Business View Magazine November-December 2018

244 245 project in North America. Others have been done on campuses and in business parks, but this will be the entire City of Sault Ste. Marie. “We’ll have an advanced electric distribution grid installed and that piggy backs on a strong heritage of energy generation in the region.We’re actually a net exporter of renewable energy; we produce more than we consume. There are sig- nificant hydro facilities that have been around a long time.We also have over 120 MW of wind power, and a 60 MW solar installation on our dis- tribution grid. In fact, in the shoulder season, our entire City is powered by that solar plant.” Hollingsworth: “We’re unique in those renew- able energy assets, which is one of the reasons our smart energy strategy and the micro-grid for the community is taking off. That’s one of the compelling stories we tell businesses interested in coming here. That we have a robust energy system and we’re looking for opportunities in that space.” BVM: How will the smart grid initiative attract businesses? Vair: “There is a tremendous opportunity for new businesses to attach to the smart grid– so the Soo becomes a logical test bed for advanced electric technology and systems. It’s also really important for businesses that require quality power for their operations. The smart grid pro- vides a level of resiliency and regulates the volt- age going to a business, which can be a crucial factor for companies with specialized equipment.” Hollingsworth: “Basically, the smart grid pro- SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO vides a series of sensors and control systems that monitor distribution. So, if there is a power out- age it can reroute power in a millisecond. From an industry perspective, if you can have high reli- ability and avoid downtime it makes good sense. That’s very attractive for companies wanting to do further testing in that environment –new sensor technologies and various types of technology around electric vehicles are opportunities we’re pursuing.” BVM: Is entrepreneurship a part of downtown revitalization? Vair: “Definitely. The Innovation Centre, a part- ner of our EDC, is focused on the science and technology sector and they have an incubator space for start-ups. Companies are given men- torship, support services, and access to funding from organizations such as the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), and the Northern Ontario Angels that also invests in busi- nesses.” Hollingsworth: “We have two incubators. The Innovation Centre operates the Accelerator Hub in a repurposed building on the main street in our downtown. They work with companies that are developing or executing a new technology. At the EDC, we have the Millworks Centre for En-