Canada has proven to be a very popular locale for many companies, both from the United States and other parts of the world.
Labor and land can also cost significantly less than in the United States. Other advantages include a top-notch fiber-optic infrastructure, competitive utility costs, and a skilled and educated work force.
Canada’s territories and cities offer a variety of real estate options for companies looking to expand or relocate their business north of the border.
The city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is trying to make it easier for expanding or relocating companies to find the right parcel of land or building.
The city launched its Industrial Marketing Strategy in 2001. Part of the strategy was bringing together various organizations in Sault Ste. Marie to pool their money to purchase key parcels of land throughout the city.
Once the tracts were bought, the group worked on upgrading them and making the land ready to market to companies.
To date, pieces of land on Sault Ste. Marie’s west side are nearing readiness for occupation by companies. Roadwork has been done to allow easier truck access, and all utilities — including electricity, water and gas — have been extended to the sites.
The city of Toronto is another place that is doing considerable work in order to attract growing companies.
The New Toronto Employment Centre Pilot Project encourages businesses to locate in an area of Toronto adjacent to the Canadian National Railway line.
Businesses can receive either a Rehabilitation Grant or a Facade Grant for locating in the New Toronto Employment Centre.
A Rehabilitation Grant provides money to the expanding company for property and building improvements. A Facade Grant is given out for the redesign, renovation or restoration of a building facade in the New Toronto Employment Centre area.
A few specifics on the Rehabilitation Grant include a minimum $500,000 investment, and the property must be used for eligible employment uses.
The grant maximum is 55 percent of the new city tax revenue from the site, and the grant cannot exceed the cost of the site improvements.
The Facade Grant has a much lower threshold of minimum investment ($5,000). The grant calls for the sharing of expenses 50-50 between the city of Toronto and the business.
The portion of land that makes up the New Toronto Employment Centre is strategically placed within the city.
It is just 15 minutes from Pearson International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Toronto.
There is also a rail line on-site, and ground transportation can move quickly to the rest of Canada and the United States through major Canadian highways.
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