Federal Funding Hits Northern BC Tech: Can Targeted Grants Scale Solar Deployment?
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
PacifiCan invests $11 million into Northern BC organizations to buffer against US trade volatility, including a push for marine-grade solar panels.
The federal government is deploying capital to help Northern British Columbia's tech sector weather a storm of trade instability. As BetaKit first reported, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) has announced an $11 million investment package aimed at assisting businesses and organizations in the region as they face disruptions stemming from the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States.
While the funding is broad, the deployment of clean energy technology is a key pillar. Open Waters Solar, a company based in Prince George that specializes in impact-resistant solar panels for marine transportation and boats, is receiving $450,000. The company intends to use these funds to upgrade its facilities and automate the manufacturing of its solar panels, while also allocating money for employee training. Tony Olynyk, the chief commercial officer of Open Waters Solar, stated in a press release that the investment allows the company to compete globally and expand its reach into European markets.
Beyond solar, the PacifiCan package includes significant support for logistics technology. BetaKit reports that the University of British Columbia (UBC) is receiving over $2.8 million for its Drone Transport Initiative. This project focuses on testing the viability of drone delivery in rural and remote areas of Northern BC, with specific pilot programs involving the Village of Fraser Lake and the Stellat’en First Nation. The funding is earmarked for the deployment of drone technology, workforce training, and skills development.
In total, these two tech-focused projects are part of a larger group of 10 recipients. The timing of the announcement is notable; BetaKit points out that the funding arrived just days before Canada implemented broad counter-tariffs following the collapse of trade negotiations with the US. The strategic goal appears twofold: providing a financial cushion for companies facing tariffs and investing in domestic capabilities to reduce Canadian reliance on US-based services, such as Amazon.