Ryerson welcomes the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Ontario Minister Of Natural Resources
Minister and staff tour new home of Ryerson�s Centre for Urban Energy
The Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources, and members of her staff toured the new space under construction for Ryerson's Centre for Urban Energy. Hosting the Minister and guests were Dr. Alan Shepard, Provost and Vice President Academic; Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, Dean, Faculty of Engineering Architecture & Science (FEAS); Dr. Chris Evans, Vice Provost; Dr. Bala Venkatesh, CUE Academic Director; and Erin McGinn, Director, Office of the President.
Ryerson was pleased to welcome the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources to the university on March 30th. Minister Jeffrey, accompanied by Deputy Minister Virginia West and other Ministry officials, toured new facilities being prepared for Ryerson's Centre for Urban Energy (CUE).
Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources is mandated to manage the province's energy resources, with specific responsibility for renewable energy, water power, wind power, and oil, gas and salt resources. The Ministry embraces the view that a reliable supply of clean energy is necessary to maintain a strong provincial economy, and a healthy and prosperous quality of life for Ontario's growing population.
Ryerson's CUE shares many of the Ministry's priorities, as both are clearly committed to solving energy challenges. The CUE's research projects include green and renewable energy generation, energy storage, power and smart systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy conservation, and the regulatory, policy and social science issues related to renewable energy.
Provost and Vice President Academic, Dr. Alan Shepard and Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Science, underscored the CUE's role as a resource for the province, offering project and consultation opportunities directly to the Minister. "The CUE is another example of Ryerson's commitment to supporting innovation in scholarly, research and creative activity in areas that are important to society," stated Dr. Shepard. "By working to find innovative, next-generation solutions that will help power the world's cities, Ryerson can play a leadership role in global sustainability."
Dean Lachemi added: "We intend to develop and commercialize marketable urban energy products and solutions through our many partnerships with industry and business."
Minister Jeffrey appeared impressed with CUE's emphasis on commercialization, and its ongoing relationships with founding partners Hydro One, Toronto Hydro and Ontario Power Authority. She acknowledged the vital importance of the experiential training that Ryerson students receive through their participation in research activities such as those being launched through the CUE.
CUE's team of researchers and students is scheduled to move into the new facilities on Dalhousie Street at the end of April, with an official opening celebration planned for next September.