Residents have no doubt noticed the extensive development underway on the north side of Steeles Avenue, across the road from the Toronto Premium Outlets.
Representatives from the Town of Halton Hills, Prologis and commercial real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield (CW) were at the site on Tuesday (July 9) to break ground together for a future logistics complex, one of mammoth design totalling 1.3 million square feet across three buildings.
Mayor Ann Lawlor told the dozens gathered that the Town is so pleased logistics real estate company Prologis and CW are driving the energy and investment in this area.
“This is a significant investment in Halton Hills,” she said. “I’m delighted to see this project come to fruition and construction starting. Prologis has been an excellent partner throughout the development process, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
The new development, called Prologis Halton Hills Gateway, is sandwiched between the population centres of Halton Hills, Milton, Mississauga and Brampton. Easy access to Hwy. 401 will put Toronto, Pearson Airport and the US border within reach.
Prologis VP and country manager Bill Bolender says his company estimates the location will help generate roughly 1,000 to 2,000 jobs.
“We are excited to build in Halton Hills," he said. "More businesses are looking for modern logistics facilities that are well-located and this site’s proximity to major highways and the GTA will appeal to many of our customers."
He noted that Prologis is already a large land owner in Milton as well, giving its customers an added advantage of growth with additional facilities.
Once completed, the logistics hub in Halton Hills will boast 175 dock doors and 260 trailer parking spaces.
Several design decisions ensure the building will also remain future-proof. The company says it will be investing in several technologies of the 21st century, ones that have an environmental benefit.
The buildings are being prepared to incorporate solar-powered micro-grids. This is a piece of standalone electrical infrastructure that generates electricity locally, but can also support the larger grid, thus benefiting others.
Bolender added that electric vehicle charging, LED lighting - interior and exterior - and air exchange systems (for fresh air) are part of the plan.
The first two buildings are expected to be complete sometime early in the new year. No word yet on when the final and smallest building will be finished as it's still in the proposal stage.
Potential tenants of the buildings are not known either as the structures are being constructed on spec. CW is conducting the marketing for potential tenants, for which they are casting a wide net.
“Fortune 100 to start, Fortune 500 next, neighbours, groups that are consolidating their operations from three buildings to one - that’s where we are starting,” Cushman & Wakefield’s Senior VP Zach Parent said, adding that they are also looking worldwide.
