Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

footprint. This industry leader, renowned nationwide for contributing to significant structures like the CN Tower, is a prime example of St. Marys’ industrial heritage adapting to modern environmental standards. The town also boasts a thriving veterinary sector. “Veterinary Purchasing is the first veterinary- owned supply distribution center in Canada. This model has been copied around the country, but the St Marys center remains the largest and serves Ontario and eastern Canada,” Mayor Strathdee explains, pointing to their recent expansion as a sign of the sector’s robust growth. Cascades, another key player, specializes in manufacturing corrugated containers for various industries. “They’re a publicly traded company... they have an impressive facility here,” he adds, indicating their significant investment in cutting-edge technology. The automotive and food industries are also pivotal. Inoac, an auto parts manufacturer, “will be manufacturing doors for electric vehicles for Ford,” showcasing St.Marys’ role in the evolving automotive industry. ShurGain and Saputo represent the food processing sector, with Saputo focusing on dairy products like yogurts. The local golf course, St.Marys Golf and Country Club, has recently expanded its wedding venue, attracting people from the Greater Toronto Area. “They host roughly 100 weddings a year,”Mayor Strathdee notes, underlining the club’s contribution to local tourism and hospitality. Perth County Ingredients, specializing in egg drying, is another significant business. “They’re one of two places in Canada that dry eggs for processing for food,” he mentions, indicating their unique position in the national market. Mayor Strathdee then shifts to discuss critical vendors and suppliers pivotal to the town’s operations. B.M. Ross Engineering in Goderich is essential for bridge inspection and engineering work. Cimco specializes in ice processing and HVAC for recreation facilities. Lavis, Dufferin Construction, and Coco Paving are noted for their extensive work in paving and construction. “McLean Taylor Construction... they’ve 64 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01