Aviva Canada Selects Downtown Markham for New Head Office

- Insurance leader shifting more than 1,500 employees to innovative Remington Group development -

TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Superior amenities and the unique benefits provided by a mixed-use development are among the many reasons why Aviva Canada Inc. (Aviva Canada) today announced plans to relocate their head office to The Remington Group's Downtown Markham development. Occupying the majority of a new 350,000 square feet building standing 12 storeys and housing more than 1,500 people, Aviva's new offices are scheduled to open in 2017.

When Aviva Canada started to review Head Office options they realized that Downtown Markham was the ideal environment. "The incredible amenities offered by this new urban centre provide our employees a place to work that is conveniently located to major highways and excellent transit," said Greg Somerville, President and CEO, Aviva Canada. "Additionally, the retail offerings, restaurants, art installations and green spaces will all contribute to a terrific environment and an engaged work force."

"Aviva Canada reviewed several options for their new national campus and we are pleased that they chose to build a state-of-the-art office in Downtown Markham," said Christopher Bratty, President, Land Development and Investments, The Remington Group.  "Aviva Canada joins other industry leaders including Worley Parsons, and Motorola in selecting the LEED certified commercial space offered by Downtown Markham."

Downtown Markham will also be home to 2 million square feet of retail, 72 acres of natural and landscaped green spaces and a world class art program including the world's first power-producing, fine-art carousel.

"Creating and building community is very important to Aviva Canada," explains Somerville.  "We wanted to partner with a developer who shared our vision - and The Remington Group's community-focused development, Downtown Markham was a logical choice."

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti added, "Since 2008, Markham has attracted approximately 190 companies with more than 8,300 employees. Markham is a vibrant city, with a growing and prosperous local economy. We're proud to welcome Aviva Canada, and their extended international family, to our city and in particular to our beautiful Markham Centre."

Aviva Canada is the second largest general insurer in the country and one of the largest businesses in the Aviva Group, which serves 34 million clients in 17 countries. Aviva Canada actively supports the communities in which they work through the establishment of the Aviva Community Fund, which to date, has provided more than $4.5 million in funding to 42 charities and community groups across the country.

About Aviva Canada

Aviva Insurance Canada is one of the leading Property and Casualty insurance groups in Canada providing home, automobile, recreational vehicle, group and business insurance to more than three million customers. A wholly-owned subsidiary of UK-based Aviva plc, the company has more than 3,000 employees, 25 locations and 1,700 independent broker partners. Aviva Canada and its employees invest in positive change including through the Aviva Community Fund and Eva's Initiatives, its partner in Aviva's global Street to School program to help homeless and other at-risk youth reach their potential. For more information please visit AvivaCanada.com

About Downtown Markham

Located in Canada's High Tech Capital, Downtown Markham is the newest addition to Canada's largest metropolis, the Greater Toronto Area.  It is a vibrant, entertaining and culturally infused city centre with an exclusive, artistic vibe.  Downtown Markham is also the place to be green.  The city hosts North America's largest collection of LEED certified green buildings and has more than 72 acres of natural and landscaped green spaces.  Next to come to life will be the amazing Downtown Markham retail complex. Learn more at downtownmarkham.ca, @downtownmarkham and facebook.com/DowntownMarkham.

About The Remington Group

For more than 60 years, The Remington Group has influenced the urban and suburban landscapes in Ontario. The Remington Group Inc. is a Canadian company comprised of five integrated operating division including Industrial and Commercial Construction, Residential Construction, Land Development, Property Management, and Finance and Administration. The Remington Group Inc. continues to grow with a commitment to innovative building and operational concepts. For more information on The Remington Group please visit www.remingtongroupinc.com

SOURCE: AVIVA Canada

Media Contacts:

Kathy Fischer, Idea Workshop
[phone] [email protected]

Ann David, Aviva Canada
[phone] [email protected]

Evelynn Ratcliffe, Downtown Markham
[phone], [email protected]