A ground breaking ceremony was held in Port Elgin Thursday for a new clean energy business park.
Located on Concession 6, it’s called ‘Innovation Park’ and is designed to attract clean energy businesses by capitalizing on the area’s existing knowledge base.
Saugeen Shores and the surrounding area is home to many Bruce Power nuclear supply chain companies and is also home to the Nuclear Innovation Institute.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says in a statement, “Through this investment, Saugeen Shores is taking a major step to seize our potential as a hub for innovative business in our region.”
Charbonneau ceremonially turned a piece of earth alongside fellow council members, staff and the project’s construction firm.
He added, “Our community combines world class economic opportunity with an unparalleled quality of life. That’s why close to 20 clean energy organizations have already chosen Saugeen Shores and it’s why we will attract many, many more.”
A release from the Town says, when completed, the park will feature 17 lots spread over 23 acres of employment land.
It says the Town is reaching out to new and existing businesses at the heart of the clean energy industry including nuclear, hydrogen and solar, as well as the technology and research to go with it.
The Town’s goal is to offer up a ‘campus’ where these businesses will thrive and collaborate to build next generation technologies together.
The Town says it will connect the site to essential underground infrastructure including water, hydro and internet while offering a suite of municipal incentives to help businesses and organizations establish themselves in the park.
The expectation is to be build-ready by September 2023.