAKE YOUR MOVE gotoBWG.ca

CONTACT US TODAY Office of Economic Development Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury 100 Dissette Street P.O. Box 100, Bradford, ON L3Z 2A7 www.gotoBWG.ca | 905-775-5366 x1310 [email protected]