Today, the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced federal funding of more than $53 million for two public transit projects that will improve the SkyTrain network in the Vancouver region.
Vancouver, British Columbia, August 13, 2021—The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Investments in public transit infrastructure during this unprecedented time help create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and make our communities more inclusive and resilient.
British Columbians need safe, accessible, and efficient public transit to get to work and home, to attend appointments, shop for essentials, and conduct business. Strategic investments in public transportation infrastructure play a key role in delivering this service.
Today, the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced federal funding of more than $53 million for two public transit projects that will improve the SkyTrain network in the Vancouver region.
Burrard Station Upgrade
The underground Burrard station in downtown Vancouver is located on the busiest portion of the Expo Line and needs redesign and upgrades to accommodate increased ridership. The project will build a new four-level subsurface expansion of the station, improve the station entry and exterior plaza, install and replace a number of escalators and elevators, as well as rehabilitate station finishes including signage, cameras, and PA Systems. The upgrades will increase accessibility and capacity as well as improve customer experience and comfort.
The Government of Canada is investing $28 million in this project.
Station Access and Safety Project
As part of its 10-Year Investment Plan, TransLink is expanding Expo and Millennium line stations to support larger five-car, 85-metre trains, which can transport more riders and will improve the SkyTrain network. However, the increase in train size and corresponding ridership will exceed the capacity of some stations. The Station Access and Safety Project will ensure safety and access at and around stations and facilitate the expansion. The project will include extending up to 30 guideway walkways in multiple stations, modifying Guideway Intrusion Monitoring systems, as well as adapting platforms to improve access for riders with disabilities. TransLink is currently studying which modifications need to be made to accommodate the new trains.
The Government of Canada is investing over $25 million in this project.
“Investments in accessible, and efficient public transit systems are at the heart of a green inclusive recovery that restarts our economy and creates good jobs. The funding we’re announcing today will help transform public transit in the Vancouver region. Upgrades to the Burrard and other SkyTrain stations across the city will allow for a safe expansion of the network for the benefit of all users, which in turn will encourage increased ridership and lower GHGs. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creating jobs across the country, and more inclusive communities.”
The Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
873-355-9576
Emelyana.Titarenko@infc.gc.ca
Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $240,000 investment to the Kebaowek First Nation to support the expansion of forest sector transportation activities. The investment helped the community secure an additional transportation truck to support training activities, which allowed the community to expand its workforce.
August 10, 2021 Kebaowek, Quebec Natural Resources Canada
Canada’s forest sector is an important source of employment for many Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is investing in Indigenous-led development projects across the country to promote new economic opportunities in the forest sector and in their communities.
Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $240,000 investment to the Kebaowek First Nation to support the expansion of forest sector transportation activities. The investment helped the community secure an additional transportation truck to support training activities, which allowed the community to expand its workforce.
This investment is creating employment as well as increased knowledge and economic opportunities for Indigenous participation in the forest sector on their traditional lands. The funding is part of Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative, which provides financial support to Indigenous-led economic development projects in Canada’s forest sector. Benefits of the program include increased Indigenous participation, engagement and economic development in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance.
By investing in Indigenous participation in the forest sector, we can advance Indigenous self-determination, close socio-economic gaps and provide greener solutions that tackle climate change and transition toward a low-carbon economy. We recognize the value, both economically and spiritually, that the forest sector brings to these communities, and we’re working toward building a stronger Indigenous forest sector.
“Indigenous Peoples play a critical role in Canada’s forest sector. Investments like these support workers, their families and the community, all while advancing innovation in the industry and reconciliation between Canada and the Indigenous Peoples who have lived on this territory since time immemorial.”
Marc G. Serré
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources
Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt
“This investment will provide Kebaowek First Nation with new supports for forestry training, and to increase the workforce as needed for economic recovery after COVID-19. We will continue to work with Indigenous partners in Quebec and across Canada to ensure that Indigenous communities have the resources and tools they need to better rebuild themselves, and to ensure a healthier, safer and more prosperous future.”
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
“Through Natural Resources Canada’s Indigenous Forestry Initiative program, we will continue to invest and support sustainable forest management practices while providing meaningful training and employment in the forestry sector. This investment will help Kebaowek First Nation to use our traditional lands to grow a forestry business that is sustainable and profitable. This means good jobs for the members of the community.”
Chief Lance Haymond
Kebaowek First Nation
Ian Cameron
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity, Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $547,500 investment to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) to retrofit affordable housing.
August 9, 2021 Ottawa, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
Improving energy efficiency in our communities is an important part of our toolkit to fight climate change. It will help us exceed our climate goals, lower emissions where people live and work, and provide opportunities for Canadians to be part of building a clean and prosperous future that leaves no one behind.
The Honourable Mona Fortier, Minister of Middle Class Prosperity, Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier, on behalf of the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $547,500 investment to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) to retrofit affordable housing. The corporation is matching federal funding, for a project total over $1 million.
The pilot project is the first of its kind in Canada. It aims to retrofit a four-unit townhome in Ottawa into net-zero homes – meaning they will produce as much energy as they consume in a year – while extending the building’s life-cycle and maintaining access to affordable housing in the City.
The retrofits include a new roof, windows, prefabricated exterior panels and an array of solar panels to increase energy efficiency and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. These renovations are performed without needing to relocate tenants. The project is expected to cut the building’s energy use by 55 percent.
Federal funding is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure – Energy Efficient Buildings Program. This program supports the development and implementation of building codes for existing buildings and new net-zero energy-ready buildings through research, development and demonstration projects. CanmetENERGY-Ottawa is also collaborating with OCHC to monitor the performance of the retrofit, as well as providing ongoing research on Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofits (PEER).
The government supports green infrastructure projects that will create good, middle-class jobs, advance Canada’s low-carbon future and help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Climate change is measured globally but felt locally. We’re helping retrofit existing affordable housing units, like the retrofit project in Ottawa, to build a clean energy future, support jobs and lower emissions.”
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Natural Resources
“We are partnering with Ottawa Community Housing to make life more affordable for people in our community. This important retrofit project will cut the building’s energy use by more than half, helping families save money on their energy bill each month – all while being a part of the solution to fight climate change. I will continue to stay focused on delivering innovative projects like this one to our community as we build a greener, more prosperous Ottawa.”
The Honourable Mona Fortier
Minister of Middle Class Prosperity, Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier
“Ottawa Community Housing values partnerships with all levels of governments and industry leaders. Those innovative partnerships allow us to meet the diverse needs of 32,000 tenants and increase access to affordable housing. The PEER project is important as it allows us to bring the expertise and research from Natural Resources Canada to life.”
Stéphane Giguère
Minister of Middle Class Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
“The PEER project is a new way to address Ottawa Community Housing’s capital repair needs in aging family homes, while reducing the Corporation’s greenhouse gas emissions, which aligns with the City’s Climate Change Master Plan. It is a win-win. We can address the climate crisis and the housing crisis with one project while stimulating the local economy.”
Mathieu Fleury
Rideau–Vanier Councillor and Chair, Ottawa Community Housing Board of Directors
“As local councillor and an Overbrook resident, I am proud that this partnership was realized to improve the quality of life for residents at 197-203 Presland. This is a perfect example of partners coming together to design a new approach towards enhancing the longevity as well as lessening the environmental impact of social housing assets, which can be used to improve other facilities within the sector and across OCH communities throughout the city.”
Rawlson King
Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor and Ottawa Community Housing Board Member
Ian Cameron
Acting Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
1982 Ventures backs Hugo, a Singapore based digital wealth and savings app that helps Singaporeans develop healthy saving and investing habits. The Hugo app is now available in both Apple iOS and Google Play for iOS. – Hugo raises $2 million (USD) in Seed round from 1982 Ventures and prominent family offices and angels – Hugo’s Wealthcare App gives customers control over their financial well-being and access to flexible savings and investment products – Hugo recently launched its Gold Vault which makes investing in gold easy and accessible to all, with increments as small as S$0.01
Hugo has secured funding of $2 million (USD) from 1982 Ventures, prominent global and Singaporean family offices and angels. Hugo helps users develop healthy saving and investing habits that make financial security accessible to everyone in an easy and intuitive way. Founded in late 2019 by David Fergusson (CEO), Ben Davies (COO) and Braham Djidjelli (CPO), Hugo is positioned as the first Wealthcare App in the region.
David Fergusson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, of Hugo stated “Money is the biggest cause of stress and Covid-19 has only reinforced how financially unprepared most of us are. We are excited to introduce Hugo at a time when financial wellbeing has become so relevant.”
Hugo’s most unique feature is its Gold Vault and makes investing in gold easy for all. Hugo customers can buy or sell gold for as low as 0.01 SGD. Gold has always been a core investment for the ultra-wealthy and offers safety and wealth preservation in times of inflation and market turmoil. Hugo’s Gold Vault is backed by physical gold stored in an accredited LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) vault and insured by Lloyds of London, giving savers the same protections as large hedge funds and private banks.
Herston Powers, Managing Partner, of 1982 Ventures said “Hugo is democratizing access to gold with a low fee product that is extremely thoughtful and approachable. Singapore is a perfect market to launch the next generation of digital banking and wealth solutions.”
Hugo is on a mission to help users save more. Hugo customers benefit from Hugo’s Gold Vault (gold investing), Roundup (auto savings), Money Pots (setting financial goals) and the Hugo Platinum Visa Debit Card.
Scott Krivokopich, Managing Partner, of 1982 Ventures stated, “Hugo is proving that fintech startups will win the digital banking race in Southeast Asia by launching the first Wealthcare App in Singapore. The founders have a long and deep history in the region with roots that trace back to the 1930s in Singapore. Hugo has the banking and regulatory experience required to protect customers and grow a sustainable business.”
Hugo will use the funds to continue to enhance its offering with new customer-driven products and services. Hugo is also exploring market expansion in several Southeast Asian geographies and outside the region with local partners.
About 1982 Ventures 1982 Ventures is a Singapore-based VC firm focused on investing in early-stage fintech start-ups in Southeast Asia, investing in and supporting the best founders in positively impacting the future of financial services in Southeast Asia. 1982 Ventures is the partner of choice for international investors, corporates and fintechs to gain access to Southeast Asia. Feel free to reach out for more info on www.1982.vc, and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Hugo Hugo is a Singapore-based digital wealth and savings app that helps Singaporeans develop healthy saving and investing habits, ensuring financial wellbeing and providing access to gold to all. For more information visit www.hugosave.com.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today announced that it has invested in Starfire Energy Inc., the leading developer of modular chemical plants for the production of green ammonia and hydrogen with a patented catalyst technology located in Denver, CO. The partnership will be used to advance the development of commercial scale applications to decarbonize ammonia production and unlock its potential as a zero-carbon energy carrier. The investment has been executed through Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., joining a consortium of investors, including AP Ventures, Chevron Technology Ventures, New Energy Technologies and Osaka Gas USA.
Ammonia is a promising solution with an energy density comparable to fossil fuels and significantly higher than Li-ion batteries, compressed or liquid hydrogen. It can be affordably and easily stored and transported, leveraging established infrastructure and shipping networks, and is regulated by well-developed codes and standards. It can be used directly as a fuel or it can be ‘cracked’, and its hydrogen harvested, to provide a stable, efficient means of hydrogen storage and transportation.
Starfire Energy’s ‘Rapid Ramp NH3’ ammonia synthesis technology produces zero carbon ammonia using only renewable energy, air and water as inputs. The modular solution is sized to connect directly with renewable energy production, providing a scalable, distributed source of zero carbon ammonia. The company has also developed their Prometheus Carbon-free Fire, a system to crack ammonia back into hydrogen, providing an efficient means of green hydrogen storage and transportation.
Starfire’s solutions will provide carbon-free fuel to power utility gas turbines, large scale ships, process heat for industries like steel, cement and fuel cell vehicles. The modular solutions are mass produced and assembled onsite for maximum reliability and quality along with low and repeatable costs. This investment enables both companies to strengthen and diversify the ammonia and hydrogen value chain.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, logistics & infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on www.spectra.mhi.com.
