Scientific Research Opportunities in Timmins, Ontario, Canada

Transcription

1 Scientific Research Opportunities in Timmins, Ontario, Canada

2 Why Timmins? We know the scientific community has a strong interest in deep underground research to search for the so-far elusive dark matter and to conduct CO 2 capturing, in addition to varied geological, biological, and engineering-related experiments. Timmins, Ontario, Canada offers the ideal underground location for a laboratory and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation is your link to setting up in the area. We are able to act as the intermediary with Glencore Canada Corporation, which operates the deepest base metal mine in the world at N, W, over 2,900 metres (9,514 ft) underground, where the opportunity for a deep-underground laboratory exists. This is 914 metres (3,000 ft) deeper than SNOLAB in Sudbury, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. How deep underground scientists are able to conduct experiments is of significant importance in order to elude the universe s cosmic rays that bombard Earth and interfere with experimentation. Scientists seek to evade these cosmic rays to conduct experiments in isolation and have more conclusive results. In May 2013, Timmins gained worldwide prominence with the discovery of water potentially 2.6 billion years old, found trapped in rocks deep underground. Until our most recent work, the hydrogen production in the continental crust was calculated to be negligible: close to zero. This was very wrong and our work shows the hydrogen production in the continental crust to be the equal to that produced in the oceanic crust. This doubles the estimate of hydrogen produced on Earth. Prof. Chris Ballentine, University of Oxford The rocks are so ancient they contain records of fluid and the atmosphere from the earliest parts of Earth s history. But simultaneously, they also provide us with information about the chemistry that can support life. The hunt for life in the deep crust is now a priority. Barbara Sherwood Lollar, Geoscientist, University of Toronto 2

3 Ten Reasons for Undertaking Scientific Research in Timmins 1 2 Easily accessible location 3 Favourable climatic conditions for atmospheric research 4 5 Safe and stable environment 6 Variety of research site options and development opportunities 7 8 Competitive operating costs 9 Willing government and community partners 10 Deepest underground laboratory opportunity in the world Available incentives for set-up of operations for R&D and applied research Access to a wide range of postsecondary and other technical resources to support R&D Wide range of recreational and leisure activities and supporting amenities 3

4 Timmins Highlights Water potentially 2.6 billion years old has been found trapped in rocks in a deep underground mine shaft. This discovery questions a long-standing belief in the scientific community about hydrogen produced by Earth and chemistry that can support life. Geology similar to that found on Mars. NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory of California have conducted research and experimentation during the past 25 years in Timmins, most recently as a ten-day project in 2011 to prepare for the Curiosity rover s mission to Mars. Potential to set-up a laboratory in the deepest underground base metal mine in world. The current depth of mine is beyond 2,900 m (9,500 ft), providing the closest access in the world to Earth s core. Timmins has one of the longest, snowiest, and coldest winters of any city in Canada. This fact, along with having very low occurrences of severe weather and natural disaster events, makes Timmins an ideal and stable environment to conduct research. The Canadian and French space agencies have chosen Timmins for joint multi-million-dollar stratospheric balloon testing campaigns because of favourable atmospheric and on-site conditions. Timmins is a modern city located within the boreal forest with low population density and a vast geographic area to conduct testing. There are extensive urban and rural road networks and over 500 water bodies within city limits. Dr. Barbara Sherwood Lollar. University of Toronto. Dr. John Grotzinger. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California. Environment Canada. Canadian Space Agency. 4

5 Mike Clegg Timmins Location and Accessibility Timmins is easily accessible from Southern Ontario and the Northeastern United States, and is within a day s drive of at least nine U.S. border crossings. Niagara Falls and Sault Ste. Marie are among the closest access points. Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS) provides a convenient gateway to national and international markets, with ten daily flights on business days to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Our municipally-owned airport is located 11 km (7 mi) north of the city centre and serves 205,000 passengers annually. Airline Air Canada Express Porter Airlines Flight Connections Daily Flights to Toronto Monday to Friday: 6 Saturday: 5, Sunday: 6 Monday to Friday: 4 Saturday: 1, Sunday: 2 Duration 1 h, 40 min 1 h, 25 min 5

6 Stratospheric Balloon Base David Laneville The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and France s Centre National d Etudes Spatiales (CNES) continue collaboration on a multi-million dollar balloon testing project. Initial testing was completed in 2013 and the first official campaign started in August Successful results have led to plans and investment for further campaigns. The agencies assessed numerous potential sites and selected Timmins because of its favourable latitude, wind and weather conditions, low population density, and optimal on-site infrastructure. It was also the top pick for meeting strict regulations governing high-altitude balloon launches and recovery. 1 According to the CSA website, stratospheric balloons provide scientists and engineers with a new platform to test technologies and advance space science for up to 40 times less than the cost of a satellite or a launcher. 1 Canadian Space Agency. Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base. February

7 Cold Weather Testing A Timmins winter is one of the coldest, longest, and snowiest in Canada, making it ideal for winter testing. The city s consistent climate conditions provide a real-world environment for your cold weather testing needs. An abundance of snowfall and snow accumulation makes Timmins a true winter wonderland for doing research and conducting development, performance, and durability testing. Cold weather testing is a developing field for many manufacturers and their clients. Consumers demand products that perform well in all-weather situations, so there is a need to test these products in real-world settings. Choosing the right location is the first step, and the Timmins Economic Development Corporation and the City of Timmins offer their full support. We are ready to develop a successful partnership with your business, and are committed to ensuring that you have a successful cold weather testing season. 7

8 Timmins Natural Attributes Timmins is built on the Canadian Shield, which includes some of the oldest rocks on Earth (approximately 4 billion years old). While at times a barrier to settlement, the Shield also yields great resources, including minerals, coniferous forests, and the capacity for hydroelectric developments. The region s geology is quite fascinating and, since the inception of the community, prospectors have been examining underground resources and have found a wealth of precious metals, base metals, and industrial minerals. Located in the heart of the boreal forest, Timmins offers myriad testing opportunities across an array of fields by way of its diverse landscape. The city is home to many mining and forestry operations, which can serve as a practical test base for the equipment that is needed to operate both underground and open pit mines. Though companies plant and harvest trees for processing, the boreal forest has many riches of its own; the flora and fauna provide a vast laboratory to study ecological habitats as well as medicinal uses for plants. With over 500 bodies of water, extensive trail networks throughout the forest, and ease of access to lakes, rivers, and streams, Timmins provides an ideal location to test recreational vehicles. Aviation equipment, drones, and balloons are also well-suited for testing in the region due to its large geographic footprint and low population density. 8

9 A Safe and Stable Environment The city of Timmins is located in a geographicallyand meteorologically-stable environment. The low occurrence of severe weather events and natural disasters translates to operational continuity that researchers can count on. Timmins is fortunate to have endured few severe weather events or natural disasters throughout its history. While heavy snowfall is common in winter months, residents and the municipality are well-equipped to deal with these types of weather events. Northern Ontario has a very low level of seismic activity. From 1970 to 1999, only one or two earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded in this large geographic area. A magnitude 5 event is generally the threshold of damage. Timmins in particular has not experienced any significant seismic events in recorded history.1 Cloud-to-Ground Lightning in Ontario Per Square Kilometre Per Year Per Square Mile Per Year London Markham Toronto Fort Francis Sudbury North Bay Kenora Thunder Bay Sault Ste. Marie Timmins Owen Sound Ottawa g Kapuskasin Historical Seismicity Timmins Kirkland Lake ak es ca n ad a.n Sudbury qu Sault Ste. Marie rca n.gc. ca p htt ww :// w.e h art Geraldton Environment Canada. Lightning Activity in Canadian Cities. August Total Strikes ( ) There are fewer thunderstorms and cloud-to-ground lightning events in Timmins than in most other Canadian cities. Since most thunderstorms are fairly weak and short-lived, there is lessened probability of lightning-induced power outages, adding to the security and stability of Timmins power supply. 1 Natural Resources Canada. Earthquake Zones in Eastern Canada. August

10 Funding Opportunities In recent years both the provincial and federal governments have shifted resources toward furthering scientific research and innovation, demonstrating strong commitment in these areas. Special programming for Northern Ontario is available to assist with both business and non-business projects that build scientific and innovation capacity in the community and beyond. There are even greater incentives for scientific research and collaboration with post-secondary and research institutions. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation has a proven track record of success in helping clients identify, access, and secure government and other funding that may be available to develop and implement their projects. Highlights of available funding: Grant funding support from % available to cover technical labour, engineering and design, material, capital, and other project expenses. Opportunities to collaborate with Northern Ontario universities, colleges, and research institutions. Internship support for science and technology graduates. 10

11 Site Selection in Timmins With a geographic area of 2,979 km 2 (1,150 sq mi) and a population of 43,165, Timmins enjoys a low population density and healthy mix of urban and rural environments. Timmins population density is 14.5 persons per km 2 (37.5 persons per sq mi), 22% lower than the Ontario average. Timmins vast geography and low population density are key advantages for atmospheric and aviation-related testing operations. Due to the city s large geographic footprint and varied terrain, there are a number of prime locations for the establishment of research facilities. Key sites, such as the boreal forest, offer seclusion and natural privacy barriers, yet are easily accessible by road. In addition, the cost for industrial land is relatively low, with an average assessed value of $46,882 per acre ($115,800 per ha). The city has ample land available for development with close to 100 vacant properties zoned for industrial development, totalling over 2,000 acres (800 ha) of land, including a new 85-acre (34-ha) industrial park in the west end of Timmins that is ready for clients. Current prices are $65,000 per acre; however, the city is willing to negotiate the price based on investment and job creation. Opportunities exist to conduct scientific research projects at the city s Victor M. Power Airport. There is a great deal of land to develop on and the City of Timmins is open to negotiating an agreement for short- and long-term usage of land and development on it. The City of Timmins entered an extensive agreement with the Canadian Space Agency for the ongoing stratospheric balloon launch initiative. This agreement included set-up at the airport, $5 million in new construction and logistics for more than $1 million in goods and services and over 100 CSA personnel for each campaign. 11

12 Because of its long history in the mining and forestry sectors, Timmins has a well-developed local industrial supply and service sector to support your research project needs. These services include: Applied research capabilities Electrical and mechanical parts supply and service Equipment rental Logistics Equipment sales and service Safety gear and winter clothing Telecommunications services, including high-speed fibre networks Local Industrial Support The Municipal Development Process The City of Timmins Planning Department assists developers with zoning amendments as necessary and ensures conformity with the City of Timmins Official Plan. Development projects require the establishment of a site plan control agreement to ensure that development principles of the Official Plan are addressed at the site planning stage. Site plan control applications are evaluated by the Community Development Committee before going to municipal council for adoption. The City of Timmins charges building fees based on the construction value (CV) of a project. The table below outlines building fees for developments within the city of Timmins. Building Permits in Timmins Fee Classification Fee Base Application Fee (BAF) New Building, Alterations, Repairs, Renovations, Moving Building, Trailers Above-Ground Tanks and Tanks Constructed on Site Demolition Signs $50 BAF + 1.1% CV BAF + 1.1% CV $100 BAF + 1.1% CV City of Timmins By-Law , Appendix E. 12

13 Access to Research Skills Timmins has three post-secondary institutions offering over 100 college- and university-level programs. Northern College is the largest of the three and has a dedicated School of Engineering Technology and Trades. Northern College offers certified programming to ensure that when students graduate they meet industry standards and qualifications and are ready for the workforce. Northern College is part of the Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation (CONII), with direct linkages to the Ontario Centres of Excellence and its programming. The purpose of CONII is to assist enterprises in solving their technical problems, adapting to new technologies, and developing new or improved products and processes. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Northern College and North Eastern Ontario Communications Network (NEOnet), launched the Productivity & Innovation Centre (PIC) in early The Timmins Economic Development Corporation collaborated with regional partners for several years to establish PIC. One of PIC s main objectives is to assist organizations with product and process development, from initial research and development to applied research and commercialization. Timmins is a bilingual city with both English and French language education options, from preschool through post-secondary. Collège Boréal is the francophone college in Timmins, providing post-secondary education in the fields of office administration, business and management, health sciences, human services, and trades, as well as services in continuing education, corporate training for businesses and industry, and employment services for individuals and employers. 13

14 Corporate Tax Ontario has a combined corporate tax rate of 26.5% (federal rate 15%; provincial general rate of 11.5%). Ontario s corporate tax rate is competitive when compared to many key US jurisdictions, which often have complex tax systems and rate schedules that can reach tax rates of up to 35%. Corporate Income Tax Rates Minnesota Upper Provincial/State Rate 9.8 Federal Rate 35.0 Combined Rate 44.8 Newfoundland and Labrador Ontario Quebec Rhode Island South Dakota Meisterphotos The city of Timmins, with a labour force of over 25,000 people, has the youngest labour force of the five major Northern Ontario cities and nearly half of this labour force is bilingual. The unemployment rate is below the provincial average. Employment and Unemployment Rates, 2014 Timmins Population 15 Years and Over In the Labour Force 37,185 25,112 Employed Labour Force 23,472 Unemployed Labour Force 1,641 Employment Rate (Employed Labour Force/Population 15 and Over) 63.1% Unemployment Rate (Unemployed Labour Force/Total Labour Force) 6.5% Ontario 61.1% 7.0% Labour Market Data 14

15 Supporting Amenities Timmins is a full-service community offering an urban-rural setting with a small town feel and plenty of essential services, activities, and modern amenities for business travellers and company personnel. The city has a well-developed hospitality and retail sector, creating a great quality of life for residents and visitors alike. There is a healthy mix of chain restaurants and big box stores, which is complemented by a number of unique, independent stores and restaurants. Timmins has over thirty restaurants to choose from, ranging from familiar roadhouse style restaurants to fast food chains and international cuisines. Timmins has also experienced growth in the accommodations sector, with three new hotels constructed in the past year. The majority of hotels in Timmins are well-known North American brands offering clean, modern facilities for short-term visitors and those seeking longer-term accommodations. Visitors to Timmins can enjoy a host of recreational activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, to name a few. Whether you re an outdoors lover or enjoy leisure sports, Timmins has the landscape and state-of-the-art sporting and fitness facilities for all your recreation needs. 15

16 The Timmins Economic Development Corporation would be pleased to meet with you to discuss opportunities for scientific research projects in Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Whether it be a phone call for initial discussion, a high-level presentation via web conference, or a formal community presentation, the team at the Timmins Economic Development Corporation is available to assist you with your scientific research needs. For more information, contact: Ross MacDonald Business Development Specialist , ext ross.macdonald@timmins.ca Jessica Davies Economic Development Project Assistant , ext jessica.davies@timmins.ca Timmins Economic Development Corporation 12 Elm Street North Timmins, Ontario P4N 6A1 timminsedc.com