FedEx, Costco hope to set up large distribution centres in west Woodbridge

YorkRegion.com
June 12, 2014
Adam Martin-Robbins

In the Know:

Two large distribution centres proposed for west Woodbridge have some area residents fuming.

FedEx is looking to build a more than 38,000 square-metre (400,000 sq. ft.) facility just west of Hwy. 27, near Martin Grove Rd.

Costco, meanwhile, hopes to erect a (570,000 sq. ft.) facility, just south of there.

Both distribution centres are being proposed in areas that the city’s official plan has designated for employment uses.

What does it mean for you?

Proponents say the distribution centres will pour thousands of dollars in tax revenue into city coffers and bring hundreds of jobs to Vaughan.

Opponents, meanwhile, say they will put hundreds of large trucks on already congested roads; will lead to increased noise and pollution as well as jeopardize the safety of children who catch their school bus on Hwy. 27, among other issues. 

Next Steps:

The West Woodbridge Homeowners Association is holding a meeting Monday, June 16 to gather opinions and suggestions on both distribution centres.

That meeting takes place at La Primavera Hospitality and Convention Centre, 77 Woodstream Blvd., starting at 7:30 p.m., and is only open to residents of west Woodbridge.

Then on Tuesday, June 17, a committee of the whole meeting is being held in the council chambers at city hall, starting at 11 a.m. where councillors will consider granting approval for the FedEx facility, as recommended by city staff.

Following that, at 7 p.m., the city is holding a public hearing, also in the council chambers, to gather input on so-called Block plan 59, which includes the land where both facilities are being proposed.

The purpose of the block plan is to provide a framework for guiding development in the area as it transitions from its current uses into an industrial area.

Residents and area landowners are welcome to share their comments and concerns about the proposed block plan at that meeting.

Those who cannot attend can submit comments, before the meeting, by mail to the city’s policy planning division at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., by fax to 905-832-8545 or by email to Melissa.Rossi@vaughan.ca