Ontario creates Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network

Canada is reinforcing its status as a go-to destination for developing automated vehicles by launching AVIN, the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network, in Stratford, Ontario.

This unique demonstration zone is among the first of its kind in Canada and will allow researchers to hone the technology and test an autonomous vehicle in a wide range of everyday, real-life traffic scenarios.

Premier Kathleen Wynne officially opened the AVIN Demonstration Zone recently, seeing first-hand how the space will help researchers continue to improve this cutting-edge technology. The province is partnering with Ontario Centres of Excellence in AVIN, which will bring together industry and academia to capitalize on the economic opportunities of connected and autonomous vehicles (C/AV), while developing the emerging technology and infrastructure.

Ontario is uniquely positioned to lead in C/AV technologies and to attract related investments and jobs. The province is North America’s top vehicle-producing jurisdiction, and second only to California for ICT companies. C/AV technology has the potential to improve road safety and fuel efficiency, minimize driver distraction, and reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Ontario is a global leader when it comes to research and innovation, especially in areas fundamental to the next generation of vehicles, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cloud computing. The newly created Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network brings these attributes together, so Ontario can continue to lead as we create the transportation solutions of tomorrow,” said Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science.

“Connected and automated vehicle technologies demonstrate opportunities to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion and pollution. AVIN is a significant step forward to ensure the investments and planning we are making in building Ontario’s transportation infrastructure network now meets the demands of the future,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation.

“Our leading automotive and tech clusters, working alongside academic institutions, are creating the perfect conditions to develop, manufacture and adopt transformative technologies,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth.

“Through developing AVIN, OCE has worked with the Ontario government and our partners to ensure that this investment will help prepare our infrastructure, technology, transportation systems and auto sector for the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, while developing talent and supporting collaborations that will demonstrate and commercialize these technologies,” said Dr. Tom Corr, President and CEO, Ontario Centres of Excellence.