The Mayor of Toronto, Councillor Ward 7 (Humber River-Black Creek) and City of Toronto staff joined National Dry Beverages today to mark the beginning of construction on the company’s manufacturing expansion project, the first development approved under the City’s Economic Development & Growth in Employment (EDGE) Incentive Program.
Since becoming the first recipient of EDGE funding in April, National Dry Beverages has reached several key milestones in its plan to expand and modernize its Arrow Road facility. The Canadian-owned and independently operated beverage manufacturer has secured site plan approval, obtained building permits, completed key servicing work and advanced foundation construction, which is nearly complete. National Dry Beverages provides full-service and private-label bottling of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages for domestic and export markets.
The expansion highlights how the City’s economic development initiatives, including the EDGE Incentive Program, support business investment, job creation and the continued growth of Toronto’s manufacturing sector. The program is part of the City’s broader efforts to strengthen Employment Areas and help Toronto remain a competitive place to invest, expand and grow.
National Dry Beverages’ expansion represents an $18.1 million construction investment and results in approximately 62,000 square feet of new industrial space. The expansion will increase production capacity by enabling the company to operate its aluminum can and glass bottle lines simultaneously on a 24/7 basis while creating 20 new full-time jobs, increasing its permanent workforce by nearly 40 per cent.
The EDGE Incentive Program
The EDGE Incentive program provides incentives in the form of Tax Increment Equivalent Grants to support the new construction, expansion and major renovation of buildings in targeted employment sectors and for eligible uses across Toronto. The program is designed to encourage business investment, expansion and job growth by refunding a portion of the municipal property tax increase generated by eligible development projects.
The EDGE Incentive Program is a key action under City Council’s Sidewalks to Skylines: An Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy (2025-2035). The program supports growth and investment in Toronto’s key economic sectors, create inclusive employment opportunities and enhances the city’s competitiveness among neighbouring and international jurisdictions in attracting and retaining commercial and industrial investment.
Grant amounts have temporarily increased from 60 to 100 per cent of the municipal tax increment for the duration of the five-year grant period. To be eligible for the temporary enhancement, applications must be received by December 31, 2027.
Since launching in January 2025, the EDGE Incentive Program has approved eight projects representing approximately $220 million in construction investment, 583 projected new jobs and 725 retained jobs across Toronto.
More information is available on the City’s EDGE Incentive Program webpage.
Enhanced supports for businesses in response to U.S. tariffs
The EDGE Incentive Program is one of many actions introduced by the City to directly address U.S. tariffs and support local businesses and workers in impacted sectors, reinforcing the City’s commitment to protecting and strengthening Employment Areas as drivers of good jobs, productivity and regional competitiveness.
More information about the response to U.S. economic policy can be found on the City’s Responding to United States Economic Policy webpage.
Quotes:
“At a time when businesses are facing real uncertainty because of U.S. tariffs, National Dry Beverages is doing the opposite of pulling back. They’re investing, expanding and creating good jobs right here in Toronto. That’s exactly what the EDGE Incentive Program is designed to do, give companies the confidence to build their future in this city. This is what it looks like when the City and local businesses work together to build a stronger, more resilient economy.”
– Mayor of Toronto
“This investment brings new jobs and economic activity to Humber River-Black Creek while reinforcing the importance of protecting and strengthening Employment Areas. It’s encouraging to see a local manufacturer expanding its operations and building for the future right here in our community.”
– Councillor Ward 7 (Humber River-Black Creek)
“We appreciate the City of Toronto’s support through the EDGE Incentive Program as we continue to invest in the future of our Toronto operations. This expansion will help us increase production capacity, better serve our customers and create new employment opportunities while building on more than six decades of manufacturing in Toronto.”
– Dave Watson, Vice President, National Dry Beverages
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.