Bruce County and the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today that reaffirms Bruce County’s commitment to advancing NII.
“Today’s announcement builds on the current relationship we have developed as founding members in NII, and reaffirms Bruce County’s commitment to ensure NII’s success as Canada’s leading-edge nuclear applied research facility and centre of excellence in talent development and business innovation,” said Murray Clarke, CAO (Acting), Bruce County. “As NII begins its membership outreach, signaling Bruce County’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Institute in our county is a critical next step.”
In May 2018, Bruce County and Bruce Power established a partnership to develop an Applied Research Centre in Bruce County. Since the initial partnership was formed, both parties have achieved great success in transforming NII from a concept into a reality. This includes developing a consolidated business plan representing the interests of both parties, launching the Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat, introducing the Local Education Fund, and committing resources and staff time to advance NII operations.
In June 2019, NII received its Articles of Incorporation as a federal not-for-profit entity, and as a result, there is a new opportunity for Bruce County as a member of NII to help ensure that the County continues to play an important role in supporting the execution of its operations.
“We have been working closely with Bruce County over the past year to develop key areas of NII including a Business Plan that captures Bruce County’s innovation agenda, and execution of the Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat,” said NII President Frank Saunders. “We look forward to enhancing our relationship with Bruce County through the execution of this Memorandum of Understanding,”
A key area the County has committed to advancing as part of this Memorandum of Understanding is the Business Development Hub. The County will look at providing support and resources to further develop this concept which may include implementing a similar model to what was applied to the Trades and Skilled Workforce Secretariat to help advance the Hub into an operational state.
About the Nuclear Innovation Institute
The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is Canada’s leading-edge nuclear applied research facility and centre of excellence for talent development and business innovation. Located on the shores of Lake Huron alongside the world’s largest nuclear operator, Bruce Power, the NII will bring together industry and municipal leaders to use their collective expertise and knowledge to identify opportunities to advance new technologies and applications in the nuclear industry, related industries and the municipal sector.