Canada Government supporting mobility with an $8M grant

MEDIA RELEASE via FedDev Ontario

Toronto, Ontario, February 22, 2024 — Southern Ontario has emerged as a prominent hub for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) innovation and new mobility solutions, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs who are developing cutting-edge technology to address our changing environment and growing need for greener practices. The Government of Canada is investing in people to drive innovation and growth so they can reach their potential and develop new possibilities for our country and our economy.

Today, at the Canadian International AutoShow, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, announced an investment of $8-million for the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), to establish two live-environment piloting sites to support the development and commercialization of new transportation technologies and innovative solutions in southern Ontario.

With one location in Toronto focusing on urban transportation and the other in Windsor/Sarnia focused on cross-border and multi-modal scenarios, these world-class, live-testing sites will act as a launch pad for over 40 SMEs as they pilot and commercialize over 40 new technologies, predominantly within the ZEV and CAV areas.

The Technology Pilot Zones will not only aim to fill a gap in Canada’s market for CAV and ZEV commercialization but will also break down the high barriers to entry and facilitate technology piloting in real-world environments, including highways, cross-border sites and urban transportation settings. In addition, this project will 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.

While at the AutoShow, Minister Tassi had the opportunity to view up and coming EV technologies at Electric City, meet with companies supported by OVIN, and test drive the future of mobility in an EV vehicle at the AutoShow test track. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovators as they evolve, adopt more sustainable practices, like EV technologies, and create good jobs for Canadians.