Your company is considering expansion. Perhaps you’re drafting a list of potential location options or dreaming of one place in particular.
The next step is to evaluate site offerings at each location and ensure there’s available real estate to fuel your company’s growth.
A good way to start is by determining what kind of space you’re looking for. From industrial, commercial and co-working locations, there are a plethora of options and criteria to consider.
- Are you setting up a full-scale manufacturing facility or a prototyping/research lab?
- Are you establishing a large tech office or an innovation outpost?
- Do you prioritize direct access to transportation routes or convenient access for potential employees?
- Do you need direct access to university research labs or tech startups?
Whether you’re a tech firm, a manufacturing company or involved in a different industry altogether, all these questions should be asked before you decide on an international expansion location.
Here are three types of real estate to consider:
Industrial Sites
If your company is looking for manufacturing or warehousing space, an industrial site may be the perfect fit for you. An ideal industrial site is situated close to transportation networks, like highways and airports, for quick access to customers, suppliers and larger markets. Water and power supply are also important considerations.
Generation Park is an excellent example of a fully equipped industrial site. It’s Waterloo Region’s newest greenfield industrial park strategically located near two major international airports and Ontario’s superhighway (Highway 401).
The site is setting new standards for carbon emission reduction and climate resilience with LEED Silver and Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) Zero-Carbon Building Standards. Plus, it offers several environmental advantages, allowing companies to reduce future carbon taxes and eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
Commercial Sites
For office and light industrial spaces, your company should consider commercial sites. An ideal commercial site is close to innovation outposts and post-secondary schools, fueling an ecosystem in which businesses can thrive.
Properties like the David Johnston Research + Technology Park illustrate the importance of tapping into innovation ecosystems and supporting technology development.
This research park, located near the University of Waterloo (UWaterloo) and Wilfrid Laurier University, is recognized as one of Canada’s largest, most successful innovation districts. World-class tech firms, research institutes, government agencies and startups making a global impact all call this site home.
Co-working Sites
Co-working spaces provide the flexibility of scaling at your own pace while having your team work alongside other like-minded individuals in the ecosystem. With co-working spaces, you can access everything you need to run your business, while celebrating the freedom of entrepreneurship.
Co-working spaces should be in proximity to transit hubs, affordable housing options, green space and other elements that contribute to a good quality of life for employees.
One excellent example of a co-working space based in Waterloo is Catalyst Commons, an industry-led co-working site. The site has all the spaces, services and amenities required to help companies thrive. Catalyst Commons is for ambitious companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. The site offers fast and reliable WiFi, efficient office management, mentorship programs, networking events and more.
How we can help
If your company is considering expanding to Waterloo, Waterloo EDC can help you find your home in Waterloo. Our team of experts can…
- Provide a list of sites that meet your company’s needs.
- Share information and compare data for shortlisted locations.
- Facilitate site visits to help you better understand what’s available.
- Make introductions to local realtors and/or developers.
For more information, check out our Signature Sites page and our Q&A with Shelby Woodall, a Business Development Advisor at Waterloo EDC who specializes in real estate and land enquiries.
