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City officials had raised concerns over Dancor Construction’s plan to establish the industrial park outside of London’s urban growth boundary.
Oct 12, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago •
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Dancor Construction’s proposed industrial park at 4423 Highbury Ave. S. is shown in a rendering. (Supplied)
A private industrial park being developed in south London, situated beyond the city’s urban growth boundary, is receiving expedited approval from the province due to its close location to Volkswagen’s Power Co battery plant.
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Rob Flack, Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, issued a minister’s zoning order affecting 23.1 hectares of farmland at 4423 Highbury Ave. S. and 2105 Green Valley Rd.
The zoning order released on Sept. 14 by Flack, who represents Elgin-Middlesex-London, paves the way for Dancor Construction of London to create an industrial park featuring eight buildings across two phases.
“The city needs more industrial land that’s ready to go,” stated Sean Ford, chief executive of Dancor.
“We’re hopeful it will attract more business.”
He mentioned that he is collaborating with the city on site plan approval and aims to start construction in the spring. According to Ford, site studies have been completed. “I’ve been working with the city on this for about a year.”
Ford expressed that he is not worried about Power Co Canada Inc.’s announcement regarding a two-year delay in opening their plant.
The company revealed in September that the St. Thomas facility will now launch in 2029, which is two years later than originally scheduled. Power Co stated it was adjusting the plant’s schedule based on shifting market demands and Volkswagen’s long-term plans.
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“When you build a gigafactory, delays have to be expected,” Ford noted. “They are building something that has never been built here.”</P
He indicated interest has already been shown in two of the eight buildings. “We’ve seen growth in manufacturing but also in defence; there’s a need for warehousing as well. Everyone who requires something needs space for it.”</P
When Ford initially presented his project idea to the city back in March 2024, he mentioned having one company interested in supplying components for the $7-billion Power Co electric vehicle battery plant.</P
The city staff opposed this initiative because they believed there was enough available industrial land within London without needing to rezone agricultural land for this purpose.</P
The property also falls outside London’s urban growth boundary aimed at managing urban expansion while safeguarding agricultural and natural areas.</P
However, city councillors supported Dancor’s proposal due to its potential for creating additional jobs linked with the Power Co plant.</P
In February 2025, city council asked the province to issue a minister’s zoning order allowing Dancor to change zoning from agricultural use to industrial so they could proceed with developing their park.</P
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“We really need to develop the (Highway) 401 and Highbury corridor leading toward St. Thomas; this is just the first step,” said Ward 14 Coun. Steven Hillier during that time.
“It’s going to take some time before we can reevaluate our urban growth boundary around here; so this helps us move things forward.”
The provincial order accelerates project timelines by bypassing local planning processes and public consultations.
Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow was one of only two members who voted against pursuing a minister’s zoning order for Dancor’s site.
“My opposition stemmed from it being outside of our urban growth boundary; exceptions shouldn’t be made,” he said.< / P
“Land beyond these boundaries deserves protection as there are plenty of serviceable industrial lands available.”< / P
Currently London possesses approximately 40 hectares of serviced industrial land ready for new ventures along with another additional forthcoming area of about 80 hectares within Innovation Park over coming months.< / P
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Additionally St Thomas features Yarmouth Yards which spans across an impressive area measuring around six hundred hectares intended specifically for accommodating suppliers servicing Power Co operations.< / P
(The Dancor site) occupies prime agricultural terrain that’s been upzoned boosting its market value transforming it into an asset,” commented Trosow adding,
“I believe we ought prioritize farmland conservation alongside keeping within our designated development areas.”< / P
Concern surrounding farmland loss must remain central when ample serviced options exist asserted Martin Straathof who serves as executive director at Ontario Farmland Trust focused on raising awareness regarding decreasing quantities of farmlands throughout Ontario contextually speaking highlighting how around one hundred thirty hectares get lost daily owing developments specifically pointing out Southwestern Ontario namely London among rapidly growing regions faced nowadays concerning preservation challenges surrounding essential resources where half currently categorized classified further representing what would qualify according classification systems emphasizing necessity identifying accurate impact assessments necessary evaluating repercussions resulting from potential usage changes enactment thus implying meaningful discussions should commence addressing requirements needed effectively finding suitable balance amidst pressing matters arising presently where tension exists directly correlating interactions occurring between developmental pressures exerted juxtaposed against preserving vital cultivable environments crucial maintaining overall sustainability outlook remains pertinent concerning future generations’ welfare.”
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