The long-anticipated Grimsby Innovation Centre has officially entered its first phase, beginning with the demolition of four existing buildings to make way for the seven-hectare, $120-million development.
Located at 115-169 South Service Rd., just east of Casablanca Boulevard, the site previously housed NRB Modular Solutions. The entire project will be completed in four phases over the next two years.
“The existing building being demolished spans 60,000 square feet, and a couple of local businesses will be relocating within the site,” explained Frank Miele, Grimsby’s economic development officer.
Privately Funded Project Led by Industry Leaders
The project is led by 129 SSRG Inc., a company formed specifically to develop the innovation centre.
“The building will be fully owned and built by Fiore Vacca and his partners, who hold 100% ownership,” Miele noted. Vacca, the CEO of Norstar Windows and Doors, is joined by John Vacca (Norstar’s president), Yuval Barzakay, David Horwood, and Ari Yakobson as key investors.
Phased Construction Plan
The first phase of the project will be built for ATCO, a publicly traded Calgary-based engineering, logistics, and energy firm.
According to John Vacca, ATCO acquired NRB Modular Solutions in 2024 and will fully occupy the 122,000-square-foot first phase for modular structure manufacturing.
The following phases will include:
- Phase Two: Renovation of existing 34,000 square feet of buildings.
- Phase Three: Construction of an additional 150,000 square feet of industrial space.
- Phase Four: A 60,000-square-foot final expansion, set to be completed by late 2027.
This 100% privately funded project spans 17 acres, with its final phase featuring multiple occupancy units facing the Queen Elizabeth Way.
Architectural and Economic Impact
The Hamilton-based firms LANHACK Consultants Inc. and DeFaveri Construction will handle the architectural design and construction.
ATCO’s Doris Kaufmann Woodcock, manager of media and corporate communications, highlighted the significance of the site:
“This location carries a strong legacy for us, as ATCO Structures has operated in the region for over four decades. Our employees, local community, and suppliers have been instrumental in our growth, and we are excited to continue expanding our operations in Grimsby.”
Once fully completed, the Grimsby Innovation Centre will offer over 350,000 square feet of industrial space and is expected to create approximately 400 jobs.
The first phase is scheduled for occupancy by October 1, 2025, with the full development set for completion by 2027.
Miele emphasized the long-term benefits of the project:
“The newly developed industrial park will significantly strengthen both the local and regional economy, attracting further investment to the area.”