As Canada electrifies its economy, solar is ready to rapidly transform underutilized spaces into distributed energy infrastructure.

Globally, solar power provides the lowest cost of energy in history. It is a mature, commercialized technology that is available today – no future breakthroughs or government grants required. Electrification is inevitable. Now is the time to elevate our clean energy standards in Canada. Solar is ready.

For businesses, solar is an opportunity to further monetize existing development assets. Solar is also a visible way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility and connect with clientele who share their sustainable values. Most investments in technology are deflationary. Solar is bankable. With a lifetime far longer than its return on investment, today’s solar drives the net cost of energy down, providing energy rates that are lower now, and for the next 30 years.

Solar power is highly adaptable, easily integrating into developed spaces. Unlike the construction of new centralized power plants, solar is rapidly installed anywhere, at any scale. As a distributed energy resource (DER), solar avoids the expense of long-distance transmission, producing electricity where it is needed. This decentralization of energy not only stabilizes energy costs, it minimizes urban sprawl by maximizing our use of space.

Solar transforms our cities

There is an abundance of urban space that is not being used to its full potential. Rooftops and parking lots are underutilized and can be made productive. Solar transforms them into distributed power plants. By empowering us to rethink how and where we generate electricity, solar is an essential ingredient in the energy mix for a cleaner, electrified future.

Rooftop solar installations built on existing structures have already enabled early adopters to generate up to 100 percent of their electricity and beyond, with many exporting surplus energy to the grid.

Solar canopies that cover parking lots provide benefits that go beyond power generation. They provide shelter from inclement weather, shade in summer, and snow cover in winter. It is infrastructure at human scale that enhances the urban experience.

Achieving Canada’s energy transition

In Canada, renewables generate 70 percent of our electricity. They are already major sources of our energy. Despite advancements in energy efficiency, our energy demand continues to grow, doubling in only 40 years. Distributed solar is one pillar in closing the gap to complete our energy transition, powering the electrification of transportation and heating.

Installing solar into urban spaces enables an agile, bottom-up response to transforming our energy infrastructure. Solar empowers communities and businesses to act now to fight climate change, drive down their long-term energy costs, and supply local economic returns. It is a new form of infrastructure that addresses rising capital costs and operating expenses.

Solar has the power to transform.

Innovative design

At VCT Group, we develop innovative solar products that productively transform space.

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Anne Toner Fung

CEO, Innovation Guelph

A long-time leader in cleantech and sustainability, Guelph is transitioning to the circular economy. Here’s how Innovation Guelph is supporting that transition.

Cleantech innovation and sustainability are nothing new to the City of Guelph. “Guelph has always been a bit of a natural centre for cleantech activity,” says Anne Toner Fung, CEO, Innovation Guelph, a regional business incubator that helps to accelerate start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Guelph was one of the first North American Cities to develop a community energy plan (CEP) and there has long been a cluster of companies in the Guelph Wellington area that fall into the cleantech sector. They range from wastewater management firms to water quality companies to solar panel manufacturers.

More recently Guelph has seen increased activity around the circular economy – an economic model that aims to transform the linear “take, make, waste” paradigm to the circular one of “reduce, reuse, recycle” and further to include “reimagine and redesign.”

It started about three years ago at the intersection of the food sector and sustainability with a Smart Cities project to create a circular regional food economy in Guelph-Wellington. This project has now expanded to include broader environmental issues. “It’s no longer just around food waste and access to food, but sustainability and cleantech in general and it’s now tied to the post-COVID green economic recovery,” says Toner Fung.

Innovation Guelph offers funding, mentorship and education programs

Innovation Guelph has been supporting the cleantech ecosystem in and around Guelph for the past decade through funding, mentorship, and education programs. These programs range from supporting women-led businesses, to start-up mentorship, to project-based programs for more established SMEs.

As the city and county further embrace the circular economy, Innovation Guelph is expanding its programs to do likewise. Building on its experience and expertise as one of the program delivery partners for the Smart Cities “Our Food Future” initiative, Innovation Guelph is also contributing to its next stage: COIL (Circular Opportunities Innovation Launchpad). COIL is an innovation platform and activation network dedicated to advancing circularity in businesses and communities. Through COIL programs, companies have the opportunity to create, prove, and scale transformative solutions. “The vision for this is a user-centred open innovation eco-system which fosters the development of new businesses and collaborations that support regional circular economy,” says Christopher Coghlan, Program Manager, Circular Economy iHub & COIL Accelerators, at Innovation Guelph. One of COIL’s key programs, the Activate Circular Accelerator, for example, focuses on funding and accelerating innovative circular economy businesses working in the nexus of the food and environment sectors.   

Gaining momentum and attracting international attention

Both within Innovation Guelph and around the City of Guelph, the circular economy is gaining traction with broader initiatives taking place. “We’ve managed to garner the attention of some international players,” says Toner Fung. “One of the entities that provided curriculum for the Activate Circular Accelerator program was the University of Exeter in England, which is affiliated with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global group of thought leaders on the circular economy, so I’d say the momentum is fairly significant and we’re just a piece of it,” says Toner Fung.

In support of COIL, Innovation Guelph has engaged with circular economy accelerators and investment firms around the world, such as Closed Loop Partners in New York City, Tondo in Milan, and Circular Valley in Germany. “The work being done here is certainly attracting interest in organizations that are working in this space worldwide,” adds Coghlan.

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Community boosters are worth a lot. Schools, arenas, parks, and libraries in Strathmore share stories of people pulling together to get the project finished. More businesses are discovering that the community is proud to help them grow, too.

Investments in agri-business, manufacturing, and renewable energy are setting records for the largest volume of capital investment in Strathmore’s history. It’s a town focused on the future and growth that welcomes a variety of startups but has retained its rural roots and a commitment to its community.

More businesses are discovering what Strathmore offers

That is just one reason why Borea Construction has been so pleased with its partnership with Strathmore. It is constructing two major solar projects in the area and has received an incredible level of support from the town. “Strathmore is really willing to go farther to help us succeed,” says Chelsea Million, the company’s talent advisor. When explaining what sets Strathmore apart from other places, she cites the successful job fair hosted locally, the quality of local candidates, and the town’s willingness to share resources in order to help meet the firm’s goals.

The town has a long tradition of being innovative and solution-focused. Its Marigold Library System, established in 1981, was a game-changer. The not-for-profit municipal collaboration provides state-of-the-art library services, now serving over 300,000 people across 44 municipalities. It joined forces with Western Irrigation District (WID), which supplies irrigation water to almost 100,000 acres of farmland, to build a new shared headquarters this year. It’s a prime example of Strathmore’s strong collaborative spirit.

Focus on success and innovation

Local businesses are expanding their reach. Origin Malting drew on five generations of farming expertise when they launched their malting plant in 2016. As pioneers of soil conservation and traceability, they brought a focus on sustainability to their operations. Producing the finest malt for craft brewers has brought customers from across North America.

We have great people that work hard here. Some of the finest people you’ll ever meet…they work right here. We’re much like a family I guess.

An unexpected start-up has its origins in a local farm as well. G&S Airport Conveyor, which builds and maintains baggage conveyor systems for airports around the world, started out of a garage on an area farm. Since moving into Strathmore, the company has grown and invested in newer, more advanced technology. Owner Jim Goertz appreciates how business-friendly Strathmore is. He also likes the inviting small-town feel, something that makes it easy to attract and retain employees. It’s a desirable place to work and to live in. “We have great people that work hard here. Some of the finest people you’ll ever meet … they work right here. We’re much like a family I guess.”

Strathmore is well-positioned to keep the momentum going. “Strathmore offers start-ups a great place to grow. Our team offers personalized support you can’t find in large centers” says Mayor Pat Fule. “We’re a friendly, welcoming community that helps each other to succeed.”

The post Small Towns Are Friendly — And Startups Succeed with Lots of Friends appeared first on HiveInnovates.

As the cost of living and population density rises in major cities, businesses are looking at the advantages of living and working in smaller centres.

Small-to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are an important part of Canada’s economy. According to a report published by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in 2020, SMEs account for more than 50 percent of the value added to the country’s GDP. But, as the cost of living continues to rise and population density grows in major city centres, many businesses are looking at the advantages of living and working in smaller cities and towns.

Truro, Nova Scotia recognized the professional and personal needs of business owners and has been savvy in creating a place where entrepreneurs can find the services they need to run their business and a place to call home at the end of the day.

Here are just a few reasons to consider Truro

Location, location, location: This real estate idiom really does hold true. Truro is located approximately 30 minutes from Halifax Stanfield International Airport; is at the junction of TransCanada Highway 104 and Highway 102; the confluence of the north-south and east-west rail lines; and is about one hour from the Port of Halifax—making this town a dream destination for any business that relies on the shipping of goods to and from the rest of the province, Canada and the world.

The best of both worlds: Truro offers a small-town sensibility with the amenities of a big city. “Over the past 10 years or so, Truro has invested a lot in infrastructure, which has enhanced the quality of life here,” said Alison Grant, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Truro. This includes a new hospital, full-service recreation and aquatic centre, library and a 3,000-acre park. New residents will also find a vibrant downtown which includes a local farmer’s market, small local shops, services, and restaurants, all located close to quality family homes, with an average price of $230K in the local area.

The personal touch: This is a town where business owners know other business owners, and everyone knows where to turn for support. “We work closely with businesses and people know that we are only a phone call away,” Grant comments. Programs are designed to meet current needs. During the COVID-19 shutdown, for instance, the Town of Truro partnered with the local Business Improvement District and organized a free local delivery service so companies could get their products to the local consumers. This helped to encourage local spending and was a significant resource for the local small businesses. The organizations also offered a streetscape and beautification program so when local shoppers and tourists started going downtown again, businesses were welcoming and ready for when they arrived.

Be well connected: Truro’s motto is Make the Connection and that really reflects how the community interacts at large. Most people, when asked, say that they like to shop local but, in Truro, the majority of businesses are owner-occupied, and those owners are the locals. It’s not uncommon to shop at a store in the afternoon and see that same owner at a local restaurant later in the evening. It’s also likely you’ll know them by their first name, and be able to strike up a conversation about the local hockey team. There is a real connection between businesses in Truro and the community they serve and live in.

Don’t take our word for it: Miriah Kearney is the CEO/Founder of My Home Apparel and My Home Mercantile. Kearney has lived in Truro for most of her life and opened her second successful business there in 2016. “My Home Apparel is now a national brand, and we ship our goods all over the world, right from Truro,” says Kearney. “Our success is largely due to the support we receive from locals and the Town of Truro, and their belief in my business.” Kearney adds, “The vibrancy of Truro, the growth, affordability and amenities have attracted people from all over Canada. As a result, I am able to hire amazing employees who also love this town we call home.”

The post Quality of Life Is as Important as Business Success in Truro appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Oftentimes, entrepreneurs and business owners find themselves hampered by a lack of robust market intelligence. With that in mind, the City of Abbotsford, BC, has set out to provide tools that business owners need — online, interactive, mobile-friendly data to guide their decision-making, especially when crisis hits, such as a pandemic or natural disaster.

Nicknamed “the Sitefinder,” the first tool that Abbotsford introduced for local and new businesses was the Geographic Information System (GIS) ZoomProspector tool back in 2016 — making it the very first community in British Columbia to put tens of thousands of data variables alongside available commercial properties for analysis.

Powered by technology from GIS Planning Canada, and augmented by five additional interactive tools the following year, investors and businesses could use the tool to research, analyze, export, and share demographic, wage, consumer spending, business, and industry data. The information comes from a variety of regularly updated sources, including Environics Analytics (based on Statistics Canada data), Emsi and Data-Axle. But the Sitefinder makes these sources of data interactive and highly visual – and available to any business looking online for solutions.

“Abbotsford’s location is right next to the border as well as the port, which helps us to get our product anywhere in the world. Also, we have a lot of industries here to support our manufacturing. If a saw breaks down at the mill, we’re not going two hours out of the bush to get it sharpened, we’ve got a guy right next door that can do that for us,” says Nav Sangha of North American Forest Products.

This ability to “shop local” took on a new urgency for businesses when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With lockdowns, enforced closures and supply chain disruptions, everything became that much harder for businesses. Abbotsford responded by launching Open for Business (ZoomBusiness), which allowed area residents to quickly map and find local businesses that were open; to learn about modified hours, contactless delivery, gift card programs and more. The tool was one of the first to launch in Canada and remains a great way for businesses to list themselves and to see others around them. Moreover, with the help of this tool, people could spend their dollars at home instead of online.

As the pandemic dragged on, it became clear that important, long-lasting shifts in how business was being done were underway. Businesses were pivoting. And Abbotsford followed, leveraging a third, highly customizable GIS tool to its data toolkit. The virtual ZoomTour uses Google Maps technology, supports images, video, sound and can link to business websites or the City’s other GIS Planning data software.

Abbotsford’s “Passport to Patios” tour showcases restaurants offering extended outdoor patio service to customers wanting a safe eating experience at their favourite locales. The “Abbywood Walk of Fame” tour leads visitors down the main street and through town to discover locations and businesses popular with film and video producers. And the newest “Agriculture Resource Map” offers help, funding and support for farmers and other agri-business affected by the 2021 flooding disaster.

“Although we have hundreds of clients across North America, the City of Abbotsford is one of the first places we contact with any new data tools. We know they intuitively understand the importance of supporting businesses and investors with critical information,” explains GIS Planning Canada’s VP Marketing, Alissa Sklar, PhD.

The City of Abbotsford remains a model for how communities can actively support their local businesses in the ways that count, by giving them easy access to the information they need when they need it.

The post How Abbotsford Is Supporting Businesses with Critical Market Intelligence Data appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Maurizio Bevilacqua

Mayor, City of Vaughan

Social enterprise and purpose-driven entrepreneurs are thriving in Vaughan thanks to the city’s innovation-supportive culture and programming.

The City of Vaughan, a fast-growing municipality located in Canada’s largest industrial market, is the place to be for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. With an educated and talented workforce of over 225,000 people and extensive small business and entrepreneurship programming, the city has the resources, networks, and transportation connections to help businesses of all sizes grow.

Investing in innovation

Starting back in 2017, the City of Vaughan launched a concerted effort to invest in social enterprises, with Social Innovation Challenges. The Activate!Vaughan innovation program was then established in 2019, which connects high-potential, purpose-driven startups and scale-ups to market-driven entrepreneurship opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders and multinationals. The program identifies and creates networks of collaborators to develop solutions to clearly defined opportunities for social, civic and environmental innovation.

Vaughan’s small business and entrepreneurship programming has grown and evolved over the years. Today, Vaughan’s social innovation program incorporates problem-based challenges and creates a forum for large enterprises, startups, and mentors to collaborate to co-develop solutions that produce not only innovation, but impact. The program is partnership-driven and has been deployed with support from local innovation partners including ventureLAB, YSpace and the Centre for Social Innovation.

A number of industry-leading success stories have emerged from Vaughan’s innovation programs, including ventures such as RainStick, Rekammend, Steadiwear, Fero International, Treasured, Able Innovations, and Culcherd.

Working together to increase impact

The programming is also partnership-driven and deployed in partnership with or with support from organizations including ventureLAB (a leading technology hub), YSpace (York University’s innovation hub), the Centre for Social Innovation (Canada’s largest social innovation community), and the Ryerson Social Ventures Zone (the home of social innovators at Canada’s most entrepreneurial university).

“Vaughan has emerged as a hub for innovative founders to grow and scale their business,” says Jane Gertner, Vice President of Partnerships at ventureLAB. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the City of Vaughan and bringing together our community of global founders, innovators, and industry leaders to create a cluster of anchor Canadian companies with transformational hardware and enterprise software technologies to scale and go global, from Canada.”

“York University and the City of Vaughan are united by a shared vision of generating social impact through groundbreaking programming, research, and innovation activities that advance our collective progress in addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” says Rhonda Lenton, President of York University. “For example, our collaboration on the Activate!Vaughan program has been a key driver in supporting social enterprises such as Hop In Technologies, Able Innovations, and Culcherd as they scale up. Another example is our work, along with our partners at Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB, to develop the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct, which will create a world-class health innovation hub that will enhance the well-being of residents in York Region and across the GTA. York University looks forward to continuing our work together as anchors within the innovation ecosystem to support social enterprises and drive positive change in our local and global communities.”

Other notable success stories that have emerged from Vaughan’s innovation program include ventures such as RainStick, Rekammend, Steadiwear, Fero International, and Treasured.

Since 2010, we’ve created more than 60,000 new jobs, issued more than $13 billion in building permits, and maintained an economic growth rate of more than four percent. Very few cities in North America grow at this rate.

Embracing social enterprise

The City of Vaughan recognizes that fostering social innovation not only generates positive social and environmental outcomes, it also drives economic growth and competitiveness, and promotes future economic resiliency. The city has embraced the social enterprise sector as an important and distinct opportunity for the local economy.

“Vaughan has continued to develop programming uniquely adapted to the needs of social entrepreneurs to help them raise capital, find customers, and connect with the broader community in Vaughan,” says Kevin Taylor, Associate Director at Social Venture Connexion, an impact investing platform. “With a growing interest in place-based investing, where investors can target businesses operating in their communities, these programs are fostering an amazing pipeline that will promote local economic development, motivate and inspire business owners to consider sustainability and equality in the way they operate their businesses, and continue to direct capital to where we live instead of just chasing the latest investment fad.”

“The City of Vaughan knows the potential for igniting businesses that address social inclusion and climate solutions,” says Jo Reynolds, Social Innovation Specialist at the Centre for Social Enterprise. “This is the next economy at work — one that is regenerative, equitable, and prosperous for all.”

Looking forward to the future

Purpose-driven businesses will continue to thrive in Vaughan as new resources and assets emerge to support innovators. The city also boasts unique and impressive economic growth. “Our city is far outpacing the province and the country,” says Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of Vaughan. “Since 2010, we’ve created more than 60,000 new jobs, issued more than $13 billion in building permits, and maintained an economic growth rate of more than four percent. Very few cities in North America grow at this rate.”

The City of Vaughan’s Economic and Cultural Development department offers support for local businesses and entrepreneurs at all stages from ideation, to start-up, to growth and scale.  Fostering innovation and encouraging purpose.

The post Social Enterprise and Purpose-Driven Businesses Thrive in Vaughan appeared first on HiveInnovates.

When many people think of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, they picture its scenic harbour, colourful houses along Jellybean Row and historic Signal Hill. While they are very much a part of the provincial capital, there is another story that offers a modern-day perspective for St. John’s — a vibrant city focused on innovation and technology, where companies are thriving.

There are many advantages the city offers businesses large and small, including a well-trained, educated workforce, an enticing lifestyle, and a welcoming, increasingly diverse community with a passion for adventure and creativity.

The St. John’s advantage

Many companies, specializing in sectors like technology, ocean research and the environment, have already recognized St. John’s as an emerging city well worth investing in, including Verafin, a financial crime management software development company that has become a true Canadian success story. Recently purchased for $2.75 billion USD, it employs 800 local people — 600 of which are graduates of Memorial University, consistently ranked as one of Canada’s top research universities.

There are more than 165 companies in the local technology sector, employing over 6,400 people and generating in excess of $1.6 billion in revenue. In a recent study, 92 percent of tech sector companies surveyed planned on expanding. They’ll be able to do that in St. John’s, thanks largely to its top-notch workforce.

As the last two years have shown, the pandemic is causing major changes in our priorities, including how we live and work. In many large cities across the country, residents are leaving in hopes of finding a better quality of living. They’re moving away from large urban centres to find a sense of belonging and purpose.

Finding a better work-life balance

By contrast, the St. John’s region is experiencing its largest inward migration in nearly 50 years. It ticks a lot of boxes for those seeking something different. When it comes to housing prices, for example, prices continue to soar in major cities, making home ownership nearly impossible. In the St. John’s metro area, where the average household income is $116,411 and the average house price is $307,619, it is within reach. It’s a big reason why many young professionals and families are moving to the area.

For companies, the bounty St. John’s offers is a tremendous advantage for attracting top-tier talent that can play a vital role in creating successful businesses.

Add into the mix the people and the land itself. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are famously hospitable and proud of what their province offers, including some of Canada’s most stunning scenery and green spaces. The East Coast Trail is a hiker’s paradise, stretching 336 kilometres and passing directly through St. John’s. There’s also more than 100 kilometres of ocean views and scenic mountain biking trails nearby, creating one of Canada’s top outdoor destinations.

For companies, the bounty St. John’s offers is a tremendous advantage for attracting top-tier talent that can play a vital role in creating successful businesses. It means an engaged workforce that enjoys a healthy work-life balance. Now is the time to discover St. John’s and learn why it’s an ideal place to invest in, to live and to grow your business.

The post What Makes St. John’s a Vibrant Hub For Tech and Research Companies appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Thunder Bay is home to a multicultural community of professional, skilled, and creative people. Here you’ll find a mix of modern city living and the best of nature — all on your doorstep. Newcomers come to Thunder Bay for small city affordability, big-city opportunities, and the bonus of a superior lifestyle.

Thunder Bay is one of 11 northern cities across Canada to be selected for the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The RNIP has seen great success in Thunder Bay and now, in the second year of the three-year pilot, 138 foreign skilled workers have been recommended for permanent residency. There’s an overwhelming amount of interest in Thunder Bay, and the program couldn’t have come at a better time. The community faces stagnant population growth and an aging workforce. With the help of Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission,  local employers can now access a broader labour pool and source the right people to offset predicted labour shortages in the future.

There’s a world of employment possibilities to discover outside of the big city — in Thunder Bay there are many in-demand occupations in skilled trades, business, and service industries. Health care workers are also in high demand with personal support workers (PSWs) being the highest on the list. There’s a great need for PSWs in Thunder Bay and with the RNIP program, many of these essential workers have a pathway to permanent residency. The RNIP is now helping certified skilled health care workers stay in Canada and work here locally.

If you’re looking to live in one of the most exciting cities in Canada, it’s hard to look beyond Thunder Bay.

The post Thunder Bay, Where Possibilities Are Unexpectedly Endless appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Canada was built upon immigration. In the 16^th-century, newcomers settled on acres of arable or mineral-rich pieces of land. They raised families and built strong communities for future generations.

In 2017, the Canadian government launched a multi-year immigration plan to foster economic growth in the face of slowing labour force growth and an ageing population. In response, according to research published by Statista in September 2021, “annual immigration in Canada amounts to around 300,000 new immigrants.” 

Living in one of Canada’s major cities, however, often comes with prohibitive costs, congested neighborhoods, and high competition for jobs. Life in a smaller Canadian city can be the answer to a better quality of life for newcomers.

Bigger is not always better

Timmins Mayor George Pirie understands some of the challenges immigrants to Canada face and works to create a welcoming community in Timmins. “This can sometimes be as simple as offering recreational facilities popular with immigrant communities, like football [soccer] fields,” says Pirie. “We also offer support services and programs for immigrants through our Timmins and District Multicultural Centre (TDMC).”

The TDMC provides services to help newcomers deal with the practicalities of adapting to life in a new country, such as getting a health card, driver’s license, enrolling in school, finding housing, and searching for a job. Newcomers also receive the opportunity to advance their English or French language skills.

Career opportunities in the North

Timmins has a population of approximately 45,000 people and Pirie says that finding a job in the growing city is not difficult. “We have plenty of opportunities for new arrivals,” comments Pirie. The mayor also notes that many newcomers to Timmins arrive thinking they will work in a certain field, only to find that the doors are open to entrepreneurial ventures as well. “We have newcomers arrive for technical positions, for instance, who end up owning franchises or starting veterinary clinics,” Pirie adds. “You are only limited by your imagination.”

Timmins was also selected as one of 11 cities across Canada to participate in the federal government’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), a program designed to match immigrants looking for work with available jobs in Northern communities.

Another advantage to living in a smaller centre like Timmins is that it is more affordable than living in a larger city, and yet still has the amenities of a major centre, like good schools and quality healthcare. Pirie states, “Timmins has the second-highest after-tax income in the north at $105,000 per year.” Housing costs and user fees are also relatively low compared to a large city.

And the quality of life in a smaller city is often better than in a larger one. In Timmins’ case, the outdoors is right at a person’s doorstep with plenty of nature trails as well as golf and fishing nearby. And while close to wilderness, there is everything from shops and restaurants to farmer’s markets, libraries, and cultural pursuits within easy reach.

Pirie concludes, “Living in Timmins is a personal choice for me. I’ve had the privilege of working in other parts of the world and I decided to come home. The quality of life here is something that people don’t always recognize. You can taste the air; it is so sweet and fresh. And you have room. There is room for everyone. I live by a lake—there are thousands here—and it takes me five minutes to get to work.”

The post Head North: Cities Like Timmins Welcome Newcomers to Canada appeared first on HiveInnovates.

Switching to a different education system can be trying for young adult newcomers to Canada. Having been raised with other languages and cultures, their prior educational experiences may not align with Canadian institutions.

Credentials gained in other countries aren’t always transferrable and students may have to take extra classes to catch up. Another common obstacle is a potential language barrier – not only do these young adults have to acclimatize to a new education system, but they may also have to learn English along the way.

Fortunately, there are trusted institutions across the country that recognize the hurdles newcomers may have to overcome. Many have implemented new, necessary infrastructure to support these students. One of the most successful establishments leading the way in young immigrant education is St. Clair College.

Make a seamless transition

Located in one of the most diverse communities across the country, Windsor’s St. Clair College offers unparalleled support to its students – Canada-born or newcomer alike. They’re successfully able to do so because they’ve realized the issues faced by immigrant students and are addressing them directly.

“A lot of information gets transferred through word of mouth. They rely on information that is shared within their communities,” says Michael Silvaggi, the Associate Vice President of Student Services and Registrar at St. Clair College. That’s why the school made it a top priority to build relationships with local community leaders, bridging information gaps.

“Their expertise is key. While we provide all the services we can, we bring in professionals to do what we cannot,” Michael says. “For example, the New Canadian Centre for Excellence brings their services to us on campus, making them easily accessible to students.”

Partnering with United Way, the college has created a mentorship program to help newcomers transition into college life. These mentors, known as Student Success Officers, are available to help students every step of the way.

Access to personal guidance

The Student Services Office also provides counselling, one-on-one study planning, and tutoring to help students adjust to post-secondary education. “Our student services have put together pre-programs that allow individuals to work at their own pace,” Michael explains. “Through modules, they access and complete when they’re ready, they gain perspective about what post-secondary education looks like.”

Plus, the college offers specific newcomer education courses like electives about Canadian culture or versions of courses created for those still learning English. With many ministry-funded programs and a free dual credit curriculum for high school students to attain Canadian credentials, St. Clair College has simplified the upskilling process.

Beyond this, the school’s student body is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. “We’re unique in that our student governments and associations strongly advocate for their community, offering programming that appeals to everyone,” adds Michael. “Our student body will support you along the way – they’ll see you as a valued member of our St. Clair family.”

A community of support

“St. Clair College is an institution that will provide you with opportunities to open doors and find success,” Michael explains. Our dedicated faculty and support resources are able to address each student’s individual needs as they accomplish their academic goals.

The post Young Newcomer? Achieve Academic Goals with Extra Support appeared first on HiveInnovates.