Windsor-Essex is on the forefront of forming the next big economic growth sector. Our geographic location is arguably the most desirable Canadian location for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
Sector profile
We've been able to achieve notable success in building up our clean technology sector with our manufacturing sector bringing in many transferable skills and our education system introducing more curriculum on clean tech.
As investors, consumers and Governments increasingly base their decisions on environmental sustainability, taking climate action now is a critical economic opportunity that will maintain and create Canadian jobs, and make the economy more resilient and more competitive.
A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy is the federal plan to build a better future with a healthier economy and environment.
Solar energy and wind energy
Windsor-Essex supports business and employment opportunities for solar photovoltaic technology that are used within solar plans that harness the light to produce renewable electricity and heat resources.
Essex County is home to hundreds of wind turbines that provide our community with clean, renewable wind energy.
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing
Our strategic geographic location at the busiest commercial border crossing between Canada and the U.S. has given Windsor-Essex a strong value proposition for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in clean tech regional automotive opportunities. We've highlighted the following globally-minded companies who seek North American market entry that demonstrate our regions commitment to attracting desirable FDIs:
- 20 plus companies have established original equipment manufacturer (OEMs)
- 6 companies have established electric vehicle (EV) OEMs
- More than 20 companies have begun start-up EV OEMs
- 20 plus other companies exist that provide FDIs
- Projected Ford EV production to start in 2024
- Stellantis (formerly FCA) EV production to start in 2025
Industry strengths
Over the years, Windsor-Essex has built up a strong industry for eliminating our emissions and advancing our clean technologies sector. Our manufacturers and research-based facilities thrive off of our industry strengths which include:
- Rich history and international hub for advanced manufacturing
- Population of 4.8 million people within a 50 km radius
- 25 per cent of our workforce is trained and available with expert skills in applied science, technologies and trades
- Federal government announced the corporate tax for zero-emission companies will be reduced by 50%. The new tax rate is 12.5%. Federal and provincial incentives for innovation including the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program (SR&ED), the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), the Canada Ontario Job Grant and the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
- Local incentives through Community Improvement Plans (CIPs) that support businesses with lease rate of land, Build to Suit options, zero development charges for planning and constructing new facilities. A new funding strategy: Green CIP is developed to assist strategic partners to cut water consumption cost by 40 per cent. The program would allow for city funding to be used for recycling systems to recapture water to be used in the manufacturing process.
- Foreign trade zone opportunities including duty-free treatment for manufacturing and processing equipment.
Education and research
Our education and research facilities offer credible institutions that help drive Windsor-Essex's innovation for zero emissions and clean technology.
St. Clair College is one of the top 50 research colleges in Canada, it has approximately 480 engineering technologies and skilled trades students completing their programs annually that contribute to our efforts of innovating clean technologies. The college provides experiences including:
- The Ford Centre for Excellence in manufacturing which delivers high quality training for the engineering and manufacturing technology industry.
- The apprenticeship programs which provides students with valuable experience, including their work with training talent for BMW.
The University of Windsor's faculty of engineering is noted as having one of the top engineering programs in Canada, with students with over 400 undergraduates graduating each year. Notable clean technology innovations being explored and researched at the university include:
- The Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering & Innovation (University of Windsor's largest capital investment) which empowers students and researchers in automotive manufacturing, design, test and materials labs.
- A partnership with University of Windsor - Fiat Chrysler Canada Automotive Research and Development Centre that gives students another stepping stone to help define Canada's future in zero emissions and clean tech.
- CHARGE (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) Labs where research is being conducted to focus on the design, control and testing of electric machines and drives for electric vehicles in an effort to push the boundaries of innovations, improve performance and reduce overall costs in electric drive technology.