GWL Realty Advisors Acquires Best-in-Class Distribution Facility

GWL Realty Advisors (GWLRA) has acquired 8350 Lawson Road, a best-in-class industrial distribution facility in Milton, Ontario on behalf of The Great-West Life Canadian Real Estate Investment Fund No.1. and the Canada Life Real Estate Fund.  

The Class A industrial asset, totalling 321,028 square feet, offers excellent building specifications with good access to Highway 401. The building is located in Milton, Ontario, a region that has outperformed the overall GTA industrial market.  

“With its flexible and efficient design and significant frontage along one of Canada’s busiest highways, the acquisition of 8350 Lawson Road adds another a high quality, modern distribution facility to our portfolio in one of the best performing industrial markets in North America.” said David Ruta, Senior Director, Investments. “The existing lease profile provides a near term opportunity enhance NOI by capitalizing on strong market fundamentals and deliver strong risk adjusted returns for our clients.” 

The acquisition of 8350 Lawson Road is part of GWLRA’s larger strategy to grow its exposure to the industrial asset class, which has benefitted from structural tailwinds with e-commerce and product distribution. 

“Global supply chains are evolving rapidly with the growth of e-commerce and a greater focus on getting products to consumers as fast as possible,” noted Anthio Yuen, Director, Research Services and Strategy. “With that evolution, industrial buildings are central to that strategy, particularly assets that are near major population centres and with good access to labour and major transportation routes. 8350 Lawson fits this profile given its location and positioning in the market”. 

Learn more about our research on industrial demand.