Water and sewer hookup signals take-off for town growth

Developer Snoek key player

MILTON, Ontario - The recent announcement that the Greater Toronto town of Milton will get hooked up to water intake and sewage pollution control facilities at Oakville, has developer Harry Snoek and his joint venture partners, among whom other Dutch Canadians, jumping for joy. For, Snoek, Milton’s major industrial land holder, the news heralds returns on a long-term investment. Much of the anticipated growth of the town of 30,000 is centered on properties controled by the Dutch-Canadian entrepreneur who twenty years ago was sold on Milton’s potential by a Brampton acquaintance.

Lack of sufficient water supply and sewer treatment had put the development of Milton virtually on hold, causing stagnation locally. With the prospect of these economic bottlenecks gone, ‘good news’ announcements have started to come in. Just last month three new developments were announced, all in business parks owned by Snoek. The three, a transportation company, a food processor and a manufacturer - the latter requiring a facility of 24,000 square metres - will join others who settled in Milton in recent years but who had low water demands. A fourth Snoek development involves a 16-hectare, big box shopping centre at Highway Highway 401 and the James Snow Parkway. In total, Snoek’s company controls about 600 acres.

Along with employment-producing developments, residential construction largely had been on hold. With restrictions lifted, Milton’s officials expect a major construction boom which should push the population over the next ten years over the 85,000 people mark. Real estate pioneer Snoek is not involved in residential properties.

Snoek who immigrated from Rotterdam in 1954 - he is now past retirement age - has many development credits to his name. Among the best known locations he ever owned are the four corners of the intersection of Yonge and Finch Streets in the Toronto suburb of Willowdale, now home to high rise condominions and offices.