The Municipality of Meaford has made a significant investment with the purchase of more than 25 acres of commercial/industrial land along Highway 26.
“This strategic acquisition supports Council’s long-term vision for economic development, job creation, and a more diverse local economy,” said the municipality in a media release announcing the purchase.
At its meeting on November 17, Meaford Council unanimously approved the purchase of two properties on this major arterial highway through Southern Georgian Bay. The municipality said that bringing these lands into the municipal inventory is “a forward-looking investment that strengthens Meaford’s ability to guide and support future growth.”
“This is the 2022-26 Council’s single most important achievement,” said Mayor Ross Kentner. “It signals that we are not only serious about more houses; we are serious about more jobs.”
Property 1: ST VINCENT CON 4 W PT LOT 13; RP 16R10857 PART 3
- 20.23 acres of vacant Industrial Land
- Currently unserviced land
- Fronting Muir Street
- Proposed and negotiated purchase price of $2,000,000.
Property 2: ST VINCENT CON 4 PT LOT 13; RP 16R10857 PARTS 8 to 13 PT; PART 5
- 6.09 acres of vacant Commercial land
- Currently unserviced land
- Fronting Highway 26
- Proposed & negotiated purchase price of $1,675,000.
Located on a well-travelled regional corridor, these properties open the door to new opportunities for innovation and investment. With this acquisition, the Municipality can better respond to economic development priorities, support local business growth, and attract new employers to the community.
The municipality says that the primary focus for these lands is the creation of a future industrial park, designed to attract businesses looking to invest and grow in Meaford. By planning for serviced industrial lands in a highly visible location, the Municipality is positioning itself to compete more effectively for new investment.
Without industrial land, Meaford has faced challenges in capitalizing on regional economic development opportunities. Mayor Kentner noted that Grey County’s investment attraction efforts have been limited by the lack of marketable industrial sites within the municipality.
“I have been concerned since day one that, without industrial land, if and when the Ontario Pumped Storage project moves forward, the supply chain jobs that logically should locate in the Municipality of Meaford will end up benefitting only our neighbours,” Mayor Kentner said.
At the recent Clean Energy Frontier Conference in Tiverton, John McQuarrie of BWTX highlighted that long-term investments drive supply-chain benefits, which is a potential outcome of the Ontario Pumped Storage project in Meaford. McQuarrie also noted that local talent is strong in the region and easier to find than in larger urban centres like the GTA.
“Grey County applauds the Municipality of Meaford for its proactive approach to investment readiness and its commitment to building strong, future-focused communities. By creating municipally-owned employment lands, Meaford is not only supporting regional economic growth but also advancing the goals outlined in Grey County’s Economic Development Master Plan—specifically investment readiness and capacity building. This initiative strengthens our shared vision of a resilient economy and positions Meaford and Grey County as a destination for business and innovation,” said Savanna Myers, Director of Economic Development, Tourism & Culture, Grey County.
The next steps will include planning and due diligence to determine servicing, and phasing options for the future industrial park. The Municipality will continue to work closely with Grey County and regional partners to market these lands and attract high-quality, long-term investment.
