Ontario is set to strengthen its position in the clean technology and renewable energy sectors with a major new investment from Convertus Group, which plans to build a $165-million biofuel facility in East Gwillimbury. The state-of-the-art plant will convert organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG), creating 52 jobs and expanding the province’s capacity to process waste domestically while advancing its environmental goals.
Announced Thursday by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the project marks the first Canadian facility to use advanced CO₂ liquefaction and organic waste-to-RNG technology at commercial scale. As part of the investment, Ontario will provide $2 million through its Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP), a fund designed to support modern manufacturing and innovation across the province.
“Convertus’ investment serves not only as a vote of confidence in our municipalities, manufacturers, and workers, but in Ontario’s role as a reliable and trusted partner for growth,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Through the Regional Development Program, our government is proud to support a company that is increasing our resilience and self-reliance across domestic supply chains and reinforcing the province’s leadership in next-generation technologies and solutions.”
Convertus Group, one of North America’s largest organic waste management operators, intends to make the York Region facility a flagship for sustainable processing. The plant will convert 200,000 tonnes of organic waste each year into renewable natural gas, enough to heat approximately 5,000 homes annually. The facility will also liquefy captured CO₂ emissions into food-grade CO₂ for industrial uses—technology that has not yet been deployed in Canadian waste-to-energy infrastructure.
Throughout construction and ongoing operations, Convertus plans to work extensively with Ontario-based suppliers, reinforcing regional supply chains and stimulating economic opportunities in York–Simcoe.
“This investment by Convertus Group is a tremendous win for the York–Simcoe community. It brings cutting-edge technology, new jobs, and long-term environmental benefits right to our doorstep,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe. “I’m proud to see our government supporting innovative projects that protect and strengthen our local economy for years to come.”
The RDP, launched in 2019, provides tailored supports aimed at helping manufacturers modernize and compete globally. To date, the program has attracted more than $2.3 billion in investments and helped create more than 4,300 Ontario jobs. The AMIC stream, introduced in 2022, specifically targets advanced manufacturers adopting automation, innovation and next-generation technology. The province reports that AMIC investments of $49 million have so far leveraged over $675 million in private-sector funding and created more than 1,100 jobs.
“Support from Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Competitiveness stream is helping Convertus adopt advanced technologies for the York facility,” said Mike Leopold, CEO of Convertus Group. “The site will be the first in Canada to use CO2 liquefaction technology, capturing emissions and converting them into food-grade liquid CO2 for use across multiple industries. As the premier facility of its kind in Canada, the Convertus York project will set a new benchmark for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production.”
Local government officials say the investment will play a central role in York Region’s efforts to expand sustainable waste solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“As York Region grows, so does the need for sustainable solutions to manage organic waste. On behalf of York Region and York Regional Council, we welcome the Ontario government’s investment in the Convertus Biofuel Facility, with state-of-the-art technology to process 200,000 tonnes of waste annually, produce renewable natural gas to heat 5,000 homes and cut emissions by 15,000 tonnes each year. This milestone reflects our commitment to planning a sustainable future and our dedication to building a greener, more resilient York Region,” said Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO of The Regional Municipality of York.
The facility aligns with Ontario’s broader ambitions to expand its cleantech sector, which employs more than 140,000 people—representing 40% of Canada’s total employment in the field. With applications now open for the next intake of AMIC funding, the province continues to position itself as a competitive jurisdiction for companies investing in manufacturing, innovation and renewable energy.
The Convertus project is expected to break ground soon, with advocates viewing it as a milestone for both economic development and environmental progress in the region.