Barrie home to Ontario's newest regional innovation centre
Nearly a year after it was announced in the province's budget, a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) is finally coming to fruition in Barrie.
The province is investing $1 million into the downtown's Sandbox Centre, transforming the economic mentorship hub into a full-fledged RIC.
"In the past, we've done chat mentoring where it's just finding the right person for a few minutes, but going forward now, we'll actually have mentoring funding," said Craig Busch, founder and CEO of the Sandbox Centre. "We'll have tracked five stages to take businesses from like that initial incubation all the way to market and allowing us to really have a focus on building intellectual property insights."
- Download the CTV News app free for local alerts
- Get the latest local updates and breaking news sent to your inbox
RIC's aim to help entrepreneurs and innovators work through challenges in order to succeed in expanding their business ideas. The new centre in Barrie is the 17th Regional Innovation Centre in the province.
Tuesday's announcement comes after Lakehead University announced in the fall, that it planned to create a stem campus inside the downtown transit terminal.
"You can live here, you can enjoy the environment and you can grow a business here and get an incredible job," said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. "This regional innovation centre is a game changer for Barrie and it's a game changer for the entire region."
The Sandbox said it's tentatively aiming to launch the RIC in the spring.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
Mexico's President Sheinbaum offers sarcastic response to Trump's 'Gulf of America' comment
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum responded sarcastically on Wednesday to U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's proposal to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES Tracking the L.A. wildfires: 2 dead as major fires at 0% containment, locals describe 'terrifying' escape
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Follow along here for the latest updates.
Canada among 'top 5 losers' in new passport ranking
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.
WATCH
WATCH 'Like driving through hell itself': Apocalyptic scene on L.A. highway
Terrifying video shows a California resident’s drive along the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, as the Palisades wildfire engulfs buildings and homes.
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats
While Donald Trump's comments on tariffs and Canada becoming 'the 51st state' have drawn anger and fear among Canadians, reaction from Americans who live, study or work in Canada has been mixed, and is largely influenced by how they voted in the presidential election.
Ricki's and cleo retail brands closing, Bootlegger restructuring
Several Canadian fashion retailers will be closing their doors after ownership company Comark Holdings announced it has filed for creditor protection.
Hollywood stars forced to flee amid devastating Los Angeles wildfires
Large parts of Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders Wednesday as massive wildfires spread through the megacity's hilltop suburbs. Here is what some of the stars are seeing from their backyards.
Kitchener
-
Strike averted as Ontario college faculty union, employers enter binding arbitration
The bargaining agent for Ontario's 24 public colleges and the union representing faculty have agreed to enter into binding arbitration, avoiding a strike.
-
Wilmot residents weigh in on proposed 51 per cent tax hike
People in Wilmot had their say as they potentially face down an almost 51 per cent tax hike.
-
Ricki's and cleo retail brands closing, Bootlegger restructuring
Several Canadian fashion retailers will be closing their doors after ownership company Comark Holdings announced it has filed for creditor protection.
London
-
Snow Wednesday afternoon, snow squall warning continues
Under the heaviest part of the snowsquall another 10 to 15 centimetres is possible heading into the evening, with squalls creating varied conditions throughout the region
-
Attempted robbery of London jewellery store has LPS on the hunt for four suspects
According to police, at roughly 4:15 p.m., four men arrived in a white SUV, and entered a jewellery store in the 400-block Wharncliffe Road South.
-
LHSC receives most blood donations in Ontario-wide challenege
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has received an award from Canadian blood Services’ (CBS) Hospital Challenge. The Ontario-wide challenge from August to October 2024 saw LHSC receive 117 units of blood.
Windsor
-
Fourth suspect arrested after east Windsor armed robbery
All the suspects wanted after an east end armed robbery have now been arrested.
-
Police identify 65-year-old woman in theft case
Windsor police have identified a senior woman wanted for retail and grocery thefts.
-
Former NHL legends taking on local emergency responders
NHL legends are coming to Essex County on Sunday to face off against local emergency responders and law enforcement.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ontario airport expanding security screening
The Timmins airport will begin expanding security screening this month for flights in northern Ontario and western Quebec, at the request of Mushkegowuk Council.
-
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
-
'What are we talking about?' Trump's 'economic force' comments cause worry, disbelief
Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric around implementing tariffs on Canadian products are sparking worry and disbelief, though some of the companies potentially most affected are staying quiet.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Provincial police investigating suspicious death on St. Joseph Island, near Sault Ste. Marie
Provincial police are investigating what they are calling "a suspicious death" on St. Joseph Island, near Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
-
Sault man charged in weekend stabbing
A 26-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon following a stabbing in the city over the weekend.
-
Northern Ontario-based comedy series Shoresy announces Season 4 premiere date
The premiere date for Season 4 of Jared Keeso's original hit comedy series Shoresy has been announced along with the show's renewal for a fifth season.
Ottawa
-
Sign change leads to fewer tickets for violating no-stopping restrictions on street near Ottawa Hospital General Campus
A sign change on a busy street near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus has resulted in a significant drop in tickets issued to drivers violating the winter no-stopping zone, according to Ottawa Bylaw Services.
-
Ottawa police constable demoted following impaired driving crash in police vehicle
An Ottawa police constable has been demoted for 22 months in connection to an impaired driving crash while in an unmarked police vehicle on St. Patrick's Day last year.
-
A look at the proposed designs for new north-side stands at Lansdowne
The City of Ottawa is providing a glimpse of the plans for a new north-side stands at TD Place and a new 'Event Centre,' ahead of public consultations on Lansdowne 2.0 this month.
Toronto
-
Ontario pitches energy partnership with U.S. amid Trump's tariff, Canada annexation threat
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada and impose tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wants to expand its energy supply both sides of the border.
-
Ricki's and cleo retail brands closing, Bootlegger restructuring
Several Canadian fashion retailers will be closing their doors after ownership company Comark Holdings announced it has filed for creditor protection.
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Montreal
-
Two Quebec planes and their crews helping fight devastating L.A. wildfires
A pair of Quebec water bombers and their crews are in California helping fight the massive wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area
-
Blowing snow, icy temperatures causing accidents in Montreal
Blowing snow and freezing temperatures are causing road accidents in and around Montreal.
-
Negotiations resume on Monday between Quebec and health sector
Negotiations for the renewal of collective agreements in public daycares (CPE) resume on Monday between Quebec and the health-care unions.
Atlantic
-
Suspect in two N.S. homicides wanted on Canada-wide warrant
Police are looking for a man wanted for the deaths of two people in Nova Scotia last month. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for the arrest of Ronald Albert Canuel.
-
Longtime friend mourns the death of N.S. woman killed in Edmonton
Kenda Hayman from Pictou County, N.S., is mourning the death of her long-time friend, Ashley Burke, who was killed in Edmonton, Alta, in an act of intimate partner violence.
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Winnipeg
-
Patient dies in waiting room at Winnipeg hospital
An investigation is underway after a patient waiting for care died in the waiting room at a Winnipeg hospital Tuesday morning.
-
Ricki's and cleo retail brands closing, Bootlegger restructuring
Several Canadian fashion retailers will be closing their doors after ownership company Comark Holdings announced it has filed for creditor protection.
-
Missing man found dead: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man who had been missing since last month has died.
Calgary
-
Changes are coming to optometry coverage for Alberta children and seniors
Effective Feb. 1, Alberta's UCP government will be decreasing payments and delisting some services for children and seniors.
-
Airport rail service to kick off Calgary city council's 2025 meetings
Calgary city council is back for the first meeting of 2025, with a committee getting a look at the possibility of train service to the airport.
-
Calgary Minor Soccer Association inks 3-year partnership with Papa Johns
The Calgary Minor Soccer Association has announced a new three-year partnership with Papa Johns.
Edmonton
-
'Time for a refresh': University of Alberta rebrands DEI policy to ACB
The president of the University of Alberta says the decision to rebrand its diversity, equity and inclusion policy was not influenced by critics of the initiative in North America.
-
'Not an easy decision': Chinatown's Italian Bakery to close for good due to safety concerns
After 64 years in business, the Italian Bakery in Chinatown is closing its doors for good.
-
'Well-known' drug dealer charged and arrested in Lloydminster
Specialized enforcement teams from both sides of the provincial border have teamed up to arrest a well-known, wanted drug dealer in Lloydminster.
Regina
-
Saskatchewan residents fined over $17K for illegal hunting after photo of deer posted online
Three Saskatchewan residents are facing a total of $17,240 in fines for illegal hunting activity the province says was discovered after a photo of a deer was posted on social media.
-
Saskatchewan RCMP charge 2 following Swift Current drug bust
Two men are in custody and facing drug trafficking related charges after an RCMP operation in Swift Current.
-
Post holiday lull, Regina Food Bank still in need of donations after Christmas rush
The post holiday season lull in donations is an annual challenge for many organizations including the Regina Food Bank.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan man shares story of losing $30,000 to text scam just before Christmas
A Prince Albert man said he lost nearly $30,000 to a text message scam just before Christmas.
-
'Call it a career': Another landmark Saskatoon restaurant has sold
After serving meals for over 50 years, the locally owned and operated Cave Restaurant on 8th Street has been sold.
-
Saskatoon Blades enter 'new era' with major trade
The Saskatoon Blades have acquired two players and five draft picks from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk and shutdown forward Misha Volotovskii.
Vancouver
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
Teen struck, killed by train near Kamloops, B.C.
Police and the provincial coroner's service are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a train Sunday in the British Columbia Interior.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
Vancouver Island
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
Teen struck, killed by train near Kamloops, B.C.
Police and the provincial coroner's service are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a train Sunday in the British Columbia Interior.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
