The mayor of New Tecumseth, Ontario, remains optimistic about Honda’s $15 billion electric vehicle plant, despite the automaker’s decision to postpone the project. Mayor Richard Norcross expressed disappointment over the delay but emphasized his commitment to supporting the initiative, which was expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs in the region.
“I’m hoping we can help,” Norcross stated in an interview, adding, “We’re going to do everything we can to help, and we will lobby where we have to lobby, and we will do what we can to keep the plant moving forward.”
Honda announced that it will delay its plans to build a new battery facility and retool its vehicle assembly line in Alliston, Ontario, for about two years. The company cited current market conditions and a weakened outlook for electric vehicle sales as the main reasons for the pause. The delay marks the largest such postponement in Canada linked to slowing EV demand and comes as Honda anticipates profit losses due to new U.S. tariffs.
Norcross noted that the municipality has been working closely with Honda, as well as with the Ontario and federal governments, to ensure the project’s progress. He praised Honda’s partnership over the past four decades and highlighted the company’s ongoing support for the local community.
“We all have been working collaboratively and collectively together to make sure we push this project as quick as we could,” Norcross said. “We are thrilled, though, that Honda is keeping their existing operations and the current plant running, securing local employment.”
While the labor union Unifor does not represent Honda workers in Alliston, it does represent many workers in the automotive supply chain and voiced deep concerns about the broader impact on jobs. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, criticized the recent U.S. tariffs and changes in EV policies, describing them as “economic sabotage” that threatens Canadian manufacturing and communities.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that Honda has reassured him of its commitment to the expansion project. “I’ve talked to Honda, and they’ve promised us they’re going to continue with their expansion,” Ford stated, expressing confidence that future trade negotiations could benefit Ontario’s auto sector.
Opposition leaders, however, raised concerns about the province’s current strategy. NDP Leader Marit Stiles called for more incentives for electric vehicles in Ontario, such as purchase rebates and more charging infrastructure, while also demanding stronger measures to prevent companies from withdrawing investments.
Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie warned that focusing too heavily on the EV supply chain could leave Ontario vulnerable if the market slows down, stressing that the current pause represents a loss of 1,000 potential jobs and highlighting the need for economic diversification.
