Edwardsburgh Cardinal Marks Major Milestone with Phase 1 Land Bank Transaction

Spencerville – The Council of the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal is proud to announce the completion of Phase 1 of the Edwardsburgh Cardinal land bank sale, marking a major milestone in returning this strategically important land to productive use and advancing long-term economic growth for our community. As part of this phase, approximately 2,500 acres of provincially owned land were transferred to HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. to support the company’s future expansion.

This achievement reflects the commitment, persistence, and unified leadership of many partners who worked tirelessly to bring this project across the finish line.

The Township extends its sincere appreciation to the Acting Minister of Infrastructure, the Honourable Todd McCarthy, and to the many officials and staff within the Ministry who played a direct role in finalizing this agreement. Their collaboration and responsiveness were essential in ensuring that the Township’s vision for the land bank could move forward.

A special acknowledgement is extended to MPP Steve Clark, whose support at every stage was instrumental. His advocacy, determination, and consistent engagement were key factors in ensuring the land was returned to local use and that the Province recognized the importance of enabling Phase 1 of the land bank project. The Township notes that without his sustained efforts, this outcome would not have been possible.

The Township also recognizes the long-standing partnership with CIEL and HFI, whose commitment to Edwardsburgh Cardinal continues to strengthen the local economy. Their investment, leadership, and dedication to creating high-quality employment opportunities have made them valued partners in the Township’s economic development efforts. Their role in Phase 1 reflects their ongoing belief in the future of TWPEC and in the potential of the land bank.

Mayor Tory Deschamps highlighted the significance of today’s announcement, stating:

“Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in our Council’s commitment to ensuring Edwardsburgh Cardinal remains the industrial and economic driver for Eastern Ontario. Returning this land to productive public use is a tremendous achievement, one built on years of determination, strategic planning, and a clear vision for growth. It builds on the work of past Councils and reinforces our responsibility to protect and strengthen opportunity in this region for generations to come. Council is incredibly proud of yet another defining moment in TWPEC history. Residents can expect a further announcement in the coming months regarding the remainder of the land bank lands.”

MPP Steve Clark acknowledged the efforts of all involved:

“Today’s announcement is the result of years of advocacy by Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal council, staff, and me with our government and demonstrates why we’ve worked so hard to unlock the Edwardsburgh Land Bank,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “These 2,487 acres are now property of HFI Pyrotechnics and will ensure the company can expand to grow our local economy and produce critical supplies for Canada’s Armed Forces. I want to thank Ministers Surma and McCarthy for their support and congratulate everyone involved.”

Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy spoke to the role of surplus government lands in supporting economic growth:

“Our government is leveraging surplus, unused government lands to protect the things that matter most to Ontarians: jobs and economic growth,” said Acting Infrastructure Minister McCarthy. “By unlocking surplus government lands, we’re turning underused assets into good-paying jobs, strengthening domestic industries and supply chains, and giving communities the tools they need to grow and compete. This is all part of our plan to protect communities by helping them withstand global uncertainty, including U.S. tariffs, while keeping investment, production, and well-paying jobs rooted in Ontario.”

HFI Pyrotechnics President Rhiannon Iles also spoke to the importance of the transaction:

“This land purchase not only secured the business that we are today, and the jobs of over 120 people, but also increased our footprint to contribute to Canadian defence,” said Rhiannon Iles, President of HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. “This could not have happened without the support, advocacy, and leadership of the Edwardsburgh Cardinal Township, our ownership group, CIEL Capital, and our MPP, Steve Clark. The HFI employees and I are extremely grateful.”

Approximately 2,500 acres of provincially owned land in Edwardsburgh Cardinal were transferred as part of this transaction with the transaction being finalized on April 1, 2026, following collaboration between the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Infrastructure Ontario, and HFI Pyrotechnics.

The Township acted as a facilitator in the transfer of land from Infrastructure Ontario to HFI Pyrotechnics, enabling the company to proceed with its expansion plans. The transaction was completed with no cost to taxpayers, ensuring no financial impact to the municipality.

The land transfer supports HFI Pyrotechnics in meeting regulatory buffer requirements necessary for future expansion of its operations. HFI Pyrotechnics has experienced significant recent growth, increasing its workforce from 95 to approximately 125 employees since November 2025.

The company anticipates hiring an additional 10 to 20 employees in the coming months, along with additional on-site contractors, as it continues to respond to increased demand and investment in Canada’s defence sector.