Sault Ste. Marie

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and Elementa Group Inc. have reached a power agreement that will allow Elementa to build a renewable energy generating facility in Sault Ste. Marie.

A February symposium being held by the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) will focus on growing fruit in the North, which was identified as a topic of interest to Algoma growers.

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre has hired a team to roll out the city’s Smart Energy Strategy .

Along with his two siblings, president Darren McDougall represents the third generation of family to run McDougall Energy. It began in Thessalon in 1945, and is now headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, with operations across the country.

Five regional winners have received 2013 Premier’s Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence. The awards are given out annually to recognize contributions to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Essar Steel Algoma will receive pension fund relief from the province. The new regulation allows for fixed payments over the next three years and extends the amortization period, through to 2024.

The federal government has provided $466,492 for projects to attract private sector investment, support innovation, and promote business and youth initiatives.

Essar Steel Algoma has secured a $25-million loan agreement with an institutional investor. This agreement reinforces the company’s liquidity position heading into the customary seasonal raw material inventory build, according to a news release.

The province is providing $1.9 million for two film productions that were filmed in Sault Ste. Marie. P23 Entertainment Inc. received $1 million in Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.

Sault Ste. Marie is one of three communities to receive a provincial award for its energy conservation efforts.