City Council's Effort to Encourage Industrial Growth is Paying Off

A move by the City of Orillia to encourage growth in the local manufacturing sector is paying off with some early dividends.

CCI Thermal Technologies Inc. announced yesterday its commitment to double the size of its Hunter Valley Road plant. Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion coming early next year.

The announcement comes on the heels of a move last month by City Council to put a two-year freeze on Industrial Development charges, in an effort to entice existing manufacturers to expand, and to attract new industry to the City.

"We are pleased to hear that CCI Thermal will be expanding, and we look forward to the creation of new jobs at the plant," said Dan Landry, the City's manager of economic development. "This is a sign that Orillia's economy has the potential to expand. City Council is committed to encouraging job creation and this is a step in the right direction."

CCI Thermal is a world leader in industrial electric heating and filtration solutions. The Orillia plant currently employs approximately 135 workers. It's expected the expansion will lead to a number of new jobs over the next three years.

Development charges are collected to cover the costs of oversized municipal infrastructure and other municipal services for future development.

Last month, City Council voted to place a two-year moratorium on the collection of the $109.04 per square metre charge, following a recommendation from the Economic Development Committee.

Landry said the recommendation came as a result of findings from a Business Retention and Expansion Program being carried out in Orillia.

"During the survey of businesses last year, Industrial Development charges were identified as a factor prohibiting local industry from expanding," said Landry. "Council's decision to reduce this barrier is already paying off. We anticipate and look forward to other local manufacturers taking advantage of this opportunity to grow and to create more local jobs."

While the number and scope of industrial players in Orillia and beyond has contracted in recent years, Landry pointed out those remaining manufacturers in the area have weathered the storms and are still going strong.

"These companies are the best in the world at what they do. They are innovators and they are right here in our own back yard," he said. "That says something about the companies. And it says something about Orillia as well."

Landry added it's important to encourage local industrial growth because jobs in this sector are typically higher-paying and usually represent a significant infusion of cash into the local economy.

For more information, contact:
Dan Landry
Manager of Economic Development
City of Orillia
705-325-4884
dlandry@orillia.ca