A $1.65 million investment through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program is driving a major expansion of Selkirk College’s Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) in Trail, BC. On Monday, March 2, The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), toured STAC and announced this federal investment.
“British Columbia is home to world-class technology companies and facilities, including in the Southern Interior. By investing in the people and experts behind these technologies, the Government of Canada is helping businesses deliver sustainable solutions, provide good jobs here at home, compete globally and strengthen Canada’s economy,” says The Honourable Gregor Robertson.
Matched by an additional $1.65 million from D-Pace, TRIUMF, Mitacs, the Columbia Basin Trust and other regional industry leaders, the combined $3.3 million investment will establish a globally connected epicentre for technological innovation and economic growth in the West Kootenay and Boundary regions.
“This tremendous investment in the Selkirk Technology Access Centre reflects our commitment to applied learning, innovation and regional growth. With support from Pacifican and our partners, we’re pushing forward on ion source research, expanding advanced manufacturing and exploring AI applications,” says Selkirk College President Maggie Matear. “This is going to strengthen local industry and help make the West Kootenays a vibrant hub for high-tech innovation."
The investments will expand STAC’s advanced manufacturing services while strengthening the emerging Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre (SIRC) by building new capacity in particle accelerator and ion source research—the same technology used in hospitals to detect cancer and other serious illnesses.
“Mitacs is proud to support Selkirk College’s Selkirk Ion-source Research Centre, which demonstrates how applied research partnerships can drive innovation and economic opportunity in communities across Canada,” says Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas. “By investing in highly skilled talent and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, this initiative is helping advance next-generation technologies in areas such as medical isotopes, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. We look forward to continuing to work with Selkirk College and partners to build the skilled workforce and research capacity needed for Canada’s future.”
Through cutting-edge equipment, expert mentorship and advanced manufacturing capabilities, STAC will help strengthen local supply chains, drive innovation and support local businesses to compete globally. It will give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the high-demand field of particle acceleration, opening pathways to careers in science, engineering and innovation.
Photo caption (L-R): Shawn Curran, Chris Kent, Justin Johnson, Jason Taylor, Terri MacDonald, Mason Morisette, Jonathan Doyle, Kailey Allan, Seth Whitehead, Maggie Matear, The Honourable Minister Gregor Robertson, Jacob Cramton, Robert Bleier, Taya Whitehead, Erin Champion and Morgan Dehnel