A world class automotive and mobility technology piloting zone will be established in Sarnia and Windsor thanks to an investment announced this week.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario Minister Filomena Tassi said at the Canadian International Auto Show on Thursday that $8 million will be invested for the Ontario Centre of Innovation [OCI].
The OCI, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network [OVIN], will support over 40 companies as the transportation sector moves toward Zero Emission Vehicles [ZEV] and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle [CAV] technologies.
The pilot project in the Sarnia/Windsor zone will act as a launch pad for commercialization, focusing on cross-border and multi-modal scenarios, while a Toronto site will focus on urban transportation.
“Southern Ontario plays a vital role in driving economic growth, especially when it comes to CAV and EV-related innovation and production," Tassi said. "OVIN’s pilot zones in Toronto and Windsor/Sarnia will support the testing and validating of cleaner and more efficient mobility technologies, which will help make a brighter future for us all."
New technology will be piloted in real-world environments, including highways, cross-border sites and urban technology settings.
The project is expected to create and maintain 345 jobs and contribute to Canada's goal of reaching net-zero emission by 2050.