COMMITMENT TO RAISING THE PROFILE OF CLEAN TECHOLOGIES IGNITES PARTNERSHP BETWEEN CLEANTECH NORTH AND TORONTO ZOO

TORONTO, ON, Friday, September 4, 2020: Your Toronto Zoo and CleanTech North (CTN) are proud to announce an exciting new three-year partnership between their organizations. This collaboration is deeply-rooted in a shared passion to raise the profile of clean technologies being developed in Ontario and to reduce the Toronto Zoo’s carbon footprint and energy usage. We share a vested interest and commitment to developing and deploying innovative technology solutions to increase conservation impact and improve the well-being of animals and the natural world. This agreement establishes objectives that CTN and the Toronto Zoo wish to collaborate on:

• The development and deployment of new technologies on the Zoo site to reduce
  our carbon footprint and energy usage
• Hosting partners and events to connect Zoo guests to new technologies and
  approaches they may use
• Pursue shared funding opportunities and support the establishment of a Conservation Precinct in the area connected to the ZooShare Biogas facility and Rouge National Urban Park
• Ensure local green technology is included in our Technology master plan by
  participating on the Toronto Zoo Technology Plan Advisory Committee

CTN provides emerging Canadian clean technology (“cleantech”) companies with the mentorship and support required to enter – and succeed – in the global marketplace. CTN provides promising cleantech companies access to investment capital, assistance with developing distribution channels and connections to clean technology users, and the networks they need to advance.

“The Toronto Zoo is uniquely positioned to help develop and deploy innovative clean technology solutions. In no other facility does such an expansive physical plant exist to serve and preserve such a myriad of highly unique, demanding, and disparate climates and facilities,” commented Bryan Watson, Managing Director of CleanTech North and Partner at Flow Ventures. “The innovative solutions developed by cleantech companies are exactly those that can help make the Toronto Zoo the greenest in the world. Showcasing these solutions not only supports this goal the Zoo is undertaking, but helps promotes our world-class clean technologies, creates economic prosperity, jobs, and helps support a green, resilient economic recovery.”

“Your Toronto Zoo is committed to applying clean technology solutions to reducing our carbon footprint and energy usage while continuing to provide exemplary animal care” said Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo. “This new partnership with CleanTech North is an exciting opportunity to continue to develop and employ innovative technology solutions to increase conservation impact. It is our pleasure to have CleanTech North join the Toronto Zoo’s Technology Advisory Committee to act as a resource ensuring local green technology is top of mind when building the future of your Zoo,” he added.    

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Toronto Zoo Media Contact:

Amanda Chambers
Supervisor of Strategic Communications
[email protected]

CleanTech North Media Contact:

Bryan Watson
Managing Director
[email protected]