An American company is looking for a Canadian location to test their self-driving vehicles, and Abbotsford is interested.
The business possibility is one of several “lead enquiries” being pursued by the city’s economic development department (CAED), according to a new report.
Other businesses considering Abbotsford include a U.S. call centre seeking a location along the border, a “renowned hotel chain,” and a multinational food processor, according to CAED.
A new report for the city’s Business Innovation, Growth and Attraction committee says a variety of businesses are taking a look at Abbotsford, although finding locations for them can be difficult.
Among the highlights of the report are:
– Commonwealth Suppliers are buying space in the city;
– ACI Foods has appointed Brodie Gunning as CEO and is planning to be listed “probably on the TSX by year end”;
– “Chinese investors looking to build a new long-term care facility … have been connected with land available at Sumas First Nations,” and the report says negotiations have begun;
– doctors looking to build an urgent-care facility “continue to explore options” for sites close to Abbotsford Regional Hospital;
– a “renown” hotel chain has had discussions with Sumas First Nation;
– a U.S. call centre looking for a site near the border “has resurfaced” and is considering Abbotsford for a “350-seat facility”;
– an Australia-based food-processing company “has been looking at Abbotsford options”;
– an Alberta-based “virtual reality centre” has been looking at locations in the centre of Abbotsford;
– a brewing company is looking for a downtown location;
– a proposed craft beer restaurant tentatively named “The Bridge” has shortlisted two Abbotsford locations; and
– Structure Craft’s new facility is tentatively scheduled for a grand opening in November.