Toronto’s CanFirst Capital Management has kicked off construction on a 14-acre site in Mississauga where it plans to build a 272,000-square-foot industrial property.

The site at the Erin Mills Parkway and Mississauga Road in Meadowvale, was previously an office campus. CanFirst bought the property in 2021 for $50 million.

“This location is ideal for any industry,” said CEO Alan Perez. “We offer future tenants sustainability and connectivity at a prestigious address. The site has excellent access to labour, highways, intermodals and Pearson International Airport.”

Among the many innovative features at Meadowvale South will be a 40-foot clear building height, 42 dock-level doors, two grade-level doors, and a 60-foot staging bay. There will be parking for 226 cars, 12 of which will accommodate EV charging, as well as 37 trailer parking stalls. Occupancy is slated for Fall 2024.

CanFirst is working with INVIRO Engineered Systems as its sustainability consultant to make the facility LEED Gold-certified and zero carbon-ready. INVIRO is also the mechanical and electrical engineer. Features that will be included to achieve LEED Gold include: improved natural lighting and air quality in the warehouse, solar panels to mitigate electricity drawn from the grid, and improved water efficiency inside and outside the building.

“We have assembled a first-class roster of professional associates and are delighted to offer an innovative and sustainable product with advanced energy efficiencies for reduced energy costs, building design and overall employee wellness standards,” said CanFirst Executive Vice-President, Investments & Business Development Mark Braun. “The final product will be as attractive as it is functional.”

Also involved on the construction and development team are Colliers Strategy & Consulting as the development and project manager, Ware Malcomb as the lead architect, and Cecchini Group as the construction manager.