Government of Canada Partners With UVic On Remote Sensing Research

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a memorandum of understanding providing for contribution agreements of up to $2.25 million with the University of Victoria for advanced remote sensing research. A key goal of the agreement is to find innovative solutions to address resource management and development needs in British Columbia.

“Today we embark on a multi-year collaboration with the University of Victoria to use remote sensing in our continuing efforts to address the challenges facing B.C.’s resource-based communities,” said Minister Lunn. “This research will enhance our capacity in natural resources planning and management and in resource use, especially in areas suffering from the mountain pine beetle epidemic.”

“We have an outstanding group of people working on remote sensing technologies and their applications,” said Jamie Cassels, the University of Victoria’s Vice-President Academic and Provost. “We welcome this opportunity to bring that expertise to bear on addressing British Columbia’s natural resource challenges and opportunities.”

The University of Victoria uses an advanced form of remote sensing known as hyperspectral imaging, which provides more detailed imagery than conventional remote sensing systems. Using this and other geomatics tools such as laser technology and spatial modelling, researchers are investigating a range of issues related to the mountain pine beetle epidemic.

This research will be used by decision- and policy-makers, natural resource communities, and forestry, mining and energy industries as they work to diversify and strengthen the local economies of resource-based communities in BC.

The Government of Canada has invested $200 million in communities and forestry resources impacted by the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Today’s announcement is an important step toward long-term improvements in the economic future of communities affected by the beetle, and will contribute to post-beetle economic diversification and community rehabilitation.

Canada’s government continues to support Canadian researchers and innovators in developing new ideas and bringing them to the marketplace through Canada’s Science and Technology Strategy.

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