Bright ideas could generate 200 local jobs

Sault Ste. Marie's green thumb might finally have dug up some jobs for the community, but they won't come without a financial risk.

City council approved $95,000 in funding to the Innovation Centre at Monday's meeting to undertake a two-year, $794,000 initiative for the implementation of their Smart Energy Strategy.

The plan for green success was developed by Parker Venture Management (Toronto-based experts in alternative energy) and three-year objectives include the creation of 200 jobs from energy-related projects, along with fostering $45 million in projects and company investment.

"The momentum continues and this funding will keep us moving forward to meeting our vision of becoming the alternative energy capital of North America," said Tom Vair, executive director of the Innovation Centre.

"The report confirmed we have some unique advantages we should position ourselves to take advantage of."

Vair said the Smart Energy Strategy will help advance existing projects and launch new project opportunities aimed at painting the city as a smart energy development destination.

The city's financial contribution will be either $95,000 or 12% of the total project cost - whichever is less - in case other government funding windows don't open.

Total cost of the project is $794,000; $338,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and $225,000 from FedNor are being sought.

Vair said they are in stage two of the funding request process with both the provincial and federal government.

Money from the city will come from the Economic Development Fund and won't have a negative effect on the EDC.

"I don't see a problem at all," said Tom Dodds, Economic Development Corporation CEO. "We still have enough funding left to take care of our balance for the remainder of the year."

The cash influx will allow the Innovation Centre to add staff like marketing and energy experts to work on projects and hire outside consultants to further local ventures identified in report.

Highlighted in the report is the smart micro-grid, energy storage and advanced energy applications projects.

"When we look at the goals we've identified, this funding will allow us to assemble a team that will help us meet those goals," said Vair, pointing to the lofty job and investment figures outlined.

"We're trying to get projects to the stage where we can draw outside investment to grow jobs in the community."
With the money, the city will also attempt to host International Smart Energy Conference and work with marketing consultants to promote the unique advantages highlighted in the Smart Energy Strategy.

"We have created a niche for ourselves and we have to move on it," said Steve Butland, Ward 1 Councillor. "Plenty of opportunity will be on the table and council needs to nurture these chances as much as possible."

The initial phase of the implementation process will include furthering existing projects and determining new opportunities.

Vair said the time is better than ever for the city to move forward with green energy jobs and pointed to the province's commitment to eliminate the use of coal by 2014 as an example.

A new clean energy institute will be opened at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto and Vair has engaged in preliminary talks about the Sault's potential role.

"We've had a number of their staff visit us in the past," said Vair. "They're well aware of what we're doing and our plans for the future."