NANTICOKE—A website and social media advertising campaign, dubbed ‘Growing Nanticoke,’ was recently launched and taken down by Empire Communities. The website and campaign, focused on Empire’s proposed plan for Nanticoke to transform 4,200 acres of land into a mixed-use development, caught residents by surprise.
The website provided new details on Empire’s plans for the area. However, as of publication, no new updates have been made available regarding the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s decision on Empire’s requested Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO). If approved, the MZO would be used to begin the many assessments, reviews, and approvals that would ultimately turn Empire’s proposal from idea to reality.
The Press reached out to Empire Communities spokesperson Laryssa Waler for some clarification on the material seen in the new website and social media advertising. After The Press sent its questions, the website and advertisements were removed.
“A draft version of the Growing Nanticoke website was inadvertently approved to go live earlier than intended, and we were made aware of it because of this very media inquiry. It was not meant to be public yet, and we regret any confusion that premature publication may have caused,” Waler explained. “Empire Communities recognizes there are strong views about the proposed Nanticoke Master-Planned Community, and we welcome questions about the project.”
In a follow up inquiry, The Press asked about the social media advertising campaign; Waler said this was also a draft version that had gone live earlier than intended.
Waler shared some further insights into the proposal, calling Nanticoke’s industrial base a strength.
“The concept protects employment lands and relies on separation distances, buffering, and technical land use compatibility studies so existing operations can continue and future employers can invest with confidence,” said Waler. “Tariffs and trade volatility can hit major industrial employers like Stelco hard, putting good local jobs and supply chains at risk, which is exactly why diversifying the local economy with new employment opportunities matters now more than ever.”
She said the website is being designed to educate the public about what is being proposed and how they can participate with “plain language information in one place,” while also reiterating Council’s longstanding support for the project. Several split votes have occurred in Haldimand Council, including the most recent 4-3 rejection in December 2025 of Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley’s proposed referendum that would have asked residents whether or not they support the Nanticoke MZO on the 2026 municipal election ballot.
“In total, Council has signalled support for this project five times officially,” said Waler.
Before its removal, the website referred to the 4,200 acres of Nanticoke land as “long-stalled, underutilized,” pledging to transform it into a “pristine mixed-use community” that creates jobs, affordable homes, and the “social infrastructure families need to thrive.”
The site promised 1,000 acres of natural areas and open space, with 230 acres reserved for parks and waterfront trails.
“These previously inaccessible areas, including over 100 acres on the waterfront, will be made public so that everyone can explore Nanticoke’s natural beauty,” read the site.
Listed under community benefits, the site noted Empire’s $80 million commitment toward a new wastewater plant, six potential new schools, a new community centre, dozens of new retail options, the potential for a future hospital and/or medical centre, and an average $80-90 million in tax revenue for the County at full build-out.
Empire boasted that the development will bring 73,000 construction jobs to the area over the life of the project, with 7,500-11,000 permanent full-time jobs and 7,000 part time jobs once the community is established, while maintaining 550 acres of buffer employment land adjacent to Stelco to “protect future steel jobs.”
Waler noted, “Importantly, this is a sustainable, phased, long-term concept led by jobs and infrastructure, including the creation of a major employment community intended to generate significant new employment and investment attraction in the region. That kind of diversification matters, including at a time when tariff risk and broader trade volatility can have real impacts on large industrial employers and the supply chains that support them.”
She continued, “Housing and additional community elements would follow in later phases, and only after detailed planning, technical work, and public input. The residential component is intended to help finance the enabling infrastructure through growth related revenues, such as development charges, levies, and an expanded tax base, so the infrastructure needed to unlock employment lands and support a complete community is funded by new growth.”
As for the potential timeline if the project does go ahead, “The build-out is phased in a responsible way that will take decades. In fact, full delivery is expected to take approximately 50 years,” read the website.
“This is gradual, planned growth – not overnight change. Without growth, we risk losing the next generation entirely. Haldimand can preserve its rural roots while offering young families a promising future here.”
While previously Empire had noted 15,000 planned homes and up to 40,000 new residents in a presentation announcing the project to Haldimand Council in February 2022, the draft website said there would be “up to 10,000 homes” over that half-century long projected timeline.
With Nanticoke’s future still undetermined, those at Empire, in the halls of Haldimand’s administration building, and residents throughout the county await word on Minister Rob Flack’s decision.
Waler said, “If an MZO proceeds, it is followed by a master plan informed by public consultation, detailed technical studies, subdivision approvals, and refined zoning before any development moves forward. The ultimate development of these lands would proceed in conjunction with Haldimand County planning staff through the municipal planning and approvals process.”
She added, “We will continue to listen, share information in plain language, and refine the proposal based on evidence, infrastructure capacity, and community input.”
The Press will provide more details on the Nanticoke proposal and MZO as they become available.
