Kincardine Chamber of Commerce members, and municipal officials have got an economic pep talk from one of the community’s newest — and biggest investors.
Hamilton-based Charles Juravinski now owns all of the land at the Bruce Energy Centre Industrial Park.
He first got involved four years ago with Helmut Sieber of Canadian Agra.
Juravinski is a self-made success story in the construction industry and as former owner of Flamboro Downs Raceway.
In recent years, he has become well known for his donations to hospitals in Hamilton.
His message is that the Bruce Energy Centre is open for business and calls Kincardine “the Riviera of Ontario” because of its recreational and economic potential.
He believes in green energy and says there are very few places in Ontario that are zoned for it — and the Bruce Energy Centre is one of them.
Juravinski says the community should spend money on advertising in a national or international trade magazine saying they’re home to Bruce Power and a supply of green energy in order to attract investment.
He says 900 acres of land are available for industrial development and he’s willing to work with the municipality to provide inducements to attract industry.
Newly elected Chamber President Bob Simpson says Juravinski’s message of being aggressive and attracting new business fits right into their ideals.
Mayor Larry Kraemer says the energy centre has been a work in progress for over 20 years and Juravinski brings the experience and new life.
Juravinski says the park was way ahead of its time when it first began, noting green energy was not the main focus then.
Energy for the park originally came from excess steam produced by the Bruce Generating stations.
Bruce Power is hoping to transfer the water and sewer system in the park to the municipality.