Ontario sweetens deal for Chapman’s Ice Cream expansion with $27M investment

ALL CAPITALI$M IS $TATE CAPITALI$M

The new facility will be 175,000 square feet and enable Chapman’s to continue making over 200 products using exclusively Canadian milk and cream.

By Kim Phillips

September 19, 2025 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford enjoys a Chapman's ice cream treat at a press conference outside the facility on Fri., Sept 19, 2025. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

The Ontario government is scooping out $27 million for Chapman’s, Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer, to help expand its operations and build a new facility in Markdale.

Premier Doug Ford announced the investment during a press conference on Friday outside Chapman’s facility, calling it a “major vote of confidence” in Ontario’s economy and workers.

The province’s investment is on top of Chapman’s over $200 million it’s fronting for the project, which is expected to create 200 new jobs, bringing the family-run company’s workforce to over 1,000 employees.

“We’re going to continue doing whatever it takes to protect workers by cutting red tape and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs,” said Ford during a press conference on Friday outside Chapman’s facility, before stating his love for the Canadian-made products.

“I eat these things every night,” Ford added, holding a Chapman’s ice cream bar. “These are the best ice cream sandwiches anywhere,” he added before taking a bite.


The new facility will increase production capacity, allowing Chapman’s to develop new products, meet growing demand, and expand into international markets.

Chapman’s COO Ashley Chapman said the province’s support will help the company establish a stronger competitive ground in the face of increasing competition from multinationals.


Kim Phillips
Journalist, CTVNews.ca Barrie