Business View Magazine | March 2020

352 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 specialty that we have here.” A key player in the realm of advanced water technology is Fleming College’s Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT). CAWT is an internationally- recognized research institute in Peterborough that conducts research in the areas of water and wastewater treatment. It is comprised of a core group of scientists, faculty researchers, and technologists, as well as a community of associates from the academic, industrial, and private sectors, whose goal is to turn innovative ideas into a market advantage for a cleaner world. “We are a good pilot testing ground for new products and that’s really where a lot of the companies have started from,” Keenan adds. “We test and validate a lot of new products coming on the market.” Another key player is Trent University, which is currently partnering with the city to create Cleantech Commons, a nascent industrial park near the university with a focus on clean technology. “There are specific criteria for businesses that want to locate in that space,” says Peterborough’s Mayor, Diane Therrien. “There’s such a demand, these days, for these new technologies around food and water and how we build a more sustainable and green future. So, we’re trying to position Peterborough as a leader and cutting edge community on that front.” For its part, the city is installing trails, roads, sewers, and water services to support the creation of Cleantech Commons. Also, in partnership with Trent University, the city has hired Martin Yuill as Executive Director for the enterprise. “He’s responsible for spearheading a lot of the recruitment initiatives, going out and finding the companies that would be a good fit,” says Therrien. “So, as we combine the expertise of CAWT with the researchers at Trent University, Yuill can make a really strong case when talking to those companies,” Keenan adds. “We also leverage our business community. Because Fleming College