Aerospace company is set to create what it describes as Canada’s first large-scale rocket engine testing facility, a $30-million venture in London that aims to generate 40 jobs within the next 18 months.
The Canada Rocket Company (CRC), established in 2025, is a Toronto-based aerospace startup working on reusable medium-lift rockets that can transport up to 12,500 kilograms (27,000 pounds). The company aspires to eventually launch Canadian satellites from within the country.
On Thursday, the firm revealed its intention to construct a 12,000-square-foot rocket engine test facility on 20 hectares (50 acres) of land leased from the Greater London International Airport Authority. CRC anticipates that the location, situated at the southwest corner of Nissouri Road and Evelyn Drive, will be fully operational by 2028.
“I think many communities might have said this is just too much work,” Hugh Kolias, the company’s CEO, remarked, noting that these plans have been underway since March.
“The London International Airport team and the London Economic Development Corporation have been absolutely fantastic partners throughout this process; that’s really why we’re here.”
Kolias points out that Canada lacks its own launch capabilities and relies on foreign rockets for sending Canadian satellites into space. The goal is to change this and provide Canada with independent access to space.
“The systems we all rely on daily-like GPS, communications, financial transactions and defense applications-all depend upon infrastructure we ultimately don’t control,” he explained.
Canada Rocket Company CEO Hugh Kolias, right, talks with local politicians following the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s planned rocket engine test facility. Photo taken on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Geoff Robins/The )
Scott Mc Fadzean, president of the airport, stated that this new facility aligns with their vision of becoming a key regional hub.
“This investment enhances London’s growing aerospace sector and opens up new possibilities for collaboration with Western University, Fanshawe College and future engineers, technicians and innovators,” Mc Fadzean mentioned.
The facility will include both an engine testing area and office space and will be named after Jeremy Hansen-a London-born astronaut who became the first non-American to travel into deep space during NASA’s Artemis II mission earlier this year.
Although Hansen couldn’t attend in person for the announcement he sent a video message congratulating CRC and expressed his honor at having the facility named after him.
CRC states its $30-million facility will provide them with the infrastructure needed for static testing of their rocket engines capable of generating over one million newtons of thrust.
The company is currently collaborating with both airport officials and regulators as they move forward with planning for the facility. Kolias expects construction to officially kick off next week.
In less than a year since launching operations Kolias says they’ve secured over $22.5 million in funding-including an $8.3-million grant from the Department of National Defence-with about ninety-five percent coming from Canadian investors.
Kapil Lakhotia president and chief executive officer of London Economic Development Corp., believes this new facility marks further diversification in London’s economy.
“We’re very lucky to have collaborated with such a great team at Canada Rocket Company; we’re excited about building more together,” Lakhotia said. “This initial phase focuses on this testing facility but we’re discussing additional opportunities as their operation expands.”
Lakhotia hopes that this new project creates beneficial “spin-off” effects across local economies through supply chains research development innovation aspects involved.”
CRC mentions that its center will also support broader rocket development programs projected to generate around 1,000 jobs along with over $1 billion worth investments over ten years.
Kolias shared there are more announcements coming soon regarding where they’ll establish their launch site likely near coastal areas targeting a first official launch by 2032.
A community consultation meeting about this project has been scheduled for October 15th according to Kolias who added more details would follow shortly thereafter.
Born and raised in Forest City Ryan Goodison joined The in 2025 He covers housing business Middlesex County and much more.
rgoodison@postmedia. com
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