Location is the key factor in selecting Bradford West Gwillimbury for a food processing facility.

Located in some of the richest and most productive farmland in Ontario including the Holland Marsh, Bradford West Gwillimbury produces a broad diversity of food crops.

Close proximity to the heart of Canada’s most populated region and supported by good transportation access to the Greater Toronto Area (population in excess of 5 million), the USA and Pearson International Airport, Bradford West Gwillimbury is the ideal location for food processing facilities.

Producers have the advantage of a ready supply of grains, vegetables and oilseeds. Competitive wage levels, a strong labour force and population growth well in excess of the provincial average provide Bradford West Gwillimbury with a competitive edge.

Our food sector comprises food processing, warehousing, distribution and retail food services.

• Cereal products
• Biscuits and crackers
• Snack foods
• Pet foods
• Sauces and condiments
• Nutraceuticals

Advantages

The Holland Marsh
The Holland Marsh, a large deposit of organic soils occupying a shallow basin, is designated as a specialty crop area by the Province of Ontario. It comprises about 18,200 acres shared by Bradford West Gwillimbury and York Region.

A report released in 2009 called the Holland Marsh Agricultural Impact Study, conducted by the consulting firm of Planscape for the Holland Marsh Growers’ Association with funds from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, found that the Marsh is “an area of tremendous possibility.”

It generates annually in the range of $35 to $58 million annually in gross domestic product, and between $95 million and $169 million of economic activity in the provincial economy. About 31 per cent of the value of all vegetable production in Ontario is accounted for by the Holland Marsh.

The agricultural impact study states: “At this time when the public is awakening to the importance of local food, the Marsh is the ‘salad bowl’ for Ontario. With its outstanding growing conditions, skilled operators and proximity to market, it is taking advantage of the opportunity to raise its profile and increase its market.

“Although carrots and onions continue to dominate, currently there are in excess of 34 different vegetables grown in the Marsh. With the large, growing, ethnically diverse market in the
GTA there may be an opportunity to further diversify and develop new markets.”

More details can be found in the complete report [32MB].


Location 

• Located in the heart of Canada’s most populated region, with good transportation access to the GTA, the US and Pearson International Airport.
• Excellent access to suppliers and competitively priced raw material.
• Located near Toronto, which is North America’s second largest, and fastest growing food cluster.
• Ability for small to medium sized firms to locate closer to the markets they serve.   

Labour Force 

• Competitive wage levels, strong labour force and population growth.
• Demographic suitability: For the most part, the food industry is labour intensive (for semi-skilled) jobs.

Cost 

• Ontario has a jurisdictional advantage with regard to costs over the US. Larger multinationals often prefer smaller urban/rural locations that offer a lower cost environment.
• Access to markets remains an important consideration.