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A boost for innovation and automobility.
The federal government is investing $8 million for the Ontario Centre of Innovation, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, to create two live-environment piloting sites.
Officials announced the pilot program on Thursday at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow.
The live-environment piloting sites will support the development and commercialization of new transportation technologies and innovative solutions in southern Ontario.
In Windsor/Sarnia, the focus will be on cross-border efficiencies and multi-modal transportation challenges.
The Toronto hub will focus on urban transportation needs like the required EV charging network and accessibility needs.
Officials say these live-testing sites will act as a launch pad for over 40 small and medium-sized enterprises as they pilot and commercialize over 40 new technologies, predominantly within the Zero Emission Vehicles and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle space.
The Technology Pilot Zones not only aim to fill a gap in Canada’s market for those vehicles, but to also break down the high barriers to entry and facilitate technology piloting in real-world environments.
The project will also create and maintain 345 jobs and contribute to Canada’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 through the deployment of cleaner and more efficient technologies.
Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, says it’s all about preparing for what’s next when it comes to electric vehicles.
“It’s really to ensure that we are providing the support needed for the innovation in the EV space. So a very exciting announcement at the Canadian International AutoShow and really this is about looking to the future,” she said.
Tassi says there is an opportunity in the EV space to really demonstrate the ability and people that Canada has, especially given the unprecedented foreign investment the country is attracting.
“In order to build up this space. You know, Windsor with Stellantis and the EV battery plant, but also St. Thomas and Volkswagen. Really supporting that space, and growth. We want to ensure that we are providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to commercialize products.”
She says making sure research is being done in Canada is so important, and much preferred as opposed to relying on another country to provide that data.
Tassi says the government is looking to ensure that every opportunity is seized, not only for the main investments, but also those that help to create an end-to-end supply chain in this country.
“We want Stellantis for example to be looking right next door at various products. And so this is another example of really looking to the future and saying we recognize that we are creating a space here in southern Ontario that is really going to attract, I think, the attention of the world in the EV space,” she said.
Tassi concluded by saying the federal government is committed to supporting innovators as they evolve, adopt more sustainable practices like EV technologies, and create good jobs for Canadians.
– with files from AM800’s The Shift with Patty Handysides
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