Validus Power to create more than 50 jobs in Iroquois Falls
Iroquois Falls is welcoming a major job creator to the community for the first time since its paper mill closed in 2015.
Following Validus Power's purchase of the town's power plant from Northland Power last month, the company announced that it will be using the plant to power two, 55,000 square-foot data centres currently in development.
The project is expected to bring more than 50 jobs to the area, to the excitement of the town's mayor, Tory Delaurier.
"Any job development is awesome for our community," Delaurier said.
Great for northern Ontario
"It's a great thing for northern Ontario and local residents and bringing new people into our community. Tax base and everything too, this is going to be great."
Validus' president and CEO, Todd Shortt, said that as a former worker at the town's old paper mill and Englehart native, he recognized the untapped potential in the north to add to the tech industry.
The data centres will be used for the cryptocurrency market, he said, as well as other processing needs for tech clients.
This comes as the company's North Bay data centres are set to come online this week, with the Iroquois Falls facility aiming to be completed and operational by the end of the year.
"We have a lot of demand for these high-processing computer systems and, therefore, we need the power," Shortt said.
"These power plants are perfect for that. The low annual temperature (in the north) ... it's great for data centres. We have a very highly skilled workforce, we have great internet connectivity. Everything that you need for a good data centre, (it's) here in northern Ontario."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.