By Chloe Teixeira, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In late July, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced in a news release that it is investing $7.5 million in three Burlington-based businesses.
FedDev Ontario’s website explains that it is a government agency that helps businesses and organizations “grow and compete” in southern Ontario, the province’s “most populous region.”
Evan Solomon is the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, the minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.
On behalf of Solomon, Burlington Member of Parliament Karina Gould announced the combined investment to support the three businesses as they “scale and seize new growth opportunities in the defence, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors.”
The combined investment includes $5 million to PV Labs, $1.5 million to Spatial Data Analytics, and $1 million to Modern Elevator Innovations.
PV Labs, a Burlington-based aerospace technology company, is undertaking a $14 million project to expand domestic manufacturing of its advanced aerial stabilization and imaging systems.
The release further states this project will help to build Canada’s sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities by “strengthening domestic production capacity and reinforcing Canada’s role in global aerospace and defence supply chains.”
Mark Chamberlain, president and founder of PV Labs, said that in addition to the investment allowing the company to expand its manufacturing capacity, accelerate technology development, and “strengthen sovereign Canadian capability,” it also “positions Canadian innovation to compete globally, creating new opportunities to export advanced defence technologies to trusted allies and partners.”
FedDev Ontario’s $5 million investment in PV Labs is through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII), a $379.2 million initiative delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies. RDII’s purpose, according to the initiative’s website, is to support the country’s defence and security needs while strengthening regional economic development.
Another company receiving an investment is Spatial Data Analytics, a Burlington-based company that specializes in integrating artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and geospatial technologies to “improve infrastructure management.”
The company is undertaking a nearly $4 million project to “commercialize and scale its AI-driven solutions to support utility and telecommunications infrastructure inspection management,” the news release states.
Douglas Culbert, president of Spatial Data Analytics, said the company is “pleased to receive support” from FedDev Ontario. He also said the funding will “accelerate the development of our solution, secure additional talent and enable us to expand into new markets.”
The $1.5 million investment in Spatial Data Analytics is through the government’s Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII). This initiative provides support to businesses through two streams: one for the productization and commercialization of AI and the second to help businesses address the complexities of AI integration.
Another investment recipient is Modern Elevator Innovations, an award-winning company located in Burlington that specializes in the design, engineering, and fabrication of custom elevator systems.
The company has worked on various projects around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Two notable projects in Burlington include Joseph Brant Hospital and Burlington GO Station.
The company is receiving $1 million through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), which is part of the government’s broader tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers.
David Lewis, senior vice president of manufacturing at Modern Elevator Innovations, said the company is “really appreciative” of FedDev Ontario’s contribution.
“This is going to help us invest in resources that will enhance our manufacturing capabilities and help create jobs for the region.”
MP Karina Gould expressed a similar sentiment, saying that by supporting local companies, “we are helping create quality jobs, attract new opportunities, and build a stronger future for Burlington.”
Gould also attributed the “strength of Burlington’s economy” to the “hardworking businesses and workers who call this community home.”
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward shared the news on various social media platforms. On Instagram, she congratulated the three companies and thanked Gould for the announcement, writing that it “keeps good jobs and investment in our city and country.”
The news release states that the Government of Canada is “committed to supporting innovative businesses in the area that drive job creation, economic growth, and ongoing community development.”
FedDev Ontario is currently accepting applications from southern Ontario businesses to apply for funding. Their website outlines eligibility requirements for applicants.
