Although a buyer has not yet been publicly announced, what has been billed as one of the most attractive industrial sites in the province has been sold. Confirmation is expected shortly for the 252-hectare site of the former Ford Canada St. Thomas Assembly Plant just north of Talbotville is to become a massive Amazon distribution centre. CBRE broker Randy Fisher could not release much in the way of details but called it wonderful news for the region.
Amazon spokesperson Vanessa Pontes advised in an email, “we have a policy of not commenting on our future roadmap and are not yet commenting on any specific operations plans in Talbotville.”
Although bound by a confidentiality agreement, Sean Dyke, CEO of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, says any development on the sprawling site is exciting news. The price was listed at just over $26 million in 2019. Dyke said an announcement is expected soon as to whether it will be the future home of an Amazon distribution centre.
Southwold Mayor Grant Jones, likewise, would only acknowledge there have been discussions with a potential purchaser. With closure of the plant 10 years ago, Southwold lost about 40 per cent of its property tax base.
If real estate is all about location, then Dyke, says the parcel of land a stone’s throw from Hwy. 401 “is perfect.”
Two years ago Fisher said the only condition he knew of on the property was no residential use.
