Loblaw Companies Limited has announced plans to build Canada’s largest rooftop solar installation at its East Gwillimbury Distribution Centre in Ontario, marking a significant milestone in the retailer’s sustainability strategy. The project will generate over 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, supplying up to 25 per cent of the facility’s energy needs.
The system will have a capacity of 7.5 megawatts and cover approximately 435,000 square feet of roof space, an area comparable to seven football fields. Once operational in 2026, this rooftop solar installation will become one of the largest on a single building in North America.
“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,” said Tom Marson, Vice President, Building Technology & Energy at Loblaw Companies Limited.
The project will complement other sustainable initiatives at the site, such as 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,” Marson added.
Partnering With Great Circle Solar
To deliver this ambitious renewable energy project, Loblaw will partner with Great Circle Solar, a leader in Canadian solar development and operations. The two companies have collaborated for more than a decade, bringing renewable solutions to Loblaw facilities across the country.
“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,” said Clarke Herring, President of 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.”
Founded in 2011, Great Circle Solar manages approximately $3 billion in operational solar assets in North America, including one of the largest independently managed portfolios of commercial rooftop systems. The company focuses on the full life cycle of solar asset development and works with businesses, real estate owners, and investors to integrate clean energy solutions.
A Broader Environmental Commitment
For nearly two decades, Loblaw has prioritized climate action through a variety of measures. In 2024, the company achieved a 16 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to a 2020 baseline. It also invested over $40 million in more than 500 carbon reduction projects.
As Canada’s largest retailer, Loblaw operates more than 2,800 stores nationwide and employs over 220,000 people through its grocery banners, Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies, and financial services. The company serves millions of Canadians annually and manages some of the country’s most recognized consumer brands, including President’s Choice, no name, and Joe Fresh. Its purpose, Live Life Well®, underscores a corporate commitment to health, sustainability, and community well-being.
The upcoming Loblaw rooftop solar installation reflects the company’s broader ambition to lead on sustainability. As Marson noted, the East Gwillimbury project is part of a long-term effort to reduce emissions and build greener infrastructure for the future.
