More land to be developed at U of M
Winnipeg Free Press
Friday May 27 2005
By Dan Lett
THE University of Manitoba's much-vaunted Smartpark -- already home to 20 tenants and more than 800 employees -- received a $3-million boost yesterday to pave the way for future expansion.
The federal and provincial governments, along with the U of M, will spend the funds on paving roads and improving water and sewer services to open up more land at the popular industrial park dedicated to scientific research and development.
The university originally set aside 108 acres for Smartpark and to date has developed about 50 acres. The funds announced yesterday will allow additional development on the remaining lands.
"We've done a phenomenal job in the last three years to build momentum at Smartpark," said Alan Simms, president of Smartpark. "This really builds on that momentum."
Smartpark has exploded since it was unveiled five years ago with a $5.6-million original investment by the university. By the end of 2005, Smartpark will boast 20 tenants, more than 800 employees and in excess of $100 million in capital investment.
Recently, Smartpark has seen a 40,000-square-foot expansion of offices used by Cangene, a successful Winnipeg-based biomedical company, and the addition of a 42,000-square-foot head office for Monsanto Canada.
In addition, construction is nearing completion on the $25-million Richardson Centre for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, a world-class research facility that will allow graduate students from the faculties of pharmacy, medicine and agriculture to study natural bioactive compounds found in Prairie crops that have potential in health promotion and disease prevention.
Treasury Board President Reg Alcock, Manitoba's senior MP, said Ottawa's contribution to Smartpark continues a unique and constructive relationship with the university and other levels of government.
"This is proving to be exactly what we dreamed it would be," said Alcock. "I just think it's going to continue to grow and continue to add value and quality to this city all throughout its life."
Bob Silver, chairman of Smartpark's board of directors, said Smartpark has grown beyond the expectations of those proponents who first argued that land used for experimental crops should be turned into a high-tech breeding ground.
"One of the greatest challenges we have is to apply research to commercial applications," Silver said. "That's what Smartpark is all about. If we don't commercialize it here, we're just giving up good ideas."
Simms said there are serious discussions underway with a number of prospective tenants to fill the second 50-acre parcel of Smartpark land, although none is ready to be announced at this time. One serious possibility is a proposed Agricultural Centre of Excellence. The project, which is being promoted by five grain research and marketing organizations in Winnipeg, yesterday received confirmation of $150,000 in funding for a feasibility study.
The five organizations include the Canadian Wheat Board, the Canadian Grains Commission, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Malting and Barley Technical Centre and the Canadian International Grains Institute.
Barry Senft, executive director of the Canadian International Grains Institute, said a centre of excellence would draw together agricultural experts involved in everything from plant research to market development.
The centre, if built, would require 400,000 square feet of space and encompass more than 900 employees now spread across several offices in downtown Winnipeg, Senft said.
Although there is no commitment to any specific location, Smartpark is a leading candidate to host the new centre, he added.
Smartpark facts
SOME facts about Smartpark:
What is it? Smartpark is a 50-acre industrial park attached to the west side of the University of Manitoba's Fort Garry campus, dedicated to public and private scientific research and development.
Who is there now? Smartpark boasts tenants such as Cangene Corp., a successful Winnipeg biotech company specializing in bio-defence and vaccine research and production, Monsanto Canada, the Richardson Centre for Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, and the Industrial Technology Centre, a provincial government office that supports the manufacturing industry.
What is the future? Smartpark has filled 50 acres of land with more than 20 tenants, 800 employees and about $100 million in capital investment. A $3-million contribution announced yesterday will help open up another 50 acres of land for development.