The OVIN Demonstration Zone will give Ontario small and medium-sized businesses real-world environments to pilot and demonstrate innovative automotive and mobility solutions, including electric vehicle technologies, shared and integrated mobility solutions, robotics, and connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

York Region Business News (page 9)
Canada launches Open Work Permit stream for U.S. H-1B visa holders
Those who are approved will receive an open work permit valid for up to three years. An open work permit means that they can work for almost any employer in Canada. This also applies to their spouses and dependents who can apply for work or study permits as needed.
Ontario launches free job training for newcomers
The program will prepare jobseekers for well-paying careers in manufacturing, finance, administration, communications, hospitality and the arts. Participants will have the chance to explore a range of employment and training options through paid internships, job placements, language training and digital literacy courses.
Merry Electronics, Canada Computers to open head offices in Richmond Hill
Canada Computers is the nation’s largest Canadian-owned retailer of computers and electronics. Merry Electronics is a world-leading manufacturer of electroacoustic products, and specializes in the design and manufacture of earphones, headsets, assistive listening devices, and more.
ventureLAB launches nation’s first Hardware Angel Network
The network, the organization said in a release issued at Collision 2023 in Toronto, “catalyzes investments in the Canadian hardware and deep-tech sectors,” through the raising of capital and development of third-party partnerships for startups.
2023 Autotech Detroit Conference was an incredible success for the York Region Delegation!
York Region is a leading jurisdiction in Canada’s automotive technology industry. Among others it is home to 250+ sector related companies, Canada’s largest independent auto parts and electronics manufacturing cluster, global headquarters of 3 of the 5 largest Canadian auto parts companies and location of the largest corporate automotive innovation hub in the country.
Canada announces first-ever express entry invitations for skilled newcomers with STEM experience
This announcement signals a momentous milestone in Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent and solidifying its position as a leader in research, development, and innovation.
ventureLAB Unveils Canada’s First Hardware Angel Network
ventureLAB announced the launch of the Hardware Angel Network (HAN), the only hardware and deep-tech focused investor network supporting pre-seed and seed stage startups in the country.
Ontario Supporting More Innovation in Growing Tech Sector
The province’s $107 million Critical Technology Initiatives funding supports programs led by not-for-profit organizations that will accelerate the use of critical technology by Ontario companies and enable the development of innovative made-in-Ontario solutions. Full news release: news.ontario.ca
Markham-based Phyxable building an autonomous module to monitor astronauts’ health
Dr. Jim Feng, CEO of Phyxable, discusses the company’s work with the Canadian Space Agency’s Health Beyond Initiative to develop innovative tools for space health.
Vaughan headquartered Kontrol Technologies selected by new customer in the USA for emission monitoring solutions
Kontrol Technologies is well positioned to provide emission monitoring solutions with a strong history and track record of servicing the oil, gas, cement, and petrochemical industries.
Markham headquartered TROES receives funding support for $1.5 million groundbreaking mobile portable EV charging solution
TROES Corp., an advanced Commercial and Industrial Battery energy storage technology solution provider, is pleased to announce recent funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) as part of a total raise of 1.5 million towards a project in partnership with US-based…
Billyard Insurance Group expands Ontario presence with three new branches; one in Markham
“We had an incredibly exciting start to 2023 at BIG,” said Smith. “Being able to partner with a number of exceptional insurance professionals has allowed us to continue our expansion into key markets.”
Vaughan headquartered Drone Delivery Canada receives approval for BVLOS flights and dangerous goods transportation on its care by air commercial project
The Care by Air project is the Company’s longest commercial route to date at 13.4km and involves the transportation of medical radioisotopes by drone and is the first of its kind within Canada.
Markham headquartered Nobis Outerwear will expand to China through joint venture with ShenZhen Ellassay Fashion Group
“Nobis and Ellassay share a passion and commitment to deliver top-tier technical fashion lifestyle collections in the outerwear category and beyond. This partnership is a testament to our shared values and expertise. We are very excited to now be working together with Ellassay to further elevate the Nobis brand within the ever-evolving international fashion marketplace,” said Robin Yates, Vice President and Co-founder of Nobis.
Vaughan headquartered Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) receives Canadian approvals milestone for drone delivery of radioisotopes
Drone Delivery Canada has received authorisation for Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight flights and for the transportation of dangerous goods,
Markham-Based ESET North America announces winners of Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship
Designed to help address the underrepresentation of women in the cybersecurity field, the annual Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship provides $10,000 scholarships to two women in the United States and $5,000 scholarships to two women in Canada majoring in a STEM field of study.
ventureLAB: Catalyzing Canadian Innovation through Collaboration and Support
In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, it is essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve, continuously adapting and evolving. One Canadian organization, ventureLAB, has made it their mission to support, nurture, and empower businesses in…
‘Stunning’ 50-acre park opens in new Aurora development
Mayor Tom Mrakas, members of council, and representatives from Geranium Homes, came together last Saturday morning to formally dedicate a 50+ acre park and greenspace within the new Highland Gate development. Full article: newmarkettoday.ca
Culture, recreation-based initiatives could get up to $10K from Aurora’s new community grant program
The grant program will offer up to $10,000 to eligible organizations and individuals through four submission deadlines each year.
Phoenix Systems with 40-year history in Newmarket receives global award
“To recognize that we are competing with other resellers like ourselves all over the world, it was quite a shock and a surprise. Certainly a great recognition for our staff and for our customers,” company founder Dan O’Toole said.
Vaughan Headquartered Kontrol Technologies selected by new municipal customer for net zero emissions building design and receives second USA patent
The Company has been awarded USA Patent No. 11,662,278. The Patent covers an air sampling system which includes an air inflow channel having an air inlet portion at a top end
Solve clues, conquer quests at David Dunlap Observatory interactive experience in Richmond Hill
“The actors are from a theatre group called Live History and will dress up and play the part of some of our historical figures from the site,” said Maggie MacKenzie, heritage co-ordinator, City of Richmond Hill. “So, for example, prior to the David Dunlap Observatory, it was a family farm, so they’ll be portraying family members and characters from the past.”
Federal government invests in Vaughan-based auto parts manufacturer, AMTB to bolster EV supply chain
“Canadian manufacturers are reaching their potential as they support Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy. Today, our government is investing in ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Americas Limited as it transitions its Concord facility to support a cleaner, more fuel-efficient future for the automotive sector while creating 65 good, skilled jobs.
Sheridan Nurseries Marks 110 Years With Grand Opening Of Innovative Garden Centre Concept In Aurora
Sheridan Nurseries has opened a new concept Garden Centre in Aurora, Ontario as it celebrates 110 years of growing with landscape professionals and home gardeners. The company says it is proud to continue to innovate and inspire with products and services…
York Region gets greener with 110K trees, shrubs planted in 2022
“York Regional council is committed to our greening strategy, which supports a healthier, more resilient and sustainable natural environment and continues to enhance our green spaces,” said Wayne Emmerson, York Region chairman and CEO, in a news release.
Vaughan headquartered Noble launches industry’s first AutoStore warehouse automation system, featuring autonomous robots that will revolutionize order picking and customer service excellence
As the leading trade supplier in Plumbing, HVAC, Industrial, and Fire Protection in Ontario, Noble announced today AutoStore – a fully-automated warehouse solution operated by autonomous robots that will redefine inventory management, order processing operations and service excellence. Noble is the…
‘Ahead of the curve’: Newmarket success story leads business to relocate to new location that’s 3-times larger
From reusable bags to compostable plates following soon after, Eco Guardian is now one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies, counting among its clients Longo’s, Loblaws and Canadian Tire.
Markham headquartered Xplore enables fibre Internet connectivity for 16,000th premise in Quebec
“This is an important benchmark for Xplore as we continue to grow our network in Quebec and across Canada,” said Fran Shammo, Xplore Board Chair and interim Chief Executive Officer.
Cardinal Health tops 1.1M sq. ft. with new GTA distribution centre in Vaughan
The 163,000-square-foot distribution centre in Vaughan is to be fully operational in late 2023 to early 2024. It will be Cardinal’s ninth regional distribution centre.