On a crisp Friday morning in Markdale, Ontario, the unmistakable aroma of fresh ice cream wafted through the air as Premier Doug Ford joined local officials, company founders, and a crowd of community members to celebrate a landmark moment for Chapman’s Ice Cream. With a Yukon ice cream bar in hand, Ford announced a major investment: $27 million in provincial funding to support Chapman’s ambitious $200 million expansion project. The announcement, held on September 19, 2025, marked not just a boost for one of Canada’s most beloved ice cream brands, but a significant vote of confidence in Ontario’s food manufacturing sector and regional economy.
Chapman’s, Canada’s largest independent ice cream producer, has been a fixture in Markdale for over half a century. Founded by Penny and David Chapman more than 50 years ago, the company has grown from a small local creamery into a national powerhouse, producing more than 200 products made exclusively with Canadian milk and cream. The new investment, as reported by The Owen Sound Sun Times and Canadian Manufacturing News, will fund the construction of a 175,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art production facility. This expansion is set to increase output, add new product lines, and create at least 200 new jobs, pushing Chapman’s Ontario workforce past 1,000 employees.
Premier Doug Ford, who didn’t hide his affection for Chapman’s treats during the event, called the investment a “major vote of confidence in our province’s economy and workers.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to making Ontario “the most competitive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs,” adding, “We’re going to continue doing whatever it takes to protect workers by cutting red tape.” Ford was joined by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, both of whom highlighted the broader significance of the expansion for Ontario’s agri-food sector.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario is proud to stand as a trusted partner for companies seeking a competitive business environment, highly skilled workforce and resilient economy in which to invest,” said Fedeli. He pointed out that the food manufacturing industry supports one in nine jobs across Ontario and generates more than $51 billion in GDP annually. The Chapman’s expansion, he noted, aligns perfectly with the province’s 2025 economic strategy, which includes initiatives like the Advancing Ontario Made Manufacturing Plan and the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, both designed to ensure local businesses remain globally competitive.
For Chapman’s, the expansion comes at a pivotal moment. Ashley Chapman, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, explained, “This expansion comes at a critical time for Chapman’s. The competition from multinationals has only increased in recent years and this project will help us to establish a stronger competitive ground.” He added, “We are grateful for the province’s support, which has allowed us to build a bigger facility and support higher-paying jobs for our community.” Chapman also revealed that the company is “starting to look a little farther afield” and is considering expanding sales beyond Canada’s borders, particularly to the United Kingdom and European Union. “We would like to start thinking about, maybe, producing our products for shipments overseas,” he said.
Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, echoed the excitement, calling the project a boon for local employment and trade. “Ontario’s agri-food sector is a true powerhouse, supporting jobs across our province. Chapman’s expansion here in Markdale means more good jobs, a stronger local economy, and even more of Ontario’s high-quality food products reaching families at home and trading partners around the world,” Jones remarked.
Local voices were just as enthusiastic. Paul Vickers, MPP for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, praised the Chapman family’s longstanding commitment to the community. “Canadians love Chapman’s Ice Cream and Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound is proud to produce it! Time and time again, the Chapman family has stepped up for our region. I am glad that today their province can step up for them. I am pleased to welcome today’s investment, and all it will mean for this great local business, its employees and the community of Markdale,” Vickers said.
The provincial funding for Chapman’s expansion comes through the Invest Ontario Fund, a program designed to support strategic investments that advance manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and help trade-impacted sectors. According to Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, Chapman’s is “a household name in Canada and an Ontario success story.” He noted that the expansion reinforces the company’s roots while “opening doors to the world market.” Since its inception, Invest Ontario has announced more than $7.6 billion in new projects across various industries, creating over 9,700 jobs. The Chapman’s investment stands as one of the largest commitments in Ontario’s food sector to date.
For the Chapman family, the day was more than just a business milestone—it was a moment of reflection on decades of hard work and community partnership. Penny Chapman, who co-founded the company with her husband David, shared her memories of the early days: “Fifty-two years ago, we travelled up here to Markdale to buy the old Markdale creamery. Our only hope was to make our formula ice cream, with our name on the package and hope that Canadians would pick it up and buy it from us.” She smiled as she recounted how far the company has come, saying, “We make the best ice cream in Canada.” Penny also noted that she still reads every letter the company receives from consumers, underscoring the family’s personal connection to their customers.
Beyond the numbers and ribbon-cutting, the Chapman’s expansion is a story of resilience and adaptation in a changing global market. As international trade pressures, including U.S. tariffs, continue to challenge Canadian industries, Ontario’s officials see projects like this as proof that the province can adapt, innovate, and remain competitive. By investing in infrastructure and talent, Ontario is positioning itself as a global hub for agri-food innovation—one scoop at a time.
For Markdale and the surrounding region, the expansion means more than just jobs; it’s a reaffirmation of the community’s place at the heart of Ontario’s food industry. As Chapman’s prepares to boost production and explore new international markets, the company’s journey from a small-town creamery to a national—and potentially global—brand stands as a testament to the power of local roots, family values, and a little bit of sweet ambition.