Latest news with #LakeCouchiching


CTV News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Sustainable showcase in Orillia to feature the future of boating
From the dock to Lake Couchiching, the future of boating will be on full display this weekend at the Sustainable Orillia Green Innovative Showcase. ENVGO is showcasing its fully electric hydrofoil prototype called the NV1. Mike Peasgood, CEO of ENVGO, said the hydrofoil is the main principal the electrification. 'The main principle behind that technology is a wing which sits underneath the water and it lifts the hull out of the water,' said Peasgood. 'That gives us some incredible efficiency and performance which really makes that electrification practical.' The sleek vessel promises to go farther and faster than gas-powered boats, with hydrofoils that lift it above the water for a smoother, more efficient ride. 'That's really the big differentiator beyond the zero emissions,' said Peasgood. 'We're not polluting the environment but we're also giving an overall better experience of that smooth flight over water and really showcase what that future of marine technology is going to look like.' Danny Epstein is the vice president of the Sustainable Orillia Green Innovation Showcase. The event runs Saturday July 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He hopes people who attend the showcase have a better understanding of sustainability after walking through the grounds. 'We can't keep growing and we can't be dependent on growth all the time. and people need to understand that there are limits to growth,' said Epstein. 'We live in at a time where, obviously there's lots of evidence of climate change.' Fully electric hydrofoil prototype Fully electric hydrofoil prototype watercraft on display in Orillia, Ont., on Fri., July 25, 2025. (Source: Luke Simard/CTV News) The showcase continues to grow year over year and more than 60 electric vehicles will be on display along with a fleet of EV boats. 'Boats that you do see here are new technology, particularly the ENVGO boat,' said Epstein. 'That's new Canadian technology, and it's clean technology.' Vendors like M-Oceans participating in the showcase say that electric will be the future of boating. 'Yes, 100% sustainability is where it's all headed towards, we see vessels from small inflatable dinghies to sailboats to even some larger power boats being converted, very actively today,' said Anatolii Shkliaruk, founder of M-Oceans. With functional benefits continuing to increase on EV vessels. 'Sailing off into the sunset with no noise, no gas, no clouds of smoke, and quiet,' said Shkliaruk. 'It aligns with the philosophy of sailing and boating in general and all the harbors and the small lakes are then clean with no spills. There's no oil and marine wildlife is preserved.' With a small fraction of electric boats in the water today, Peasgood believes there will be a shift coming. 'That's because it takes so much power to push the boat through the water. What we're building here, is the technology which gives us the efficiency so that electric becomes practical,' said Peasgood. 'I think, inevitably, we'll transition to electric, and this is a technology that we need to make that happen.' The showcase is free attend and will have activities for kids including face painting.


CTV News
03-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sod turns on new 12-storey seniors' residence located on former Sundial Inn site
For nearly half a century, on the north side of Highway 11, a giant sundial offered panoramic views of Lake Couchiching and served as an iconic landmark that let travellers know they were passing through the sunshine city. Built in 1961, the Sundial Inn was a welcome respite for the weary. Its restaurant was booming with both visitors and locals alike. After years of transforming into various different properties, its allure gradually faded. It closed in 2008 and was demolished by the city in 2011. The property was purchased and construction began on the Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence; a four-storey, 100-suite facility. On Thursday, a ceremonial sod turning marked the start of phase two of construction on the new 12-storey, 152-unit seniors' apartment at 600 Sundial Drive. 'As our population ages, such a facility — boasting 100 technology-enabled rooms, meals, housekeeping, activities and health care — is much needed,' the city shared. 'It also provides a vital boost to the economy; at completion, the facility could employ up to 70 people, and construction costs alone could generate $25 million in the coming years.' The decision to demolish the Sundial in 2011 was a controversial one for many. Members of council, staff, and project developers were on hand for the official sod turning of the retirement residence that would take its place in December 2015. Sundial Inn development Crews work on a new senior's retirement residence at the site of the old Sundial Inn in Orillia, Ont. on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. (K.C. Colby/ CTV Barrie) Phase one of the Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence included 100 resident rooms. The $15-million project was expected to employ approximately 50 people, mainly health care professionals, food and beverage, and administrative personnel. The planned second phase would bring the total value of the project to approximately $25 million and employ up to 70 people. This development represents the second phase of the growing Sundial Lakeview Retirement and Residences community, following the successful opening of retirement home. Mayor Don McIsaac, local councillors, and members of the community along with representatives of Sundial Lakeview Retirement joined together to celebrate this milestone in Orillia's evolving housing landscape for seniors. With 2015 files from CTV Barrie staff.