When I talk to people about the Kanata North Tech Park, I hear how proud they are of what has been built here. The City’s new Official Plan properly recognized the Tech Park as a Special Economic District, and with that designation came some exciting opportunities. The vision of the Tech Park becoming a place where people can live, work, play, learn and innovate is becoming a reality. Both uOttawa and Carleton University have expanded their programming in the Park. High school classes have been held there, bringing students together with technology companies and leaders. Nokia’s transformation has begun, and many more companies are expanding. Four years ago, I was telling people that there were more than 500 companies in the Tech Park. Now there are more than 800!
I also hear a great deal of excitement about what the Tech Park can become. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe asked Bloomberg Philanthropies to develop a plan to elevate the Kanata North Tech Park to the same calibre as some of the most successful technology parks around the world. That is an exciting opportunity for our community. The goal is not simply to have more companies. It is to create a place where businesses, universities, students, entrepreneurs and residents can all contribute to a vibrant community that truly lives the “live, work, play, learn and innovate” vision.
I am excited to continue working with the Kanata North Business Association and the many other partners who are helping shape the future of the Tech Park. We have something very special here in Kanata North. I want to make sure we continue to build on that success and take our Tech Park to the next level.
