Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction has started on an $18.1-million manufacturing expansion at National Dry Beverages in Toronto, the first project approved under the city’s Economic Development & Growth in Employmet (EDGE) Incentive Program.
The company has reached several milestones since becoming the first recipient of EDGE funding in April, including securing site plan approval, obtaining building permits, completing key servicing work and advancing foundation construction, which is now nearly complete.
Construction will add about 62,000 square feet of industrial space and expand the company’s production capacity. Once complete, National Dry Beverages will be able to operate its aluminum can and glass bottle production lines simultaneously on a 24/7 basis.
“At a time when businesses are facing real uncertainty because of U.S. tariffs, National Dry Beverages is doing the opposite of pulling back,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “They’re investing, expanding and creating good jobs right here in Toronto.
“That’s exactly what the EDGE Incentive Program is designed to do, give companies the confidence to build their future in this city. This is what it looks like when the city and local businesses work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy.”
National Dry Beverages provides full-service and private-label bottling of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages for domestic and export markets.
The EDGE Incentive Program provides Tax Increment Equivalent Grants for eligible new construction, expansions and major renovations in targeted employment sectors and other eligible uses. The grants refund a portion of the increase in municipal property taxes generated by qualifying developments.
It is part of Toronto’s broader strategy to strengthen Employment Areas and attract and retain commercial and industrial investment and the grant amount has temporarily been increased from 60 per cent to 100 per cent of the municipal tax increment for the five-year grant period.
To qualify for the enhanced incentive, applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2027.
Since its launch in January 2025, the program has approved eight projects representing approximately $220 million in construction investment. Projects are expected to create 583 new jobs while retaining another 725 positions across Toronto.
The program is also among measures introduced by the city in response to U.S. tariffs and other U.S. economic policies. Toronto said the initiatives are intended to protect and strengthen Employment Areas and support businesses and workers in affected sectors.
More information is available on the city’s EDGE Incentive Program webpage.
