Webinar on Economic and Investment Opportunities in Vancouver Metro Region

Opening Remarks by Akash Rao

Manager of Project Development at NGen Canada
Partners: City of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce, West Vancouver
Focus: Opportunities and resources for investment in Maple Ridge and Vancouver Metro regions
Discussion of the EV Manufacturing Value Chain Program (EVMP)

Director of Economic Development, City of Maple Ridge & Vice Chair of Invest Vancouver
Acknowledgment of Indigenous territories
Invest Vancouver:
- Foreign direct investment agency
- Focus: Global audience, policy analysis, shared prosperity, competitiveness
Vancouver Metro Region:
- GDP: $149 billion, 2.8 million people, 1.5 million workers
- Collaboration among municipalities
Key Opportunities in BC and Metro Vancouver:
- Largest and most diversified ports
- Young, diverse Talent (UBC, SFU, etc.)
Strategic Assets & Connectivity:
- International Airport, regional airports, good transit
Academic and Research Institutions:
- UBC, SFU, BCIT, etc.
Specialized Sectors:
- Advanced manufacturing, green building, clean technology, EV components

Executive Director, Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce: Advocacy, networking, business support, economic development
Three Pillars: Advocate, connect, educate
- Advocate: Lobby for pro-business policies
- Networking: Monthly events, business after hours
- Business Support: Workshops, education
- Community Engagement: Development & well-being of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
- Information & Resources: Local business opportunities, economic trends
- Member Benefits: Group insurance
- Marketing Opportunities: Online directory, website, publications
Manufacturing in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows:
- 148 manufacturing-related members
- 300 hectares of industrial/employment land in Maple Ridge
- Golden Ears Business Park in Pitt Meadows
Certificates of Origin: Important for international trade

City Overview:
- Member of Invest Vancouver
- Transformational growth: 10.6%, 90,990 people
- High household income
Target Growth Areas:
- Manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, green economy
Regional Connectivity:
- Good access to rest of region, US border, major ports
- Investments in regional infrastructure: Commuter trains, bus Rapid Transit, port access
Industrial and Non-Residential Growth:
- 160 Acres being developed
- New Economic Development strategy
Regional Assets:
- Three-phase power, educational institutions
- Diverse neighborhoods, mix of urban and rural areas
Upcoming Projects & Events:
- Mixed-use developments, office and retail projects
- BC Summer Games 2024, 150th-anniversary events

Open funding challenges for electric vehicle manufacturing
Key Dates:
- Expression of Interest: October 11, 2023
- Full Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
Eligible Projects & Criteria:
- Advanced manufacturing technology, novel manufacturing process, circular economy
- Transformative with material impact on performance
- Collaborative: Minimum two Canadian industry partners
- Emphasis on commercialization
Specific Areas:
- Critical minerals processing, traction batteries, fuel cells, Power Electronics, vehicle lightweighting
Out of Scope:
- Primarily product-focused projects, internal combustion elements
Application Process:
- Screening submission: Description, financial proposal, signed agreements, financial due diligence
- Full application: Detailed project plan, risk register, IP plan, financials

Collaboration platform for matchmaking
Upcoming development workshops (Sept. 14, Oct. 19)
Future Ready Initiative:
- Transformational Leadership Program (TLP): 12-week program for SME manufacturers
- AMPUP Program: 80% reimbursement for upskilling employees