Energy conservation will get a surge thanks to a $4.63-million federal investment in Mohawk College, which will help to build a new test site in Woodbridge to develop and commercialize clean energy technologies.

The technologies developed at the site, located in the “Living City” at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, will have the potential to make electrical power systems more efficient. This will ultimately lead to more efficient and cost-effective electrical power distribution and usage for Canadians.

The investment was announced today by Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament for Vaughan‒Woodbridge and Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West‒Ancaster‒Dundas,. They made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

The Government’s Innovation Agenda aims to make Canada a global centre for innovation – one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is an example of that vision in action.

Partners in the public and private sectors will use the test site to collaborate on the development and testing of new technologies that will allow home and building owners to monitor and manage the energy in their homes and offices.

This project will position southern Ontario as a leader in efficient energy use and management. The project is expected to create up to 82 high-quality jobs, and bring together up to 11 partners from key energy leaders such as Siemens, as well as post-secondary institutions. This collaboration will also allow Mohawk College to train students for highly-skilled energy sector jobs for today and tomorrow.

Quotes
“We are proud to bring together businesses, government and post-secondary institutions in order to collaborate and find the most innovative ways to make the lives of Canadians better.”

Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge

“The Government of Canada is committed to making Canada a global centre for innovation. This vision aims to create quality jobs, drive growth across all industries and create real benefits for Canadians. Today’s announcement demonstrates how we are energizing that vision.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister Responsible for FedDev Ontario

“This investment in Mohawk College will lead to the development and commercialization of innovative energy technologies and methods. Communities, businesses and Canadians will benefit from the partnerships, resources and jobs made available through this new centre.”

Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas