Opportunities & Resources in Maple Ridge and Greater Vancouver

Jun 28, 2024

Webinar on Opportunities and Resources in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Greater Vancouver

Introduction

Speaker: Akash Rao, Manager of Project Development at Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (ngen Canada)

  • Partnered with the City of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce, and West Vancouver.
  • Discussion on why companies should invest in these regions, resources and services offered, and ngen's open funding programs (EV manufacturing value chain program—EVMP).
  • Open Q&A session planned for the end of the presentation.

Detailed Presentation by Tyler Westover

Speaker: Tyler Westover, Director of Economic Development with the City of Maple Ridge

  • Acknowledgment of traditional territories of the k'õmoks and Qayqayt First Nations.
  • Invest Vancouver:
    • Foreign direct investment agency, supports domestic and international investors.
    • Focuses on promoting shared prosperity and competitiveness in Vancouver Metro, BC, and Canada.
    • GDP of $149 billion in Vancouver Metro, 2.8 million people with 1.5 million workers.
  • **Opportunities in BC and Vancouver: **
    • One of the largest and most diversified ports in Canada and North America.
    • Represents 60% of GDP and 50% of BC's population.
    • Access to young, diverse talent from institutions like UBC and SFU.
  • Transportation and Connectivity:
    • International and regional airports, essential for companies locating in the area.
    • Well-developed transit system.
  • Educational Institutions:
    • Renowned universities like SFU and UBC.
    • Specialized schools and boot camps like Lighthouse Labs, BCIT, etc.
  • Strategic Location:
    • Proximity to major centers like Seattle and Portland.
    • Existing free trade agreements.
  • Economic Clusters and Sectors:
    • Strong presence in advanced manufacturing, green building, clean technology, EV manufacturing.
    • Fast-growing transportation cluster includes low and zero-emission vehicle manufacturers.
  • **Industry Specializations: **
    • Hydrogen fuel cell production, electric vehicles, renewable natural gas, vehicle decarbonization.
  • **Support and Collaboration: **
    • Invest Vancouver offers policy analysis, collaboration with other government levels, data, and research.

Presentation by Christy Meyer

Speaker: Christy Meyer, Executive Director of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce

  • Chamber of Commerce:
    • Represents businesses and advocates for pro-business policies.
    • Membership-based, non-profit organization.
  • Chamber's Three Pillars:
    • Advocate: Lobbying for pro-business policies.
    • Connect: Networking events like Business After Hours for local businesses.
    • Educate: Business development workshops and resources.
  • Business Support:
    • Industrial and employment land availability in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
    • Significant industrial presence (e.g., Amazon in Pitt Meadows).
  • Certificates of Origin:
    • Important for international trade, certifying product origin.

Additional Commentary by Tyler Westover

  • Emphasis on collaboration between different regions, economic development opportunities.
  • Maple Ridge focused on advanced manufacturing and green economy, growing community with high household income.
  • Ongoing projects and future plans, including the BP Molly Energy project and regional connectivity through airports, ports, and rail.

Detailed Presentation on ngen’s EV Manufacturing Value Chain Program (EVMP)

Speaker: Akash Rao

  • ngen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada):
    • Industry-led non-profit focused on leading Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector.
    • Five pillars: promoting Canadian capabilities, making connections, building workforce, modernizing manufacturing, and funding collaborative innovation.
  • EVMP Program:
    • Focus on scaling up and commercializing transformative projects for EV and fuel cell manufacturing value chains.
    • Expression of Interest deadline: October 11, 2023; Full application deadline: November 15, 2023.
  • Eligibility Criteria for Projects:
    • Process innovation, transformative nature, collaboration (minimum two industry partners), economic benefits, and enduring nature.
    • Not focused on product development or routine changes.
    • Must include at least one SME (500 or fewer employees globally).
  • Financial Details:
    • Project value: $1.5 - $8 million.
    • Reimbursement of up to 37% of eligible expenses.
  • Application Process:
    • Screening through project proposal, financial proposal, and application agreement.
    • Detailed application upon passing screening, including project plan and IP plan.
  • Support:
    • Encouraging early submissions, available for collaborative partner searches.
    • Virtual matchmaking platform and upcoming workshops for assistance.

Workforce Development Opportunities

  • Transformational Leadership Program (TLP):
    • 12-week program for SMEs to self-assess and align strategically, subsidized cost.
  • ampup Program:
    • Personalized upskilling plans with 80% reimbursement on costs.
    • Available for up to 300 manufacturers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Conclusion and Q&A

  • Encouragement to reach out for project ideation and collaboration.
  • Open floor for questions, reminder of regional partnership and available resources.