WSIB to open new headquarters at former 3M building in London, Ont.
The province says the move from downtown Toronto to London will save $70M/yr
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) head office will take over the former 3M office building in London, Ont.
The province announced the location at 300 Tartan Drive, near Veterans Memorial Parkway and the 401, Thursday, as the WSIB moves forward with plans to relocate its headquarters from downtown Toronto.
The Ford government first announced plans to move the board's head office to London in April 2022, saying the relocation is part of the Community Jobs Initiative that aims to save taxpayer dollars and bring new jobs to cities across Ontario by spreading out provincial agencies.
"This is a great day for London and for the WSIB," said Jeff Lang, WSIB president and CEO in a statement on Thursday. "We found a great space and are looking forward to taking on a bigger role as part of this community."
According to the Ministry of Labour, the WSIB's current head office is located on one of the most expensive real estate blocks in the country, with the move to London expected to save the organization $70-million a year.
The new office is expected to open in 2025 with about 500 employees. The move is expected to generate at least 2,000 local jobs over the next five years, according to the province.
"This is phenomenal news for London. The arrival of 2,000 high-quality, recession proof jobs will only further enhance London's status as one of the fastest growing and most resilient economies in all of Ontario," said London Mayor Josh Morgan in a statement.
"I am grateful to the Government of Ontario for this commitment and commend them for taking the bold step of moving the WSIB's head office to our city."
Moving the WSIB head office to London is expected to generate a $100-million benefit to the city, according to the province.