CENGN ANNOUNCES NEXT NORTHERN ONTARIO BROADBAND PROJECT IN THE HURON SHORES COMMUNITY OF IRON BRIDGE

June 17, 2020

NEW APPROACH WILL BRING HIGH-PERFORMANCE INTERNET TO COMMUNITY

Broadband Proof of Concept in Iron Bridge could benefit all of Algoma region
 
In December 2019, The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) was made aware of the Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Networks (CENGN) Northern Ontario Residential Broadband Program. This program allows communities in the North to apply for funding that would allow the community and a Technology Provider to receive funding for an innovative project that demonstrates a technology solution that can offer flexible, low cost, high performance residential broadband for their community. SSMIC in collaboration with BlueSkyNet provided support to four communities in the Algoma region in their applications.

With projects being funded for 3-6 months, they are designed to test new technologies and validate business case solutions to improve high-speed internet access to residences within Northern Ontario communities. 

In addition to communities submitting applications, Technology Providers were also be required to submit applications (Expressions of Interest). These Technology Providers, through the Expression of Interest demonstrated their interest in providing equipment, technology and support services to be used in the live 3 – 6 month technology project. Based on the Technology Provider submissions, CENGN selected a technology solution that can be installed and tested to provide a significantly improved level of residential broadband service to the selected community, and in the process, demonstrate a marked improvement in the business case for residential broadband access for the community.
 
We are thrilled to learn that the Iron Bridge community has been matched with Leepfrog Telecom (Technology Provider) and are the selected recipients of this funding program. 

Please refer to the CENGN/Province of Ontario joint Press Release for details of the project here. 
 
Iron Bridge is a Huron Shores community in the Algoma region, where 45% of residents have no internet coverage. This innovative technology project will allow for the greater Algoma region to learn from this project to determine feasibility for broader deployment to all areas within Algoma who have limited or no internet coverage. 
 
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the realization of the importance of connectivity to our education, healthcare and economic development, this Proof of Concept technology project will help to close the gap for the Iron Bridge residents, and potentially other communities in the future. 

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Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

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