Investment Ready: Certified Site designation

Overview of the Investment Ready: Certified Site designation program:

The Certified Site designation signals to investors that a property has undergone rigorous due diligence to ensure it is ready for immediate development. Certification covers key factors such as zoning, environmental assessments, and the availability of utilities and infrastructure. This status remains valid for four years or until the property is sold or leased. The program offers financial incentives, marketing assistance, and international exposure, enabling property owners to market their sites to global investors. Properties that receive this designation are showcased in Ontario’s marketing materials and benefit from enhanced visibility through targeted advertising campaigns, industry publications, and trade shows.

Benefits of the Investment Ready: Certified Site designation program:

• Financial Support
• The program reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenses, capped at $50,000 per application.
• Eligible costs include activities related to the certification process, maintaining the certification, and marketing the certified site.
• Enhanced Marketing and Investor Outreach
• Certified sites are included in Ontarios international investment promotion efforts, such as digital marketing campaigns, advertising in industry publications, and representation at global trade shows.
• A dedicated profile for each certified property is created on Ontarios international investment website.
• The program provides professionally crafted sales materials and customized promotional content for property owners to attract investors.

Eligibility criteria of the Investment Ready: Certified Site designation program:

• To participate in the program, applicants must meet several criteria:
• Zoning Requirements: Properties must be zoned for industrial use and aligned with the approved municipal Official Plan, allowing for a wide range of industrial activities.
• Property Size:
• Outside Business or Industrial Parks: Properties must include at least 4 hectares (10 acres) of contiguous, developable land.
• Within Business or Industrial Parks: Properties must provide a cumulative total of at least 10 acres of contiguous, developable land, whether for a single parcel or a group of lots.
• Ownership: The property must have a single registered owner willing to enter into a formal contract with the province to participate in the program. Both private and public landowners are eligible to apply.