PowerCo moved its St. Thomas battery plant start to 2029 as work continued

Three records carry three different targets

PowerCo's October 2025 release targeted initial production in 2027. A federal briefing in 2026 recorded an expected 2028 start. PowerCo's September 2026 update subsequently named 2029 as the expected start of operations. Each date belongs to a distinct source and stage of planning. Source 2 Source 3 Source 4

The contractor packages changed as the site advanced

Magil Construction led foundational work for three buildings spanning about 850,000 square feet, according to the 2025 release. The September 2026 update identifies EllisDon as general contractor for the next phase, covering the production-building shell, utility systems and other site infrastructure. Source 2 Source 4

Worker numbers refer to different stages

PowerCo reported around 60 EllisDon workers on site in September and expected around 1,300 at peak. The federal briefing's 3,000 employment figure was reported separately alongside the project announcement. The September count covers one contractor at a point in time and cannot measure eventual operating jobs. Source 3 Source 4

Why the production target matters

The developer says the revised date allows it to align battery technology and the pace of expansion with expected market demand. It continues to build core infrastructure while retaining flexibility about how the plant scales. The 2029 target records that updated development plan. Source 4

Sources

• Canada and Ontario joint statement on Volkswagen's site choice
• PowerCo construction announcement hosted by City of St. Thomas
• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, parliamentary committee briefing
• St. Thomas Economic Development, PowerCo's September 2026 update