ONTARIO — Loblaw Companies Limited is planning the installation of Canada’s largest rooftop solar system at its East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre in Ontario.
The 7.5 MW installation will cover approximately 435,000 square feet of roof space – equivalent to the size of more than seven football fields – and generate over 8,500,000 kWh annually of clean on-site power. This installation is targeted to generate up to 25 per cent of the total electricity consumed at the Distribution Centre (DC).
“From the moment we began construction on our East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre, we knew we needed to take full advantage of the rooftop space to generate clean, renewable energy for the facility,” explained Tom Marson, VP, Building Technology & Energy, Loblaw Companies Limited. “This solar installation will work alongside several other sustainable features at the DC, including fully-electric shunt trucks, and advanced building energy management systems.”
“This installation clearly demonstrates our commitment to taking decisive action as we work to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040 for our enterprise operating footprint,” added Marson.
Loblaw will partner again with Great Circle Solar, to develop, own and operate this system. The two companies have worked together since 2012 to achieve a growing number of distributed energy solutions, including rooftop solar energy, at over 90 projects at our facilities and communities across Canada.
“This marque project will be operational in 2026. It is by far the largest of its kind ever contracted in Canada and one of the largest on a single rooftop in North America. It marks a significant milestone in our important partnership with Loblaw,” said Clarke Herring, President, Great Circle Solar. “For over a decade, we’ve worked side by side to bring renewable energy solutions to communities across Canada. Loblaw’s continued leadership and long-term commitment to clean renewable energy is consistent and evident.”
For nearly two decades, Loblaw has remained committed to fighting climate change. In 2024, the company achieved a 16% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions (vs. 2020 baseline) and invested over $40 million in more than 500 carbon reduction projects.
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