Supporting Ontario Food Terminal’s long-term success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2019

Initial review findings highlight importance of current location

TORONTO – Today, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman and Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth confirmed the Food Terminal will stay at its current location.

The minister and MPP Hogarth made the announcement this morning at the Ontario Food Terminal based on initial findings of the government’s review on modernizing and enhancing the terminal. These preliminary findings mirror information from Hogarth on the importance of the food terminal in Etobicoke as a key economic hub for Ontario food and local jobs.

“We spoke with everyone who uses the facility: farmers, buyers, distributors, consumers, and restaurant owners and they all agreed our agri-food sector is best served by working to improve the Ontario Food Terminal at its current location,” said Minister Hardeman. “This terminal is a key pillar of success for Ontario agriculture and I look forward to working with the industry to help grow our province’s agri-food sector and ensure its long-term prosperity for the next five, 10 and 50 years.”

“Remaining at its current location, the Ontario Food Terminal can look to future investment and modernization of distribution and marketing,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett, also Hardeman’s Parliamentary Assistant for Agriculture and Food.

“I am pleased Minister Hardeman reaffirmed my position that the Ontario Food Terminal continue to operate at its location in Etobicoke-Lakeshore,” said MPP Hogarth. “I know its continued success and growth right here in Etobicoke will create even more local job opportunities.”

Today, the Toronto Wholesale Produce Association also announced, that working with the government, it will make a significant investment to modernize the Ontario Food Terminal with a focus on the Farmer’s Market.

“We are excited about the future of the Ontario Food Terminal and building on the success we have had at this location,” said Steve Bamford, Toronto Wholesale Produce Association. “We are proud to be making a significant investment in the modernization and future of the terminal and the farmers market.”

As the review of the Ontario Food Terminal continues, the government will look to capitalize on modern food distribution systems, infrastructure enhancements for Ontario farmers, and promotion of local food that keeps pace with consumer demand.

Barrett has met with Bamford as well as area farmers on this topic.

“I have heard from many local producers on this topic and all wanted the terminal to stay in its present location,” Barrett said.

QUICK FACTS

  • Established in 1954, the Ontario Food Terminal has played a critical role in providing Ontario farmers with a market to get their produce to Ontario families.
  • The terminal has grown to become the largest wholesale produce market in Canada while serving Eastern Canada and some of the Northern States. Over two billion pounds of produce are sold through the terminal annually.
  • The Ontario Food Terminal is the largest wholesale produce market in Canada and the third largest in North America.
  • For more information on the Ontario Food Terminal, please visit Ontario Food Terminal Board.