North York City Centre - Willowdale : In The News

According to the Globe & Mail, Cogniciti, a new Toronto-based non-profit company, could be on the cutting edge of adult memory enhancement technology and services. The company, a partnership between two non-profit organizations, Baycrest and the MaRS Discovery District, is hoping to help adults extend and enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Launched in December 2009, the company is developing their first product "Memory@Work".

"Memory@Work is Cogniciti's first product not only because of the opportunity the ballooning baby boomer population presents, but also because it's the most commercially ready and will be rolled out this year. Baycrest researchers have already piloted a version of the product with 120 participants. Among other positive results, participants reported an improved ability in remembering job-related tasks and information."

"Where the pilot program focused on one-on-one lectures followed by pen and paper exercises, Cogniciti's product will comprise group workshops followed by computer games and exercises designed to sharpen memory and improve problem-solving and multi-tasking skills. Participants will also have access to one-on-one coaching via phone and Internet. Cogniciti will partner with existing corporate wellness program distributors to sell Memory@Work to corporate clients, at a cost comparable to that of other wellness-at-work programs. Corporate training courses typically cost between $250 and $1,000 per employee".

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original source Globe & Mail

According to the Toronto Star, the GTA's flat rooftops (of which the city has an abundance) have become a sought after commodity. Due to the province's booming green energy industry, companies are "racing" to snatch up rooftops conducive to solar power. It's a win-win for building owners. Energy firms compensate them for the use of the rooftop space that would otherwise remain unused.

"It's kind of like a gold rush right now," said Justin Woodward, director of solar development for Toronto-based Greta Energy Inc., which is focusing its efforts on smaller towns outside the GTA."

"Greta Energy is one of dozens of emerging ventures that are approaching commercial property owners with an offer that is difficult to refuse. Give them 20-year access to your building's unused rooftop and they'll kindly compensate you for the space – similar to how farmers over the years have earned income by allowing wind turbines on their property."

"With that secured access, companies will design, build and own the rooftop solar system at no expense or risk to the building owner. They'll then apply to connect the system to the grid as part of the Ontario Power Authority's feed-in-tariff program, which for large commercial rooftops pays between 53.9 cents to 71.3 cents per kilowatt-hour and guarantees quick connection to the grid."

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original source Toronto Star