After successfully developing a unique light-guide optic that could potentially revolutionize the PV market, Toronto-based Morgan Solar had little difficulty attracting over $15 million in private and public sector investment. Some of the big names backing Morgan Solar now include Iberdrola SA, Nypro Inc., the Federal Government’s SDTC Program, plus US and Canadian venture capital firms. And just last week, the Ontario Government granted another $1.86 million to help Morgan Solar commence production on its highly efficient, low cost concentrated solar technology.

A number of US-based investors were eager to host Morgan Solar on their own turf. However, as the small firm quickly grew from 9 employees to 28, it decided to keep Toronto as its home, thus, exemplifying the type of growth that Ontario’s Green Energy Act was designed to create. Locally sourced talent and innovation will prove crucial as the city and province race to its ambitious (but achievable) 2020 target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% (from 1990 levels).

Moving into a pilot manufacturing facility in downtown Toronto in September, 2009, Morgan Solar’s future seemed as bright as one could imagine.

Unfortunately, a rezoning application submitted by Diamond Corporation to create two high-rise condos on the property Morgan Solar currently occupies could force the company to move elsewhere. The application seems likely to be approved – the Toronto Planning and Growth Management Committee elected on May 19th to recommend the rezoning to City Council. Morgan Solar has had to put a few activities on hold while the rezoning decision is reviewed by the Council.

This is not the first time that a rezoning application had been submitted for Ordnance Street, a triangular piece of land caught between two railroads south of Toronto’s King Street West. However, earlier attempts had been rejected, partly based on the findings of studies commissioned by the City. A report by the city’s Chief Planner concluded that keeping and growing new “Employment Areas” in Toronto is central to the city’s own plans to provide a range of innovative, transit-accessible employment opportunities in the region.

According to Nicolas Morgan, VP of Business Development at Morgan Solar, “When we went looking for factory space in Toronto the last time, the pickings were slim. We looked for months and every other place we found was too big, too far from transit, or too run down.” He adds, “There just aren’t enough locations for a company like ours. I think being a Toronto manufacturer may only get harder.”

With plans to nearly double its workforce within the next year, the firm has had to temporarily halt hiring as it awaits further word from city officials.

Jacob Travis, Chairman of the Ontario Solar Network, comments that “The Morgans are solar industry rock stars… pioneers who not only help revitalize Toronto’s economy, but also help to change the renewable energy landscape for the better.” When asked about the rezoning application, Travis shared that “For the city to lose such promising talent would be a major loss.”

At a time when Toronto is intently focused on job creation and economic recovery, one must question the wisdom of rezoning an active business district - especially when doing so chases away companies that attract investments, develop career opportunities, and help lay important groundwork for sustainable growth.

Morgan Solar launched a viral campaign to convince Toronto residents and city officials to reject the rezoning application prior to the May 19th meeting of the City of Toronto Planning and Growth Management Committee. At this meeting,

John Paul Morgan (inventor of Morgan Solar’s concentrating PV technology), his brother Nicolas Morgan, and a representative from the Good Green Jobs for All coalition made impassioned depositions against the application.

These were followed by speeches in favour of redevelopment by a legal representative for Diamond Corp. and members of the Fashion Design Council of Canada, who are in discussions to host their annual Fashion Week at the proposed redevelopment site.

While City Council will make a final decision on the rezoning application at their next meeting on June 8 and 9, on May 19, the Planning and Growth Management Committee voted almost unanimously to recommend the rezoning. Councillors assured Morgan Solar that the City prioritized fostering a local green industry and that its Economic Development department would help the start-up relocate within Toronto.

John Paul Morgan responded to the Committee’s decision, saying, “Look, Morgan Solar will be fine. We will find a new home where we can prosper. It’s a shame that this city seems to be choosing to push green jobs to the periphery, although I understand that they need to weigh competing interests.” He adds, “What matters now is what the city decides to do going forward to foster innovative industries in Toronto.”