After a boom in the auto sector, Woodstock politicians are turning their attention to economic diversity

Home to a large vehicle assembly plant and parts supplier, Woodstock is looking to diversify its manufacturing base as it begins work on creating a new industrial park.

City council has cleared the way for industrial development on 136 hectares of land, which one politician said highlights Woodstock’s growing need for more commercial real estate.

“(Toyota) has certainly been an impetus to attract other automotive suppliers, second-(and) third-tier companies,” Bernia Martin County said.

But Woodstock “isn’t just a car town anymore,” Martin added.

“We’re really diversifying across the different sectors we support, and that’s a good thing.” Martin said. “In any economic collapse or downturn, the more diverse you are, the more isolated your workforce is from disaster.”

Council’s support for the draft plan for a new urban industrial park to be located at Highway 2 and Blandford Road will enable work on the project to continue. The plan includes areas for industrial development, some forest and wetland areas, and road access.

But development is still a long way off. City engineer Harold de Haan recently told politicians that work would likely begin in a year or two, “but it will probably be a good five years before anything starts to appear in the area.”

The city has already spent four years conducting the necessary studies, reviews and receiving feedback from interested parties, with further approvals still required from Oxford County and the provincial government.

For Martin, responsible growth strikes a balance between serving the existing workforce and welcoming new businesses. As an example, she cited the city’s purchase of 30 hectares of agricultural land from owner George Alyea in 2016, where shovels are currently being broken.

“What we are seeing right now is that the demand for land and economic growth is outpacing the supply of land,” Martin said.

Economic development officials say Alyea land buyers represent a wide range of industries, from food processing to medicine. The city’s location, right next to the highway. 401 and near the highway. 403, is the key to attracting industry.

Said Martin: “This is a unique time for businesses to thrive. . . to meet the demand for products needed for housing development.”

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Brian Williams, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, London Free Press