Ontario launches Northern Technology Development Site to help solidify province’s position as North American leader in building the cars of the future
NORTH BAY– The Northern Ontario Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) will connect Ontario’s manufacturing might with Northern Ontario’s mining and mineral expertise, talent and leadership. It will provide Northern and electric vehicle (EV) businesses with the support they need to help build the next generation of low-carbon, autonomous, electric and connected vehicles.
The Northern Site brings together post-secondary institutions, Regional Innovation Centres, incubators and accelerators, municipal and regional resources, industry and other regional collaborators. It will help businesses develop Ontario’s EV supply chain, including initial critical minerals refining, downstream battery cell design and EV powertrain, manufacturing, and other related EV technologies.
“Right now, Ontario is uniquely positioned to emerge as a North American EV hub and we will continue to invest in Ontario’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem as we build the cars of the future,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We’re making sure our innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises in every region of the province have the capital and support they need to bring Ontario-made EV and connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) solutions to the world.”
As the next step in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), the Northern Ontario RTDS is a collaboration between public and private sector partners in North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Greater Sudbury, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, and Thunder Bay.
“As the world quickens its transition towards the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles, Ontario stands ready to lead,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “The OVIN Northern Ontario Regional Technology Development Site will strengthen links between our resources and manufacturing sectors, preparing the province to become a major destination for inward investment, and good-paying, rewarding careers in the new auto industry.”
Read the entire media release from the Government of Ontario here
