Archived News Releases

October 15, 1999

FOR UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SMARTpark PROJECT

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The University of Manitoba will receive $5.6 million in funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba to develop SMARTpark, a research park on the Fort Garry Campus. SMARTpark will foster research collaboration between the University and industry and boost the transfer of new technologies to the marketplace.

Funding for the project was announced today by the Honourable
Dr. Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification and Francophonie, the Honourable Gregory Selinger, Manitoba Minister of Finance, the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Manitoba Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines, and Reg Alcock, MP for Winnipeg-South. The Government of Canada will provide $2.8 million toward the project, including $1.5 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada and $1.3 million from the Canada/Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement. The Province of Manitoba will contribute $2.8 million to SMARTpark through Manitoba Economic Innovation's Technology Council.

"This is a big step forward for the entire province as well as the University of Manitoba. SMARTpark will spark exciting new research ventures between the University and industry and will stimulate knowledge- based economic development," said Dr. Duhamel. "Research is key to innovation and SMARTpark will help ensure that rather than exporting the commercial benefits associated with knowledge developed at the University, we will be able to build on that knowledge right here at home."

"Manitoba has long been a leader in many areas of research and the development of innovations resulting from that research," said Selinger. "SMARTpark is an exciting prospect for Manitoba's academic and industry sectors. Their partnership will significantly enhance our ability to apply new technologies to the marketplace."

"Our ability to develop new technologies and bring them on- line quickly is an essential component for maintaining or expanding Manitoba's competitive edge in the global economy of the 21^st century," said Mihychuk. "This joint venture between our academic and industry resources will improve the transition time between the theoretical and practical application of new ideas."

"To compete in today's new global economy, industry must be innovative," said Reg Alcock, MP for Winnipeg-South. "SMARTpark will create a closer relationship between local entrepreneurs, business and the University, where the value that innovation creates can be captured."

SMARTpark will blend industry and academia and accelerate the development and commercialization of new technologies in the areas of: advanced materials and manufacturing, pharmaceutical and agricultural biotechnology, resource-based value-added products and processing, and information technology and telecommunications. This will create new jobs, boost the use of technology and stimulate the growth of Manitoba's knowledge- based industry. Research parks are recognized as catalysts for innovation and there are 500 research parks worldwide.

"Knowledge is the key commodity in today's global economy and university research is society's primary source of this knowledge," said Dr. Emoke Szathmary, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. "Our faculty and students are already working alongside business and industry to generate the information and technology needed to help fuel Manitoba's economic development. SMARTpark will serve as a new hub for these partnerships, which will enrich the University's research and education programs and retain existing as well as attract new knowledge-based industry to our province," she added.

SMARTpark, governed by a Board of Directors with representatives from both the private and university sectors, will be created in two phases of construction. Phase One will involve the development of 50 acres of land and Phase Two will see 58 acres developed, on land already set aside for this purpose. This facility will be established on a high-speed, fibre optic interconnection to the Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry and Education, with links to research facilities in other parts of Canada and the U.S.

The federal-provincial funding for SMARTpark will be used to develop the site, through the construction of roads, sewers and other infrastructure. Tenants or developers will sign long-term land leases to develop single or multi-tenant buildings and other facilities. The University of Manitoba has designated over 100 acres of land at the Fort Garry Campus for the SMARTpark project. The University has been working proactively with the federal and provincial governments on the SMARTpark initiative since the fall of 1996.

Through March 2002, the Canada-Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement will direct $40 million into strategic projects which will expand the international competitiveness of key growth sectors, commercialize new technologies, assist small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs, and enhance the long-term economic self- sustainability of rural and urban Manitoba.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

John B. Thorpe Communications Officer Western Economic Diversification Canada Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 983-3915 WD Toll-Free: 1-888-WEST (9378) WD Web site: English - www.wd.gc.ca French – www.deo.gc.ca	Harlan M. Mushumanski Manitoba Government Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 945-0787 EDPA Web site: www.gov.mb.ca/finance/edpa
John Danakas A/Director Public Affairs Department University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 474-8551 Web site: www.umanitoba.ca