Local partners under the leadership of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) have banded together to launch a new project dedicated to improving agricultural innovation within the Algoma District. Funds have been secured to hire a consultant to complete phase one of establishing the Algoma Rural Agricultural Innovation Network (RAIN).

“The establishment of a RAIN in the Algoma District has the potential to create jobs and opportunities in northern Ontario and provide support for agriculture and our rural sector,” said Errol Caldwell, research director, SSMIC. “It is envisioned the RAIN will provide key information and support to local growers, woodlot owners, rural businesses and clients to improve opportunities for maximizing the collection and communication of information, the value of rural based crops, commodities, products and services. RAIN would eventually be engaged in other areas of innovation and value added economic activities deemed of important to RAIN members and for the private sector and rural economic development.”

SSMIC is the project lead and has partnered with the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area, the East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation, the NORDIK Institute at Algoma University, Algoma Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Algoma Federation of Agriculture and Innovation Initiatives Ontario North. In addition to partner support of $2,500, SSMIC received $2,500 from each of the East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation and the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste Marie & Area to hire a consultant for phase one of the project.

Contractor Jessica Bolduc from The Possibilities Group was chosen to fill this role following a competitive process and will work under the general guidance of SSMIC and a focus group comprised of rural representatives. Under the advisement of the focus group, Bolduc will consult with rural organizations, First Nations, government officials and entrepreneurs to determine projects and services that would be most beneficial to organizations potentially served via RAIN activities.

Once determined, the roles of the RAIN would form part of a funding application to appropriate programs as a three-year pilot. It is anticipated that the RAIN will eventually consist of an office coordinator and one or more youth interns. It is expected that RAIN once established, would become another partnership between the Innovation Centre and Algoma University where it could be located along with the existing NORDIK Institute.

Crucial to the success of bringing the RAIN vision to this preliminary stage has been the support of project partners.

“The East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation and the Community Development Corporation Sault Ste. Marie & Area have a long history of contributing to economic development initiatives within the Algoma area. Both agencies recognize the excellent economic value-added potential of the RAIN project,” said Caldwell, “We would like to acknowledge the contributions of all of our partners in getting this project off the ground.”

Phase one of the RAIN project is expected to be completed within 4 months. During this time, Bolduc will confirm support from rural stakeholders, develop the terms of reference for establishing a future RAIN, determine the priority projects and services as determined by members of existing rural organizations and assist in the development of a funding strategy for stage two for the project that would establish the RAIN as a 3 year pilot for longer term application.

The Innovation Centre is encouraging anyone wishing to provide ideas or input to phase one of the RAIN project to contact either Errol Caldwell at 942-7927 ext 3147 or ecaldwell@ssmic.com or Jessica Bolduc at (705) 575-3394 or bolducssm@gmail.com to arrange for an interview.

To learn more about RAIN contact: Errol Caldwell at 942-7927 ext. 3147 or ecaldwell@ssmic.com  

-30-

About Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre was founded in 1999 and serves as a catalyst for growth in the IT, science and knowledge based sectors in the Algoma District. In 2009, they integrated with science enterprise Algoma (seA) and Upper Lakes Environmental Research Network (ULERN) to combine resources and accomplish their mutual goals of enhanced innovation capacity for both the IT and science sectors. The Innovation Centre works closely with community partners to enhance and improve science and IT sector opportunities.

The Innovation Centre is focused on four core areas: operating a business incubator to encourage the establishment and growth of business start-ups; providing support services to the SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) IT and science community; supporting the establishment and enhancement of advanced research projects in the region and undertaking strategic market development projects such as the highly successful GIS project.

The Innovation Centre operates an award-winning GIS department that has been recognized internationally for its unique community information utility model and advanced work in the health and human services sector.

For more information contact:

Mei Ling
Communications Manager
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
1520 Queen St. E., Rm. NW307
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4
705-942-7927, Ext. 3122
mling@ssmic.com
www.ssmic.com
www.itssm.com