OVIN Demonstration Zone
About the Project
Markham is York Region’s innovation hub and a key player in Ontario’s Innovation Corridor.
On July 25, 2023 the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) launched the new OVIN Demonstration Zone in partnership with the City of Markham and City of Vaughan. This new $7.3 million project includes $2.5 million in support from the Ontario government through OVIN and $1.4 million in combined funding from the City of Markham and City of Vaughan.
The Driving Innovations: OVIN Demonstration Zone gives Ontario small and medium-sized businesses real-world environments to pilot and demonstrate innovative automotive and mobility solutions, including:
- Electric vehicle technologies
- Shared and integrated mobility solutions
- Robotics and automated utility devices
- Smart intersections and smart city solutions
- Connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies
- First and last mile solutions for urban mobility
Visit the OVIN Demonstration Zone website to learn more:
Project Updates
In the City of Markham, the Demonstration Zone includes the area around Downtown Markham. The boundaries are Highway 7, Highway 407, Kennedy Road and Warden Avenue.
In January 2024, the City of Markham launched an open challenge to companies interested in testing and demonstrating both hardware and software First and Last Mile solutions in the Demonstration Zone.
On April 2, 2024 the City of Markham’s Development Services Committee directed staff to enact and update by-laws as needed to permit and regulate the use of e-Scooters in the City and directed staff to develop a shared micromobility pilot program in the OVIN Demonstration Zone. This will also allow staff to assess the uptake and impact of a shared micromobility system in the City of Markham for Council’s consideration and approval.
Innovatively Connected
The OVIN Demonstration Zone provides a real-world environment that promotes collaboration to advance the commercialization of automotive technologies and accelerate smart mobility innovation. These technologies have the potential to improve quality of life, while generating new economic opportunities for Ontario.
The Demonstration Zone will operate in sites across the York Region, home to Canada’s largest automotive parts and electronics manufacturing hub, most of which are located in Markham and Vaughan. The Zone will operate with the support of key partners, including SmartCentres, Rogers Communications, Syntronic, Honda Canada, AMD, IBM, Qualcomm, Microart Services Inc., Remington Group, PSP Services, York Region, York Region Transit, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), York University, Alectra, and Seneca-HELIX.
$1.7 million
About OVIN
OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
OVIN's Economic Impact (as of March 31, 2022)
4,640
$150.3 M
558
