Construction is revving up at Oro Station Motor Circuit in Oro Medonte. Shovels broke ground in 2021, and the first structure is currently being constructed following meticulous planning and design. Geoffrey Campbell, founder of Oro Station Motor Circuit said it’s a celebratory moment for the team. “It’s a big moment when you turn from the planning and even the horizontal work to actually seeing physical buildings on property,” said Campbell. Over 200 acres of land have been designated for the project. Campbell adding it’s been a tedious process to complete. “We’ve stripped the topsoil off the property and replaced it with engineered compacted fill as the subbase for the site,” said Campbell. “We have effectively had to, to change all the dirt, to get us ready for construction.” Now, 21 buildings are scheduled to be completed by the end of the process. A motor track is also scheduled to be completed. “Oro Station is a four-kilometre FIA grade three circuit, so that means GT motor circuit,” said Campbell. “That gives us sufficient space for both performance cars as well as testing.” The complex will bring hundreds of jobs to the Simcoe County region. “Engineering jobs, mechanics, the automotive sector, but more importantly, the innovation side,” said Campbell. “We have a number of companies coming here that are working on new automotive technologies, whether that be autonomous EV, alternative fuels.” Campbell is relieved to see structures go up despite the threat of tariffs. He said the tariff threat is putting a spotlight on the importance of building and supporting local. “Having quality employment like this here in Ontario where we’re doing automotive innovation education with Georgian College as a partner,” said Campbell. “It’s a really crucial thing to strengthen the economy, so the tariffs don’t have the impact that we are seeing.” Phase 1 of the project including the motor circuit is expected to be completed in 2026.
