Premier McGuinty visits UOIT's Automotive Centre of Excellence
October 12, 2010
Premier Dalton McGuinty enjoyed a first-hand look October 12 at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology's (UOIT) new cutting-edge research facility, the General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE). With finishing touches now being applied to ACE, Premier McGuinty is among the first dignitaries to see the inner workings the massive structure which is the first research, development and innovation centre of its kind in Canada, and in many respects the world.
Located on UOIT's north Oshawa campus, ACE is a commercial test facility, available to rent by those with a need for its unique capabilities including, manufacturers of all descriptions, start-up companies and researchers in Canada and around the globe. ACE is a flexible, dynamic and secure one-stop-shop with a full range of testing facilities, educational and research labs, and offices for faculty, academic and industry visitors.
During his tour of the ACE core research facility, Premier McGuinty walked through one of the world's largest and most-sophisticated climatic wind tunnels, a test chamber where researchers will be able to create wind speeds greater than 240 kilometres per hour and replicate weather conditions ranging from minus-40 to plus-60 degrees Celsius. In addition to meeting with key leaders of UOIT, ACE and student members of the UOIT Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science's EcoCAR team, the Premier also checked out other key laboratories within ACE that will allow engineers to test products under controlled conditions for suspension, body durability, noise and vibration detection, among many other parameters.
ACE was developed as a partnership between UOIT, General Motors of Canada, the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE), the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The total cost of the facility to-date is $99 million. ACE will be available to clients early in 2011.About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
