June 24, 2009
Victoria, British Columbia
Today, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for Saanich Gulf-Islands on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced federal support for the University of Victoria (UVic) and Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), to undertake projects that support research and development in the oceans sector in British Columbia.
"The Government of Canada supports research, testing and development of new technologies and operating techniques that will provide significant economic benefit to British Columbia and Canada," said Minister of State Lunn. "Today's funding announcements will lead to important developments for the advancement of our oceans sector and related industries."
Federal funding of more than $1 million for two projects is provided through Western Economic Diversification Canada under the Western Diversification Program.
With a federal investment of $800,000 UVic will acquire an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and related infrastructure including side scan sonar, an integrated acoustic system and other scientific instrumentation--all of which will be installed and operated in the Oceans Technology Test Bed (OTTB) located in Saanich Inlet. The OTTB will be available to organizations to pursue technology commercialization, concept testing and demonstration and application development. Research from these technologies will support port and maritime security, environmental monitoring, marine transportation, mineral renewable energy and ocean science.
"The new acquisition will help UVic student research as well as generate income," said Dr. Howard Brunt, Vice-President Research. "The Ocean Technology Test Bed is a local research hub. It also provides a unique service, which is sought out by both Canadian and foreign companies. The addition of this AUV will increase this facility's revenue potential. Revenue that is generated by the OTTB-- especially revenue from foreign companies--will have a direct, positive impact on the local economy."
A second federal investment of $360,000 will support technology commercialization activities by ONC. Created by UVic, ONC is a not-for-profit society aimed at building and sustaining Canada's world leadership in ocean science and technology. This is achieved through commercialization of technologies developed for the NEPTUNE Canada and VENUS ocean observatories--cabled underwater ocean laboratories that use innovative engineering, data communication and sensor technologies to gather continuous real-time data and images from the ocean depths. Specifically, this funding will support costs for a new Senior Business Development Officer over a period of 27 months, including related support staff and operating costs, office set-up and equipment. Scott McLean will lead the seven-person ONC Centre for Enterprise and Engagement (ONCEE), building on existing partnerships between observatory researchers and relevant Canadian and foreign organizations. Where suitable industry partners can't be found, ONCEE will help establish new spin-off companies.
"I'm excited by the unique opportunity afforded by my new position to promote and support the commercialization and outreach potential of the VENUS and NEPTUNE Canada projects. Canada is currently leading the world in this new generation of ocean observing systems and we can build significantly on this competitive advantage," says McLean who takes up his position July 1.
Located only 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Victoria, UVic holds a strong reputation for innovative research and development in ocean sciences.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Jackie Stewart
A/Communications Manager- British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-7543
Maria Lironi
Communications Officer
University of Victoria
Telephone (250) 721-6139 or Email: lironim@uvic.ca
