The Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Trent University and Fleming College (signing members) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) today to combine efforts to advance water technology, research, investment and job creation opportunities in the region.

The region is well positioned to house a world-class water cluster comprised of three important sectors: research and innovation, a strong existing base of manufacturing and technology in the water industry, and a host of water stewardship organizations. The signing of the letter of intent shows commitment from the communities and the institutions to pursue advancements and growth in this sector.

This LOI has been crafted to set the ground work for the signing members to expand their interactions and collaboration in the fields of water and waste water quality, conservation, research, innovation and commercialization.

"Trent University is uniquely positioned to bring its leading expertise in water quality to this important initiative," said Dr. Neil Emery, vice-president, Research at Trent University. "Collaboration will make all the difference to ensuring the future of our water sources and this type of partnership is one of Trent's key strengths."

“The fresh water research and technology and existing companies in our region make this development a logical next step,” stated Dan Taylor, President & CEO of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster. “We will be promoting this region to global markets to bring investment and job creation in the water industry to our community.”

Mayor of City of Kawartha Lakes, Ric McGee said, "This LOI represents the first step in creating a Regional Centre of Excellence for Water Quality. The measure of our success will be our capacity to bring all stakeholders together in the pursuit of technology, innovation and best practices that promote improved water quality within this region and on the world's stage."

“The global demand for water technologies has never been greater and will continue to grow. The region has the institutions and resources to position itself as a key participant providing technology, know-how, and highly qualified personnel for the global water sector” said Dr. Brent Wootton, Director and Senior Scientist, Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment, Fleming College.