Innovation in Durham timeline (Part 5) – from electric vehicles in Oshawa to virtual markets in Clarington
Published October 26, 2021 at 9:50 am
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Since Robert McLaughlin started making horse-drawn carriages at his rural home in Tyrone, entrepreneurs, innovators, and people with an eye for business have been breaking new ground and stretching the technology rules of their day to put Durham Region on the map.
This report, the last of a series on the timeline of innovators in Durham’s history, looks at some very recent advancements, starting with an electric vehicle strategy adopted by some Trent University Durham students just a couple of years ago.
2019
Electric Vehicle Strategy Trent University Durham GTA campus students in the Communications and Critical Thinking program begin work on an Electric Vehicle strategy with the Municipality of Clarington. The project looks at best practices for the adoption, use and maintenance of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.
2019
Innovation in Cancer Care in Ontario The R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health wins a Cancer Quality Council of Ontario 2019 Quality and Innovation Award for significant contributions to quality and innovation in the delivery of cancer care in Ontario.
2019
Canada’s First Biogas Plant Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) partners with ZooShare – an energy co-operative with more than 600 members – and begins building Canada’s first biogas plant at the Toronto Zoo to convert organic waste to renewable energy and fertilizer.
2019
Canadian Technical Centre (CTC) McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track Construction begins on GM’s McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track, named after GM Canada’s founder and visionary Colonel Sam McLaughlin. Situated on 55 acres, south of GM’s Oshawa operations, the track will be used to support the testing of advanced GM vehicle software and technologies that will enable a future vision that is self-driven, all-electric, and highly connected.
2019
1855 Whitby 1855, Durham Region’s innovation accelerator is founded in downtown Whitby. Initiated and funded by the Town of Whitby and Jason Atkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of 360Insights, 1855’s goal is to accelerate the growth and scale-up of high potential tech companies. Founding members include Spark Centre graduates MobileXCo, a quickly accelerating marketing technology (MarTech) company.
2020
Pivoting During COVID-19 Manufacturers across Durham Region retool to join the fight against COVID-19. From face shields produced in collaboration between Ontario Power Generation and Ontario Tech University, to local sun porch manufacturer Sun Space creating retail protective equipment, companies large and small innovate solutions. Of note, a General Motors production facility in Oshawa is retooled to manufacture face masks for Health Canada.
2020
Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation Durham College launches its fourth applied research centre, the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, which offers current and aspiring cybersecurity professionals, as well as public and private-sector organizations, access to applied research services and leading-edge education in cybersecurity to prepare for the ever-changing and complex threat landscape.
2020
Kendal Hills Farm In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, local farm Kendal Hills launches a virtual farmers’ market, collaborating with more than 30 other farms to deliver local goods and produce direct to consumers. Modelled on a typical farmers’ market, the project collates orders and ships to homes across the Greater Toronto Area.
2020
Axcessiom Technologies Axcessiom Technologies, founded at Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Incubator, receives federal funding to continue to develop their facial landmark recognition technology that makes driving more accessible for those using adaptive technology.
2021
Intelligent Community The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), names the Region of Durham as one of the Smart21 Communities of the Year. The ICF recognizes communities around the world for successfully developing innovative solutions that create inclusive and prosperous communities.
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