We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of July. See below to read our top highlights.
Ontario welcomes $358-million natural gas investment in Southwest region

The Government of Ontario is welcoming the start of construction by Enbridge Gas on its $358-million Panhandle Regional Expansion Project. Invest WindsorEssex’s Interim CEO, Joe Goncalves, Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s new Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce joined officials and executives from the private business sector in Leamington for a special groundbreaking announcement. Exciting news was delivered about how this project is critical to guaranteeing increased access to reliable and affordable energy for all current and future businesses in our region and supporting the prosperity of our local economy. The expansion will also meet the growing energy needs of the region’s world-class greenhouse industry by providing essential infrastructure and a new pipeline necessary for producers and thriving farmers. We are thrilled that the project is under construction and that the energy it brings will be available to support the businesses of today and tomorrow. READ MORE
Ford Motor Company bringing more jobs to Windsor-Essex

Ford Motor Company plans to add about 150 jobs to its Windsor Engine plant once the F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks begin production in Oakville in 2026. This will include conventional and electrified versions of the Super Duty later this decade. The automaker will spend $3 billion U.S. to expand Super Duty production, including installing assembly and integrated stamping operations at the Oakville facility. Oakville is the sole production site; however, the expansion will significantly benefit Windsor plant workers creating additional jobs in the region to manufacture V-8 engines for the Super Duty pickup trucks. Exciting times are ahead for the Ford workforce! READ MORE
$117-million investment into Windsor’s Public Transit

Upgrades to the City of Windsor’s transit system will be underway after a joint federal-provincial-municipal investment of more than $117 million. This historic investment will provide upgrades necessary to improve bus stops and terminals, new technologies and a larger fleet. The existing rolling stock vehicles that have aged will be replaced with over 30 standard hybrid-electric buses and phase out old diesel ones. These electrified buses will provide residents and visitors with eco-friendly, reliable options for commuting and travelling around the city. Public transportation is a necessity for thousands of residents and a key to breaking barriers, providing essential mobility options while supporting economic growth. This new investment will not only meet the demands of our growing community but will help to reduce the city’s carbon footprint by transitioning to net-zero emissions to meet provincial targets. READ MORE
EV charging stations coming to Windsor riverfront

The City of Windsor will expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure by adding new charging stations along the riverfront. These stations will be located at three parking lots: Caesars Windsor, Dieppe Gardens and the new Legacy Beacon site – each with two paid parking spots with EV charging capabilities. The one-year pilot project is a partnership with Telus and FLO, a leading North American electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. The city plans to collect data over a year to evaluate the program with a 10-year agreement in mind. This initiative will provide the necessary vehicle infrastructure and improve mobile connectivity along the riverfront. As people seek reliable fast-charging options for their vehicles, Windsor is one step closer to supporting the goal of reducing Canada’s net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with an expected operational date for the new stations by the end of 2024. READ MORE
NextStar Energy on track with EV battery module output in Ontario to start fall 2024

This year, NextStar Energy is making significant progress towards starting production of its electric- vehicle battery modules at its $5-million battery manufacturing complex in Windsor, which will supply assembly plants in Canada and the United States. This joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution announced that construction and equipment installation for the battery-module building is nearly finished. Crews have completed about 90 per cent of the exterior of the neighbouring cell-production building and have begun installing machinery inside. NextStar plans to start full-scale output in early fall, with cell production to follow at an unspecified time in 2025. Stellantis assembly plants in Windsor and Brampton are being retooled to produce a mix of battery-electric, hybrid, and internal-combustion-engine vehicles on flexible lines and will supply batteries to the new plant. Opportunities await the Windsor-Essex region as hiring for NextStar in Windsor is ongoing; out of the 2,500 required employees, 325 have already been onboarded, with more positions yet to be filled. READ MORE
Federal government supports investment with clean technology tax credits

The Government of Canada is taking bold action to ensure Canadian workers and industry succeed toward net-zero emissions by 2050. The federal government recently passed new legislation (Bill C-59 and Bill C-69) that includes refundable tax credits for capital invested in the adoption and operation of new clean technology (CT) property in Canada, available until Dec. 31, 2034. (ITCs) will play an essential role in attracting investment, supporting Canadian innovation, creating green jobs and supporting the growth of the clean technology sector while enhancing the country’s environmental performance.
The four ITCs include:
- Clean Technology ITC (Bill C-59)
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage ITC (Bill C-59)
- Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC (Bill C-69)
- Clean Hydrogen ITC (Bill C-69)
The Clean Technology Manufacturing ITC applies to the investment of capital for clean technology manufacturing and processing and critical mineral extraction and processing. Businesses can receive up to 30 per cent in a refundable tax credit for updating machinery and reducing CO₂ emissions at their sites. Details on all four ITCs may be found on the Government of Canada’s website. READ MORE