Smoke shrouds the Edmonton skyline in this photo from 2017. As the severity and size of wildfires intensify, new technologies may be a key tool in fighting and containing the problem.
Smoke shrouds the Edmonton skyline in this photo from 2017. As the severity and size of wildfires intensify, new technologies may be a key tool in fighting and containing the problem.
Based on , Canadians are in for another devastating wildfire season. Months of exceptionally dry and unseasonably warm weather are providing the kindling (in both a literal and an abstract sense) for unprecedented blazes 鈥 and this pattern is likely to continue as climate change causes higher temperatures and less precipitation. Indeed, this past season was 91原创鈥檚 er on record. in the country 鈥 a marked increase from the 10-year average of 5,380.
As forest fires become more destructive and pervasive, firefighting agencies are exploring tech solutions to help put out the flames 鈥 or prevent them altogether.
It can be difficult for those on the ground to assess the scope and intensity of a wildfire, which can thwart efforts to contain the blaze. Saskatoon-based addresses this issue by flying drones over key areas to identify hot spots, monitor wind patterns and track weather conditions. 鈥淲e see the role of drones as not just providing equipment, but helping co-ordinate and being a key part of integrated (firefighting) missions,鈥 says CEO Cameron Chell. In the near future, he adds, teams on the ground may be able to liaise with drones, which can then dispatch necessary supplies, such as chainsaws or more water. Draganfly鈥檚 drones have already been in B.C., where the province鈥檚 Wildfire Service has contracted the fleet to map hot spots.聽
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
Future first responders are already being put through their paces with assistance from , an Ontario-based firm that creates virtual-reality simulations. Evan Sitler-Bates, the company鈥檚 CEO, says that its tech is in use at a number of post-secondary institutions. In this context, an instructor or commander designs a scenario, choosing the environment (i.e., a house, a forest, a warehouse), situating fires and imagining potential causes and risk factors. 鈥淭he trainees put on their VR headsets and they鈥檙e placed in that scenario,鈥 explains Sitler-Bates. 鈥淣ow they have to go through and use all their skills and tools to combat that fire and search for victims.鈥
XPertVR is developing wildfire simulations in partnership with fire departments across the country, with the goal of recruiting more individuals to tackle this growing threat, and educating the public on mitigation strategies. 鈥淚n the future,鈥 Sitler-Bates says, 鈥淚 can see a cities having digital twins, where we can recreate what a wildfire looked like last year and train based on that environment.鈥
Canadian banks score high in AI
According to a report published by U.K. benchmarking firm , which tracks adoption in this area, the Royal Bank of 91原创, TD Bank and the Bank of Montreal ranked (respectively) third, sixth and ninth in the world in . The timing of this news is particularly auspicious, given the support for AI research in the new federal budget.
Building innovation gets a boost
The federal government is putting $50 million toward , under the oversight of Next Generation Manufacturing 91原创 (NGen). This funding is intended to accelerate the adoption of novel strategies and materials in housing as part of an overall effort to tackle the housing crisis. Technology, such as the robotic tools developed by 91原创-based firm , for instance, can expedite construction 鈥 a necessary step in line with the , which aims to construct 3.9 million new homes by 2031.
Markham takes AI to the streets
As part of a pilot project, is trying out AI tech from Richmond Hill security firm聽. The company鈥檚 CityROVER Pulse for Pavement software will be installed in then municipality鈥檚 operations team vehicles, where it will be used to assess road conditions.
By the numbers
$50 million: in the federal budget allocated toward the creation of the Canadian AI Safety Institute 鈥 a necessary step in the responsible adoption of new tech. That funding is just a small fraction of the more than $2.4 billion designated for AI innovation and infrastructure.聽聽聽
$500,000: How much TMU鈥檚 is receiving from the Embark Student Foundation to augment programming for student entrepreneurs. This grant will support initiatives such as Basecamp, a multi-week immersive coaching and pitching experience.
$27.2 million: The amount of raised by startup , which provides EV charging solutions for apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings.
$14.2 million: The amount of Series A funding raised by electronics startup .
307,000: The estimated number of companies that will be affected by the capital gains tax released in the 2024 federal budget.
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