Investment will create jobs and improve trade for vital region
LONDON, ON ? Businesses in London and the area will have a greater opportunity to access and compete in international markets thanks to an investment of up to $8 million to establish an International Air Freight Transshipment Centre at the London International Airport that will create up to 150 new jobs and launch a new Cargo Village Gateway. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, made the announcement at the airport today.
"Our government is committed to creating jobs and strengthening the economy in communities across southern Ontario," said Minister Goodyear. "This investment will benefit Londoners and local businesses throughout the region, and help London become a leading transportation and economic gateway in North America."
"London told us their priority was the Airport - and we delivered. This investment by our government is a fulfillment of the number-one infrastructure request of our local government, business associations, regional leaders and key stakeholders. Our investment is significant and it creates an economic legacy for years to come. London's economy is well-positioned to rebound faster as a result of smart, strategic investments like this," said Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West.
The new cargo terminal will generate nearly 100 initial jobs consisting of freight handling, packaging, handling logistics, etc., with an additional 50 jobs to support customs activities and trucking. Each additional flight to London would add an additional 12 per cent in job growth.
The London International Airport and the City of London have initiated a joint venture agreement to develop 200 acres of land referred to as Skyway Industrial Park. The City of London, the London International Airport and the Government of Canada will contribute as partners to Phase One of the Cargo Village Gateway project. This will include airport land servicing, taxiway expansion and the development a freight terminal as a major step towards a foreign trade zone.
"This is very encouraging news for all Londoners and will create new jobs and industries to stimulate our economy," says Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Mayor of the City of London. "Based on our strategic location, and this welcome financial support, the City of London can truly partner with London International Airport to implement an innovative new strategy to effectively serve as Southwestern Ontario's transportation hub for the future."
The enhanced development will allow London International Airport to capture an opportunity to become an international trade centre that generates international transportation, enhanced competitiveness for regional business and new sustainable employment. For more information on the project, please see the backgrounder.
"This strategic investment will propel the advancement of London and southwestern Ontario as a major international transportation centre and create a legacy of sustainable new employment with a connected region for business. London International Airport will develop greenfield investment opportunities for a wide variety of sectors, including distribution centers, warehousing and manufacturing," said Steve Baker, President, London International Airport.
This investment comes from the $55-million intake process under the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP), which is open until December 1, 2009. The SODP was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in Southern Ontario. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth. Overall funding for the SODP is $100 million in 2009-10.
For more information on the SODP and details regarding the intake processes, please visit the FedDev Ontario web site. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
