Ontario Accelerating Mining Electrification and Critical Mineral Innovation
June 1, 2026NORTH BAY— Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network is renewing its Northern Ontario Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), branded as Core5, one of nine OVIN regional sites across Ontario. The Government of Ontario, through OVIN, will invest up to $2.5 million, which is supported by $4.14 million in private-sector contributions and $2.1 million in public-sector contributions, bringing the total investment to $8.74 million.
“In the face of global uncertainty, Ontario’s automotive, tech, and critical minerals sectors continue to serve as foundational pillars of our province’s economic resilience and future prosperity,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “By renewing funding for the Core5 Regional Technology Development Sites, our government is ensuring startups and SMEs from across Northern Ontario are equipped with the tools they need to commercialize Ontario-made solutions, compete globally, and create new economic opportunities close to home.”
“Through Core5, local businesses and researchers have access to the tools, facilities, and partnerships they need to test ideas, grow, and compete globally. This investment helps ensure businesses in North Bay and other Northern Ontario communities continue to play a role in the clean transportation and critical minerals sector.” – Peter Chirico, Mayor, City of North Bay.
This funding will help small- and medium-sized enterprises in North Bay and in other cities across the North, including Greater Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, and Thunder Bay to develop, test, and bring new electric vehicle, mining electrification, and smart mobility technologies to market.
The full RTDS network, announced on February 6 by the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, is supported by a $17.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario through OVIN. This investment is matched by $32.8 million from industry and over $19.3 million from the broader public sector, bringing the total investment to nearly $70 million.
Coordinating a network of more than 20 partners, Core5 brings together post-secondary institutions, regional innovation centres, incubators and accelerators, municipal and regional resources, industry, and other regional collaborators to help businesses develop Ontario’s EV supply chain. Including initial critical minerals refining, downstream battery cell design, EV powertrain, manufacturing, and other related EV technologies.
With access to more than 70,000 square feet of combined R&D space, over 3 kilometres of underground mine, and state-of-the-art testing equipment, the Core5 network unlocks unmatched opportunities for SMEs to validate and scale solutions. Supported by OVIN’s RTDS initiative, Core5 helps SMEs reduce risk, accelerate time-to-market, and scale innovative electrification technologies across Northern Ontario. These investments are further positioning Ontario as a leader in sustainable mobility, advanced electrification, and smart transportation innovation.
Quick Facts
- OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
- Core5 is one of nine regional technology development sites within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), advancing next-generation electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies.
- Innovation Initiatives Ontario North is a Regional Innovation Centre that supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing companies across Northern Ontario. Based in North Bay, IION serves the Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka regions and plays a key role in strengthening the regional economy.
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