We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of April. See below to read our top highlights.
Invest WindsorEssex’s automobility team made waves at DiscoveryX 2024
(Left to right): Mackenzie Habash, program manager, Jessica McCarthy, talent attraction specialist, Ed Dawson, interim executive director, automobility and innovation, Katlyn Melnik, communications and event coordinator and Kassem Nizam, program manager at Invest WindsorEssex.
Invest WindsorEssex’s Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS) program managers, along with IWE’s talent attraction specialist attended DiscoveryX 2024 hosted by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to share not only our OVIN WE RTDS programs and services but all the great benefits and opportunities that Windsor-Essex has to offer. Our collaboration in the automotive and mobility sectors continues to support and drive economic development to our region as Ontario works towards building a future with efficient, clean and sustainable transportation. READ MORE
Ontario launches Grid Innovation Fund to leverage new technologies and improve electric grid efficiency
The Government of Ontario has announced the launch of a new round of funding initiative called the Grid Innovation Fund, which will invest over $9 million to support projects to leverage the province’s electricity system efficiency. This year’s funding will primarily focus on two areas – transportation and heating and cooling, which are two sectors that are driving the demand for increased electrical usage. Ontario’s electricity system is powered by a diverse mix of sources, including nuclear, hydro, biomass, renewables and natural gas and is forecasted to grow by two per cent annually over the next 20 years. This new investment is expected to help support the next generation of innovative projects and technologies that contribute to the province’s grid flexibility, reliability and affordability. Applications for the Innovation Fund will be administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and will open in May 2024. READ MORE
Budget 2024 aimed at attracting more EV assembly to Canada
Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland presented the federal budget in the House of Commons in Ottawa. This year’s budget incentive contains a new tax credit called the 10 Per Cent Electric Vehicle Supply Chain Investment Tax Credit, designed to support Canada’s EV supply chain and secure the future of Canada’s automotive industry. This incentive aims to attract more businesses investing in electrical-vehicle assembly across three EV segments: assembly, battery production and cathode active materials.
The credit can be used in conjunction with the Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which applies to the cost of investments in new green machinery and equipment. Targeted investments like these are intended to help support economic growth, provide meaningful new job opportunities to enhance its global competitiveness and fortify supply chains for Canada and its international partners. For eligibility requirements or more information, READ MORE.
E-vehicle sales slowdown isn’t expected to stall Ontario’s investment plans
Left: Vic Fedeli, economic development, job creation and trade minister and Chunbok Choi, CEO of DS Actimo Canada Inc.
Photo Credit: Jan Janisse / Windsor Star
Over the past three years, Ontario has successfully attracted more than $28 billion in new investments in the auto and electric vehicle industries. Vic Fedeli, Ontario minister of economic development, job creation and trade has confirmed major multinational firms are at various stages of studying, planning or putting down roots in Ontario, including in the Windsor area. Despite the slow sales of electric vehicles, The Ford government states there has been no slowdown in the interest or intentions of companies looking to be part of the province’s emerging EV supply chain, ranging from mining to recycling. Due to Windsor-Essex’s geographical location, adjacent to the border, new companies to the region will have easy access to the American market around the Great Lakes basin. READ MORE
Honda announces huge investment in Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain offers promising opportunities for Windsor-Essex
Honda Motor Co. has announced a historic investment into Canada’s electric-vehicle battery supply chain with a series of investments in Ontario worth a combined $15 billion. This large-scale project includes four new manufacturing plants and a new stand-alone battery manufacturing plant at its facilities in Alliston, Ontario. According to auto sector experts, this huge commitment will trigger big economic spinoff benefits for the Windsor-Essex area. Joe Goncalves, interim CEO and vice-president of investment attraction and strategic initiatives with Invest WindsorEssex, said, “Honda’s investment announcement only makes the region more attractive to companies looking at locating here. It’s a great opportunity for local companies to expand their relationship with Honda and it’s a great opportunity for companies coming here to supply Honda both in Alliston and the U.S.” An investment of this magnitude is not only a game-changer for Windsor-Essex but for the industry in Canada as a whole. READ MORE
University of Windsor students to deploy autonomous probes to sample local waterways
Photo Credit: The University of Windsor
A new initiative has been launched at the University of Windsor to help protect and safeguard our fragile aquatic ecosystems. Led by professor, Shahpour Alirezaee and Saaeed Mozaffari, research associate, a team of researchers are deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to gather samples from local waterways to collect data. This new technological advancement, like aerial drones, will be utilized underwater to help improve water quality assessments, detect harmful substances and reduce ecological damage. Windsor is home to various waterways, including the Detroit River, which makes it an essential testing site for improved decision-making processes and enhanced water monitoring. With autonomous operating capabilities, this submersible technology can contribute to the protection, vitality and restoration of our aquatic environment. Long term, AUV’s advanced technology provides a promising step toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. READ MORE