Ontario Construction News staff writer
Oro-Medonte council has approved a site plan for a proposed automotive innovation campus planned for a rural area near Barrie.
“We are excited to be fully approved and turn our focus from design and engineering to construction,” managing partner Geoffrey Campbell said.
The Site Plan Approval process examines the detailed design and engineering of the proposed development. This is the final stage of permitting for all excavation, earthworks, and horizontal infrastructure which includes the circuit, parking, roads, and underground services.
“The Site Plan Approval process can take four to six years and the team at Oro Station is proud to have completed this phase in just under 30 months,” said Geoffrey Campbell, managing partner.
“We are excited to be fully approved and turn our focus from design and engineering to construction. We would like to thank the Township of Oro-Medonte, the County of Simcoe and the Province of Ontario for their support in reaching this milestone,” said Campbell.
“Oro-Medonte is eager to see the Oro Station Automotive Innovation Campus completed and glad to see the milestone of Site Plan Approval achieved,” said Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes, “The economic impact of this project will be a benefit to all residents of the township as we create quality employment opportunities within the community.”
Oro Station continues to build momentum with over 100,000 sq. ft. of the innovation campus reserved by automotive companies relocating to Oro-Medonte, which represents pre-leasing of over 25 per cent of available commercial space. Interest in trackside ownership has also been strong with over $41 million in industrial condominium units reserved.
As the civil construction team prepares to mobilize, the design and engineering team will now shift focus to vertical infrastructure as they develop the permit drawings for the buildings at Oro Station.
About Oro Station
Oro Station is a new automotive innovation park under construction in Oro-Medonte. Oro Station will be home to the future of automotive technology and education, while providing specialized services in motorsports, automotive restoration, and advanced engineering.
The site’s space will be deducated to automotive research, engineering, education and development, including a 4.1km FIA Grade 3 motor circuit with dynamic driving areas. Oro Station is the first FIA Environmental Accredited circuit in North America.
Oro Station will create connections between enthusiasts and experts alike, and establish a vibrant community with an eye towards advancing the automotive industry in Canada.
