Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) has finalized the purchase of an additional 21.5 acres of land from the City of Orillia in the Horne Business Park to accommodate the construction of a new Hydro One Regional Operations Centre and Provincial Warehouse in Orillia.
This investment is in addition to the new Grid Control Centre Hydro One is currently constructing in West Orillia.
Orillia is currently selling about 25 acres of fully serviced employment lands behind the Hydro One development and the Orillia OPP detachment as part of the Horne Business Park expansion lands. Demand for these lands is high and numerous lots have already been approved by Council for purchase. To find out more visit orillia.ca/hornebusinesspark.
“Hydro One’s purchase of an additional 21.5 acres of land in West Orillia to construct its Regional Operations Centre and Provincial Warehouse further reinforces Hydro One’s commitment to investing in Orillia,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “These new facilities will bring new employment opportunities and continued economic growth to the Sunshine City.”
“With the new Orillia Ontario Provincial Police Detachment now open, Hydro One’s three facilities, and the Horne Business Park expansion lands selling quickly, the Horne Business Park site is a beacon for the strong economic future of Orillia.”
The city anticipates construction of Hydro One’s three facilities in West Orillia will contribute $200 to $300 million in near-term economic impact to Orillia and will bring additional jobs to the community. It is anticipated the Regional Operations Centre and Provincial Warehouse will be constructed within the next five years.
“At Hydro One, we invest in the communities where we work and live,” said Daniel Levitan, vice president of stakeholder relations, Hydro One.
“We’re committed to our partnership with the City of Orillia, and are excited to move to the next phase of this project that promises to play a significant role in the City’s growth. We look forward to energizing life in the region for years to come.”
Construction of the new Grid Control Centre is well underway; the upcoming construction of the new Regional Operations Centre and Provincial Warehouse is expected to create “significant” employment.
“Hydro One’s investment in Orillia and the demand we are experiencing for the adjacent 25 acres of Horne Business Park lands highlights the strong economic growth Orillia is experiencing despite the very challenging times presented by the current COVID-19 pandemic,” said Orillia CAO Gayle Jackson.