The Government of Canada and Saint Mary’s University invest $20 million in green technology and green energy

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Alan R. Abraham, Jr., Chair of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, MP Andy Fillmore, The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Natasha Fernandes, Alan R. Abraham, Jr.

SMU Engineering students

Touring the Sobeys Inspiration Hub under construction

Outside the Sobeys Inspiration Hub under construction

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax and The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

Solar panel installation on Loyola Residence

It was standing room only for the announcement of a $20-million investment in green technology and green energy generation from the Government of Canada and Saint Mary’s University on April 4, 2023.  

Hundreds of Saint Mary’s faculty, students, staff and community members received the news from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, at a packed Loyola Conference Hall.  

“Saint Mary’s University has an extensive track record of equipping Nova Scotians, Canadians and students from around the world with the tools they need to succeed in their careers, particularly in the business sector,” says The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “These investments will improve the working and learning environment of every member of the university community, enhancing knowledge sharing and collaboration among the leaders of tomorrow’s green economy.”

A significant component of this investment is enhancements to the Sobeys Inspiration Hub, a new four-storey building currently under construction. The Sobeys Inspiration Hub is creating a new space for possibility, bringing together the energy and diversity of our students, world-class researchers and the industry-leading work of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre with the expertise of our region’s expanding business community. The new additions include solar panels, integrated audio-visual communications technology and landscaping work. Construction in the interior of the Hub will enhance integration and collaboration among users.  

“Universities are at the forefront of producing and researching green energy. We are essential partners in the fight against climate change,” says Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice-Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. “I want to thank the Government of Canada for its investment in Saint Mary’s University and our initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint as we move towards net zero. We are leading Atlantic Canada in this space, and with this investment, we will continue to advance a greener community and campus.” 

Enhancements as part of this investment in the Saint Mary’s campus include green technology additions to the Loyola Building, the Homburg Centre for Health & Wellness, the Patrick Power Library, the Burke Theatre and the McNally Theatre Auditorium. This includes new solar panels, a green roof and other energy-efficiency features for many of those buildings. 

“I want to thank Minister LeBlanc and the Government of Canada for their commitment to renewable energy and supporting carbon reduction and green infrastructure at Saint Mary’s University,” says Alan R. Abraham, Jr. BComm’80, Chair of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors. “The Sobeys Inspiration Hub is a dynamic new space coming to Saint Mary’s. This investment will reduce its carbon footprint and support expanding our green energy production on campus.”  

Saint Mary’s is a leader in carbon reduction and producing green energy in the East Coast post-secondary sector. These upgrades will more than double the university’s renewable energy production on campus.

Additional resources:  

• The Government of Canada invests in infrastructure modernization and green energy generation at Saint Mary’s University

• Creating the Space for Inspiration 

• $5-million gift energizes entrepreneurship at Saint Mary's University 

• Saint Mary’s University exceeds goal and timeline for greenhouse gas reduction  

Saint Mary’s becomes a Fair Trade Campus

Ever wonder where your hot cup of coffee comes from? At Saint Mary’s University, you can be sure your coffee is Fair Trade certified and farmers have received fair compensation for their product. In today’s globalized world, our purchases can significantly impact people around the globe and the environment. Saint Mary’s faculty, staff and students are dedicated to making a difference, and as a result of their efforts, all on-campus purchases are now Fair Trade certified.  

Fair Trade is an alternative approach to business based on partnerships between producers and consumers. Farmers receive a minimum price, improved terms, and a social premium that helps improve their lives and enables them to plan for their future. SMU professor and Canada Research Chair in International Development Studies, Gavin Fridell, is a noted expert on Fair Trade and recently published The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together.

"Saint Mary's University has long demonstrated academic leadership around issues of the global trade system and the role of Fair Trade in addressing injustices, we are pleased to welcome you as the 45th Fair Trade Campus of Canada. Saint Mary's students, faculty and staff continue to lead the way in taking initiatives that directly benefit farmers and producers in the Global South and build environmental resilience in their communities. Congratulations!"  says Loïc de Fabritus Gautier, Senior Manager of Advocacy & Citizen Engagement at Fair Trade Canada. 

Saint Mary’s meets a variety of requirements for the national program, including: 

• Ensuring all applicable food service locations on Saint Mary’s campus offer Fair Trade certified coffee, tea, and chocolate options as required by Fair Trade Canada standards. 

• Ensuring one Fair Trade chocolate option is available at all applicable snack vending machines on campus. 

• Establishing and maintaining a Fair Trade Committee for our campus (the Sustainability Sub-Committee on Fair Trade) that meets regularly to monitor and further Fair Trade at Saint Mary’s. 

SMU Dining hosted events and giveaways in early March to celebrate Saint Mary's campus certification. 

You can learn more at  Fair Trade Canada. 

SMU Dining celebrates Fair Trade, Feb 27-Mar 3

SMU Dining is hosting some fun events and give-aways to celebrate Fair Trade. Read on for details!

Monday, Feb 27

Free iced coffee giveaway at Student Centre Food Court, featuring our exclusive blend of Just Us! Fair Trade coffee, SMU Brew.

Located within the Student Centre Food Court, from 12:00pm while supplies last.

Tuesday, Feb 28

Boba (Bubble) Tea pop up in Dockside Dining Hall, featuring Just Us! Fair Trade tea.

Located within Dockside for meal plan members (or pay at the door), during the lunch period (11:30am – 2:30pm)

Wednesday, Mar 1

Meet the Just Us! team and learn about all things Fair Trade

Vicki Matthews from Just Us! and Michael Yarymowich, Aramark Canada’s Sustainability Director, will be on site to chat with students about what Fair Trade means and the Just Us-SMU Dining partnership; while enjoying free samples of products and Fair Trade swag!

Located in the Loyola Colonnade, from 11:00am – 2:00pm

Thursday, Mar 2

S’Mores Bar pop up in Dockside Dining Hall, featuring Just Us! Fair Trade chocolate.

Located within Dockside for meal plan members (or pay at the door), during the dinner period (4:30pm – 8:00pm)

Friday, Mar 3

Sustainability Trivia – Spin to Win! Trivia questions pertaining to all things Fair Trade

Located outside of Dockside Dining Hall, with prizes, swag and more to be won!

 
All week:

• Fair Trade Basket Giveaway via @SMUDiningHFX social media channels

• Official relaunch of SMU Dining’s Lug-a-Mug program

• $0.25 discount at non-franchised locations when using a reusable mug

Dr. Danika van Proosdij recognized for excellence in environmental research

Dr. Danika van Proosdij at Winter Convocation

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to announce that Dr. Danika van Proosdij was honoured with a President’s Award for Excellence in Research for her innovative work on the effects of climate change on the environment. The award was presented recently during the Winter 2023 convocation at Saint Mary’s University.

An international leader in her field and an established pioneer in the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, Dr. Danika van Proosdij has dedicated almost three decades to finding and promoting solutions to prevent coastal erosion and flooding. In the past six years, Dr. van Proosdij has received $15.8M in direct research funding from federal and international agencies.

“Time and again Dr. van Proosdij has proven to be a tremendous innovator in her field, and her prolific success in publishing and securing funding from federal agencies is recognition of the value of her work,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at Saint Mary’s.

“Her research on coastal ecosystems will become increasingly beneficial to coastal communities in Nova Scotia and potentially around the world as climate change necessitates new solutions. We are proud of the advancements she is making in this field, and that she is leading the next generation of researchers and environmental specialists.”

Dr. van Proosdij’s ability to embrace challenges from the individual through to the global scale is ultimately what sets her apart. Her work is collaborative, cross-disciplinary and transboundary between biophysical and social sciences; her efforts to address the effects of climate change on ecosystems and ultimately human systems will have a vital impact on the ecosystem in Nova Scotia and beyond.

“I’m proud of the results of decades of collaboration with provincial and federal governments and restoration industry leaders such as CB Wetlands Environmental Specialists have made a real impacton the protection of coastal ecosystems,” said Dr. van Proosdij. “I’m also gratified that this research and teaching is building capacity in the region, so that so much of this work can be done increasingly by trained people in our community.”

“We’re always happy to collaborate with others on restoration and rehabilitation of vulnerable areas; these partnerships have proven to be greater than the sum of their parts and lead to advanced knowledge in this field.”

It has been an especially successful year for Dr. van Proosdij; in the fall of 2022 she was elected as a new Fellow of The Royal Society of Canada and received the award at a ceremony in Calgary. Elected by their peers, the 102 new Fellows were chosen for their outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievements. Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world. She was also a finalist for a Discovery Award in the Professional of Distinction category.

As the Director of the TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions, Dr. van Proosdij has been engaged in understanding how the biophysical processes of coastal ecosystems respond to natural and anthropogenic drivers of change. As a leading expert in coastal geomorphology, she merges field studies of sediment transport and hydrodynamics with GIS and geo-visualizing technologies to assess and enhance the resilience of coastal systems.  This knowledge is then applied to the implementation of nature-based solutions on the ground.  She has also served as a scientific advisor to federal and provincial governments.

Dr. van Proosdij earned her PhD in Biophysical Processes and Environmental Analysis from the University of Guelph in 2001 and has been a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Saint Mary’s since 1999. With a willingness to generously share her knowledge, she has provided a stimulating training environment for 136 highly qualified personal, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. She has co-authored more than 42 papers and 105 technical reports, and has given 200+ presentations around the world.

The President's Award for Excellence in Research honours continued exceptional contributions to research and scholarship conducted by a full-time Saint Mary's University faculty member. More information can be found at smu.ca/fgsr/presidents-award.

Video: Sobeys Inspiration Hub Update

The newest addition to campus—the Sobeys Inspiration Hub—opens in Fall ’23. Watch for a behind-the-scenes tour of this inspiring building in progress.

Saint Mary’s installs new bike repair station

You may have recently noticed a bright orange post outside the Language Centre – it’s a convenient and easy-to-use self-service bike repair station! As part of his work term as a Facilities Assistant with the university, engineering student (and bike enthusiast) Oluwatomiwa Dotun-Olutola spent months researching and building the perfect tool for SMU campus.  

Designed as an on-the-spot tool that lets the average cyclist do simple repairs, the bike repair station features a place to suspend a bike, a pump with multiple valves, and a collection of tools for other adjustments. The station also provides educational videos and step-by-step guides to fix basic issues via a QR code. 

“I think the station is a wonderful addition to campus,” says Dotun-Olutola. “It is great for sustainability and accessibility. I am eager to see people take advantage of it.”  

This project aligns with Saint Mary’s green initiatives and sustainability commitment. Learn about our sustainability initiatives here.  

Check out the new station outside the Language Centre!  

Saint Mary’s research into sustainable agriculture and more efficient 3D modeling receives federal funding

The Science Building at Saint Mary’s University.

Research into sustainable agriculture and more data-efficient 3D modeling will benefit from newly announced federal funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

Funding for biology researcher Dr. David Chiasson will allow him to explore sustainable agriculture practices in a project titled “Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume plants.”  

Dr. David Chiasson

“A central goal of sustainable agricultural practice is to provide nutritious food and plant products while minimizing the impact on the environment,” says Dr. Chiasson. “Legume plants such as beans, alfalfa, and clover are a key component of sustainable agriculture since they do not require nitrogen fertilizer for growth. This unique group of plants forms a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria called rhizobia. Rhizobia can convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into nitrogen fertilizer for the plant in a process termed nitrogen fixation. This association therefore reduces the need for applied nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture.”

The production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers consumes vast quantities of fossil fuels, and their application leads to negative environmental outcomes such as greenhouse gas emissions and contaminated water resources. Coupled with the rising price of fertilizers, farmers are increasingly turning to legumes as a sustainable means of adding nitrogen to the soil.  

“The long-term goal of this project is to increase the productivity of legume plants,” explains Dr. Chiasson. “This research will provide the knowledge base for strategies aimed to reduce the environmental impact of the agricultural sector while increasing the productivity of our crops. An improved understanding of the nitrogen-fixation symbiosis is both timely and essential as we move towards a future of more environmentally responsible farming practices in Canada.”

Dr. Jiju Poovvancheri, a researcher in the mathematics and computing science department, received funding for a project titled “Research Infrastructure for Large-scale 3D Geometry Acquisition and Modeling.”  

“The CFI fund will be used to set up the lab and purchase research equipment including an AI server, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner and high-performance workstations capable of acquiring and processing large-scale three-dimensional data,” says Dr. Poovvancheri.

Dr. Jiju Poovvancheri

Current practices in city modeling include acquiring raw measurements of the physical world using LiDAR sensors and turning the sensor data into three dimensional meshes. Large-scale meshes created in this manner normally contain trillions of triangles, putting a huge burden on rendering, data transfer and storage of applications. Furthermore, most of the reconstructed meshes lack geometric details and therefore do not represent a good choice for 3D navigation, and AR/VR.  

“High fidelity digital representations of cities are essential for modern-day applications such as urban planning, 3D navigation, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR),” explains Dr. Poovvancheri. “This project aims at bridging existing gaps in urban modeling pipeline by developing an AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven urban modeling software ecosystem consisting of algorithms, tools, and data for creating lightweight and highly detailed 3D urban models.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced more than $64 million to support 251 research infrastructure projects at 40 universities across Canada.

Competition to solve freshwater issues begins in Atlantic Canada

Field sampling is an important part of the work Environmental Science students do in classes and in research work with professors. Photo Credit: Dr. Linda Campbell

A competition to solve Atlantic Canadian water issues through technology, innovation and entrepreneurship begins this week. The competition is organized by AquaAction in partnership with Saint Mary’s University. 

“We are excited to bring the AquaHacking Challenge back to Atlantic Canada,” says Dr. Anne-Pascale Richardson, AquaHacking Challenge Program Manager at AquaAction. “AquaAction’s mission is to restore freshwater health in North America. We do this by engaging with local communities to empower talented young innovators and support them as they work to improve freshwater in their region. The first Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge was a great success, and we look forward to this year’s competition.” 

Atlantic Canada is home to a spectacular system of dynamic freshwater and marine environments. Water is core to ecosystems and communities across the region. The Atlantic Canada AquaHacking Challenge brings students, developers, designers, scientists, programmers, engineers, technology enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together to form interdisciplinary teams to tackle different freshwater challenges facing these important ecosystems. 

The issues they’ll be focusing on are:  

1. Innovations for alteration projects in Lakes and Rivers
   Water Issue Leader: Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change - Water Branch

2. Affordable Automated Water Quality Monitoring
   Water Issue Leader: Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc.

3. Saltwater Intrusion
   Water Issue Leader: Clean Foundation’s Clean Coasts team

4. Aquatic Invasive species
   Water Issue Leader: Coastal Action

5. Green Infrastructure (Stormwater Prevention)
   Water Issue Leader: ACAP Saint John

“AquaHacking is the type of interdisciplinary competition that allows students and young people to apply their knowledge to practical, real-world situations,” says Michael Sanderson, Director of the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre (SMUEC). “We are proud to partner with AquaAction to bring this great competition back to Atlantic Canada.” 

Participants should have an interest in problem solving, collaborating with students from various faculties and applying innovative solutions to bring impactful change to communities in the Atlantic region. They are required to be between 18-35 years of age, a resident of Canada within the Atlantic region and enrolled in a post-secondary institution or be a recent graduate. The entire team doesn’t need to be residing in the Atlantic region, but the majority of the team should be within the Atlantic region.  

“Our students are excited and ready to challenge the freshwater issues facing Atlantic Canada,” says Adam Khamis, the Project Coordinator of Skills, Development and Training with SMUEC. “This competition is a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship, social action and science that offers students a unique opportunity to work with people in areas they may not otherwise have discovered.”  

After working on their pitches for nine months, all teams will have the opportunity to pitch their solution during the AquaHacking semi-final event. The top teams are selected from these pitches to go on to phase two of the program.  These finalists receive $2,000 to support the continuation of their work as they refine their solution in preparation for their pitch at the AquaHacking finale. All five finalist teams are winners, receiving kick-start business training, leadership training, a spot in a local incubator, Lavery Lawyers credits and seed funding based on their final ranking. 

For more information about the challenge, how to participate and the great partners that support the competition, visit https://aquaaction.org/challenge/atlantic-canada-2022-23/.  

About AquaAction 

AquaAction is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the health of freshwater by engaging young innovators in solutions creation and supporting the activation of their technologies. Its flagship program is the AquaHacking Challenge, a tech innovation competition which aims to engage university students in developing new solutions to water issues. Recently AquaAction developed the AquaHacking alumni and AquaEntrepreneur Québec. Across Canada, 36 water technology startups have emerged from the Challenge. AquaAction was established by the De Gaspé Beaubien Foundation in 2015, is powered by the RBC Foundation since 2018, accelerated by Ovivo since 2017 and supported by several partners including IBM Canada, Lavery Lawyers, and Mitacs. 

SMU researcher says learning about and living the ideals of fair trade starts with a conversation

Dr. Gavin Fridell (centre), with Joey Pitoello and Vicki Matthews of Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op in Grand Pré, Nova Scotia. Just Us! serves as a community partner and case study for Fridell’s fair trade classes at Saint Mary’s University. CREDIT: Ian Selig.

Creating local to global connections in a meaningful way to foster equitable, ethical and sustainable trade relationships is what the fair trade movement is all about.

And according to Saint Mary’s University (SMU) researcher Dr. Gavin Fridell, the challenge is to achieve these objectives by combining certification and advocacy into a united movement.

Fridell says that while there’s no one road to fair trade, people who are interested can, “use that fair trade cup of coffee or banana as a moment of reflection on what you think the world needs.” PHOTO CREDIT: Ian Selig.

A Canada Research Chair in International Development Studies at SMU, Fridell studies issues around trade from both social and social justice lenses, including perspectives of politics and history.

As a long-time advocate for price regulations, and after years of collaboration with groups including the Canadian Fair Trade Network, Fridell also delves into more abstract mechanisms of fair-trade advocacy, rules and politics in the global trading world.

“There’s a need for real government support and government policies for small farmers to thrive,” Fridell says. “If you remove government support, you open up the market to the largest players, who very often crush the small ones.”

Locally, the Just Us! Coffee Roaster Co-Op in Grand Pré models many of the objectives that Fridell advocates for. Run as a democratic co-operative with an awareness of social, environmental and economic impact, partnered with small-producer farm co-ops in the global south, Just Us! serves as a community leader and case study for his students, including a class field trip to the roaster.

In his classes and on the broader university campus, Fridell says he’s observed interest in fair trade from others, but that the challenge is translating these interests into impact, and lessening barriers to doing so.

“I don’t think there’s one simple road, but you can use that fair trade cup of coffee or banana as a moment of reflection on what you think the world needs,” says Fridell. He says this awareness can be the beginning for thinking politically about what it means to live in a world with so much unfair and unsustainable trade.

For those interested in advancing the goals of Fair Trade, Fridell recommends The Fair Trade Handbook: Building a Better World, Together. Published in October 2021, the handbook features contributions from fair-trade organizations and researchers, including Fridell as author and co-editor.

“The book is designed to motivate ideas and energize people to get involved in fair trade, but the discussion also acknowledges the limits of fair trade,” says Fridell. “The book can be read as a continual dialogue which is, I think, what fair trade should be, ultimately.”

For more information on Dr. Gavin Fridell’s research, visit smu.ca/researchers/arts/gavinfridell/.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Tim Halman, tours Belcher Street Marsh Site

Saint Mary’s University professor Dr. Danika van Proosdij and her TransCoastal Adaptations team members had the opportunity to present their work to the Honorable Tim Halman, Nova Scotia Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The presentation included an interactive tour to showcase the design, implementation and monitoring of the Belcher Street Marsh Dyke Realignment and Tidal Wetland Restoration Project.

The project includes 75 hectares of tidal wetlands along Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy that van Proosdij’s team is working to restore habitat and protect against flooding and coastal erosion. Using nature-based strategies and restructuring old dyke infrastructure, the team creates new tidal wetlands to absorb rising sea levels, protect nearby communities and create new ecosystems for marine life.

The newly realigned dyke at the Belcher Street Marsh protects the active agricultural land behind it. The restored tidal wetland will increase the natural absorption of wave energy during storms, thereby protecting the dyke. The expanded floodplain provides more room for floodwaters. The new marsh is now a productive natural habitat supporting species diversity. The dykes overlooking the new marsh provide a recreational opportunity for enjoying nature and connecting to the restored natural condition of the site. The site is a living laboratory and training site to develop dykeland realignment and marshland restoration skills.

Want to learn more? Join TransCoastal Adaptations for a workshop on Climate-Resilient Coastal Nature-Based Infrastructure, June 29–30.

TransCoastal Adaptations is a Centre for Nature-Based Solutions at Saint Mary’s University that engages in research and partnerships that promote and undertake projects related to climate change adaptation.

Saint Mary’s University exceeds goal and timeline for greenhouse gas reduction

The Saint Mary's University Quad

Rendering of what will become North America's North America’s tallest solar-integrated building, the Saint Mary's Loyola Residence.

New Vanier Plant Condensing Boilers

Saint Mary's Campus

Saint Mary’s University has achieved its 2025 target for greenhouse gas reduction three years early.   

“Sustainability is an institutional pillar for Saint Mary’s University,” says President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Using a sustainability lens in our operations allows us to find efficiencies and opportunities to address financial uncertainties while reducing our environmental footprint. I am proud to share that Saint Mary’s University has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions in excess of 40 percent, putting us on a strong footing to meet or exceed the provincial goal of a 53 percent reduction by 2030.”  

Saint Mary’s exceeded its 40 percent reduction by 2025 goal through a series of projects that finished this year.  

“This achievement comes from the forward-thinking and consciousness of many faculty and staff members over the years, the efforts of facilities management and the support of key university executives such as President Summerby-Murray,” says Dennis Gillis, Senior Director of Facilities Management at Saint Mary’s. “We are exceeding our emissions reduction goal, and with innovative projects such as North America’s tallest solar-integrated building Saint Mary’s is taking a leadership role in the post-secondary sector towards a more sustainable future.”  

Fundamental changes that support emissions reduction include: 

• replacing the steam heating plant with a high-efficiency hot water plant; 

• switching from oil to natural gas for heating; 

• using compact fluorescent lights; 

• replacing less efficient lights with LED lights; and 

• increases in Nova Scotia Power’s energy blend from renewable sources.   

From 2005 to 2019, the university's overall emissions reduction was 36.8 percent. In 2021, a conversion from steam to hot water for the university’s central heating plant increased the total emissions reduction to over 40 percent. Further emissions reductions are on the way from the upcoming solar-integrated project at the university’s Loyola residence, the incorporation of solar panels at the Sobeys Inspiration Hub currently under construction, and other forthcoming solar and green energy projects.  
 
All targets and goals use 2005 as the baseline year per the provincial government’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.  

Ropeless Fishing Reduces Harm to Whales

Dr. Jason Rhinelander and Ross Arsenault

By Jessica Long

As an Engineering professor and an expert in Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Jason Rhinelander’s research focuses on applying machine learning and optimization to embedded, real-time systems. Dr. Rhinelander was Ashored Inc.‘s academic supervisor for a project entitled, “Environmental testing of existing and proposed ropeless fishing system line management methods,” which was funded in part by Mitacs through the Accelerate Entrepreneurship program. Ashored Inc. has been developing a “rope-on-command” fishing system which reduces lost gear, automates the collection and dissemination of gear data, and allows fishing to continue sustainably in zones closed for animal protection.

Under Dr. Rhinelander’s supervision, Ross Arsenault, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Ashored Innovations, and Saint Mary’s Alumni (BComm’18 MTEI’20), explored respooling and resetting buoy lines from trap fishing applications into caged ropeless fishing systems. The results of this research allowed Ashored to design a modular rope and release cage that can be used seamlessly in real world commercial trap fishing. This lidded cage design streamlines the time required to reload the system with the buoy line for deployment to merely a few seconds.

“When we started Ashored, there were a number of unknowns and variables that we needed to solve before we could develop a rope containment unit for our rope-on-command fishing systems,” says Arsenault. “By engaging with the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement and Mitacs, we were able to put together a project that allowed us to learn essential information and test our hypotheses in a scientifically vetted process and in a resource-rich environment. We received both the freedom and framework to succeed in our project and had expert mentorship to fall back on if issues or surprises arose in our research.”

Photo (L-R): Dr. Jason Rhinelander and Ross Arsenault

The Office of Innovation and Community Engagement facilitates research relationships between Saint Mary’s University and companies, government departments and community organizations.

Read about more innovative partnerships between Saint Mary’s University faculty and industry partners in their 2022 report.