East Gwillimbury welcomes largest employment development in Town’s history

East Gwillimbury welcomed the announcement from Loblaw Companies Limited and Choice Properties REIT that they are building an advanced logistics and distribution centre on Woodbine Avenue, just north of Green Lane East at the Rice Group development site. This project is the largest employment development project in the Town’s history.

In a news release issued earlier today, Loblaw Companies Limited and Choice Properties REIT announced they are building a 1.2 million sq. ft distribution centre. Loblaw is an industry leading employer with a commitment to environmental and social initiatives. The distribution centre will bring more than 1000 jobs to the community and generate more than $500,000 in municipal taxes annually. The community will also benefit from $7 million in development charges that will be used to build roads and sewers, community centres, parks, playgrounds, trails, and other community amenities. York Region school boards will also generate approximately $1.5 million in revenue from the project.

“We are thrilled that Loblaw chose East Gwillimbury and the Rice Group property for its newest location,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “This is the largest employment development project our Town has ever seen, and it will bring great benefits to the community in terms of job creation. This high-profile project is also starting the development of EG employment lands and will serve as an important anchor for the attraction of future investment.”

The Town has been working collaboratively on the site preparation with landowner Rice Group along with stakeholders such as The Regional Municipality of York and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

“Business and job growth are fundamental to York Region’s economic success,” said York Region Chairman and CEO, Wayne Emmerson. “As the third largest business centre in Ontario and a top destination for talent and investment, we are pleased Loblaw Companies Limited and Choice Properties REIT has joined our thriving business community and are helping ensure those living in York Region have the opportunity to work and thrive where they live.”

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

The Town of East Gwillimbury is Canada’s fastest growing municipality (with more than 5,000 residents) according to 2021 Census Canada data. The Town provides several programs and services to approximately 36,000 residents, while maintaining more than 80 percent of its green space. To learn more about the Town, visit eastgwillimbury.ca