Groundbreaking begins new Innovation Park development

Innovation Park designed to attract new businesses and research groups 

On an unseasonably warm but blustery day, Mayor Luke Charbonneau officially began the construction of the Town’s new Innovation Park, an area set up to attract clean energy businesses by capitalizing on the area’s existing knowledge base. 

(L to R): Mark Paoli, Director of Development Services; Ruhul Amin, Manager, Engineering; Kara Van Myall, Chief Administrative Officer; David Myette, Saugeen Ward Councillor; Mike Myatt, Vice Deputy Mayor; Mayor Luke Charbonneau; Heather Hyde, Economic Development Officer; Travis Burnside, Cobide Engineering; Len Purdue & Jayson Long, Cedarwell Excavating – for larger view click on image

The Mayor ceremonially turned a piece of earth alongside fellow Council members Dave Myette and Vice-deputy Mayor Mike Myatt, staff and the project’s construction firm. 

                                                             For larger view, Click on Image

“Through this investment, Saugeen Shores is taking a major step to seize our potential as a hub for innovative business in our region.” said Charbonneau. “Our community combines world class economic opportunity with an unparalleled quality of life. That’s why close to 20 clean energy organizations have already chosen Saugeen Shores and it’s why we will attract many, many more.” 

When completed, the park will feature 17 lots spread over 23 acres of employment land.  The Town is currently reaching out to new and existing businesses at the heart of the clean energy industry – nuclear, hydrogen, solar – as well as the technology and research to go with it.  The goal is to offer up a campus where these businesses will not only thrive but will also collaborate and build next generation technologies together. 

 

                                                          Rendered drawing concept (Saugeen Shores website)

Port Elgin, home to the new Innovation Park and its proximity to Bruce Nuclear Power, is anticipated to become a centre for energy innovation, and a hub for Canada’s clean energy frontier. The Park is being created to foster and build on this innovative spirit in clean energy.

While at the groundbreaking, Mayor Charbonneau and staff also greeted interested visitors from Quebec.

For larger view, Click on Image

The Town will connect the site to essential underground infrastructure – water, hydro and internet – while offering a suite of municipal incentives to help businesses and organizations establish themselves in the park. 

The Town expects the park to be build-ready by September, 2023.  For more, visit  Innovation Park