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Renewable Energy Strategic Framework

The Renewable Energy Strategic Framework (RESF) was completed in 2010. The Framework identifies strategies and opportunities in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development and was the catalyst behind the Biomass & Fuel Crop Pre-Feasibility Study in 2010/11. The Town of Blind River will continue to seek out opportunities identified in the RESF.
Community Green Map and GIS

The Blind River Development Corporation has employed a Community GIS Intern at the Canadian Geometrics Centre through a youth intern project. The GIS Coordinator is accepting GIS data from communities in East Algoma and developing a complete base map for GIS purposes. The final result will see GIS capabilities installed locally for easier access and more regular updates. Renewable energy projects and renewable energy potential is also being mapped and included in the GIS mapping with a goal to create a Green Map for the region highlighting our Green Energy potential. The Green Map will showcase the advancements the region has made in the renewable energy field and will be an essential tool in developing the economic potential of renewable energy for the region.
Municipal Micro-FIT Assistance Program

Municipal Micro-FIT Assistance Program The Town of Blind River is pleased to announce the initiation of a new program through North Shore Power Group Inc. (a municipally owned corporation) for the installation of Micro-FIT Solar Generating Facilities in Blind River. You are being offered this exciting opportunity to participate in the program.

Municipal Micro-FIT Assistance Program Page

North Shore Power Group

The North Shore Power Group is a municipally owned corporation that drives revenues from renewable energy. The primary focus of NSPG is the installation of roof top and ground mount solar panels on homes and businesses in Blind River and across the region and providing power to the grid through Ontario’s MicroFIT contract. The North Shore Power Group is leading the way for a 10 Mw solar field in Blind River’s Eco-Industrial Park. The connectibility of the solar field is under review by Hydro One and the OPA and a reply is expected in 2011.
Solar Generating Station

North Shore Power Group Inc. is now on the Economic Connection Test list scheduled for fall 2010 at which time Hydro One and the OPA will review the cost of connecting the proposed system and required commission system upgrades
Business Retention & Expansion

The BRDC partnered with the Chamber of Commerce in 2006 to carry out a regional Business Retention & Expansion (BR+E) study. This initiative is an ongoing project and will be ramped up in 2011 in order to develop strategies for assisting the business community and improving the business environment in Blind River today. Businesses are being asked to complete a survey to provide input into the process.
Tourism Development

Blind River lies at a strategic location along the Trans Canada Highway and on the North Channel – one of the world’s premier yachting areas. Blind River’s summer festival has been consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top 50 festivals and the Boom Camp Trails in Blind River are ranked as Canada’s fifth best trails. The BRDC will develop a marketing strategy with a goal of capitalizing on our assets to increase the benefits from existing tourism traffic and to attract more tourism traffic. In addition, the BRDC took a proactive role in attracting a branded accommodation facility by commissioning the Branded Accommodation Pre-Feasibility Study in 2006.
Integrated Community Sustainability Plan and Community Economic Development Strategy

The BRDC is working closely with the Town of Blind River to develop an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) to guide municipal and community activities with an emphasis on sustainability. Along with the ICSP, the BRDC will develop a Community Economic Development Strategy to position economic development resources in Blind River to increase opportunities for growth of existing businesses, the establishment of new enterprises and to increase employment opportunities for the Town’s residents using a sustainable approach. Both projects will be carried out concurrently and will involve extensive community consultation. The project is expected to start late in 2011.