*This article has been corrected from a previous version to reflect the Parkbridge plan is a two-storey building.
By the spring of 2021, Parkbridge will be moving all its corporate operations into a new building in Collingwood.
Parkbridge Communities hosted an official ribbon-cutting at 70 Huron Street this morning, where the new corporate headquarters will be built.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson and Collingwood Mayor Brian Saunderson brought messages of congratulations for the ceremony.
“You have a niche market in the housing industry that is very much needed,” said Wilson. “Congratulations to the Town of Collingwood on attracting the business … Congratulations [Parkbridge] you build communities. Thanks for the good service.”
Mayor Brian Saunderson said working with Parkbridge through the site plan application has been “an incredible experience.”
Parkbridge Communities announced in 2018 its plans to build a corporate headquarters building on 70 Huron Street, a former landfill site. Initially, the plans included four storeys, but significant opposition from residents caused Parkbridge to reconsider its design.
The company came back to council with a two-storey plan council approved.
Parkbridge also worked with the town to create a drainage plan for the site to provide stormwater management for adjacent residential neighbourhoods.
During the Parkbridge site ribbon-cutting, Mayor Saunderson said he hoped the town’s work with Parkbridge would carry over to the town’s work to review and update its official plan in the near future.
“I hope this can be a portent to how we can influence design and development in our community,” said Saunderson.
Parkbridge currently has five corporate offices in the area – four in Wasaga Beach and one in Collingwood.
Formerly, the Parkrbidge Communities headquarters was based in Calgary, Alberta.
CEO Mark Gow has relocated to the Collingwood area in anticipation of the new headquarters building.
“Collingwood reminds us of our communities … it’s growing, but there’s still a small-town feel,” said Gow at the ribbon-cutting. “We think we will be a very successful company and employer in Collingwood.”
The new building will be 35,000 square feet, with parking on site, and will be ready for occupancy in early 2021. Parkbridge states it will be employing 150 people in the headquarters office.
Part of the work done by Parkbridge includes clean-up of the former landfill site. Parkbridge also agreed to grant an easement to the town for a storm sewer drainage pipe running through the property to provide stormwater management for the entire area including the residential neighbourhoods adjacent to the property. The town is working with Parkbridge to have the pipe installed as part of the other pipe works required on-site.
