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Ontario invests in innovative centres at Cambrian and Norcat

BY LAUREL MYERS The Ontario Government is fueling innovation in the north by investing in two new centres at the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) and Cambrian College.

BY LAUREL MYERS

The Ontario Government is fueling innovation in the north by investing in two new centres at the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) and Cambrian College.

The announcement was made Monday by Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is providing $1.5 million to NORCAT to support construction of a 40,000-square foot innovation and commercialization park, and $1 million for the establishment of a Sustainable Energy Centre at Cambrian College.

“The Innovation and Commercialization Park will build on the services already offered by NORCAT in nurturing new business and industrial development concepts,” said Bartolucci, who is also the chair of the NOHFC.

“The Sustainable Energy Centre has the potential to play a prominent role  in attracting industry, business, builders and designers of alternative energy products to Northern Ontario to pursue developmental opportunities.”

The park, to be located off Maley Dr., will provide small and medium enterprises with the space necessary to develop new technology, products and processes. The facility will provide flexible space to meet the needs of tenants seeking to develop projects or expand their markets.

The Sustainable Energy Centre will consist of an innovative teaching and applied research facility that will provide entrepreneurs and businesses a venue to develop, test and demonstrate sustainable energy prototypes and green technologies.

It will also prepare college students for careers in the fast growing fields of green building, energy efficiency and resource conservation through specialized course work.

“Through their continued support of NORCAT, Premier (Dalton) McGuinty and Minister Bartolucci are laying a foundation for Sudbury and the province to take the lead in innovation and commercialization,” said Darryl Lake, CEO and executive director of NORCAT.

These initiatives are part of the government's Northern Prosperity Plan, which includes four pillars: Strengthening the North and its Communities, Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally and Providing Opportunities for All.


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