The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has recognized Durham and Pickering as two of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2023.
This year’s list of Smart21 Communities includes 21 cities and counties from eight countries, spread over five continents.
Canada features prominently and, apart from Durham and Pickering, rankings include Coquitlam, British Columbia, Estevan, Saskatchewan, Fredericton, New Brunswick and Grey County, Ontario.
The ICF’s annual awards program recognizes the world’s leading municipalities that are successfully leveraging the power of technology to develop inclusive and prosperous communities.
The ICF has identified six indicators critical for building a smart community (Broadband Connectivity, Sustainability, Knowledge Work, Digital Inclusion, Innovation, and Community Engagement).
From the list of semi-finalist communities, the ICF will go on to select a smaller group of honourees to be its Top7 Intelligent Communities of the Year.
In 2022, Durham Region was named one of them, as well as Fredericton, New Brunswick.
“On behalf of Members of Council and staff, we are truly honoured to be recognized as one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2023,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “This distinction is a reflection of the transformational projects and initiatives that we have undertaken to support economic development, job creation, innovation, and sustainability as our city evolves as one of Ontario’s premier municipalities.”
A Pickering statement said some of the city’s smart initiatives include:
- Advocating for greater broadband coverage in Pickering. Bell will be bringing all-fibre broadband access to approximately 21,000 Pickering locations over the next three years.
- Adopting the city’s new Integrated Sustainable Design Standards. The standards apply to all new development review in Pickering, and reflect the innovative green best practices and technology of today, as well as the work being done by both the City and Region of Durham to address climate change, support urban forests, pollinators, waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and improve access to local food and greenspaces.
- Improving access to learning through the Pickering Public Library by offering a variety of in-person and online resources, programs, and services to residents and visitors, including meeting rooms and study spaces, online courses, and entrepreneurship programs.
- Bridging the digital divide by making technology more accessible. Pickering Public Library’s Maker Space provides citizens with access to equipment (3D printers, button makers, and a sound booth), loanable technology, and one-on-one device assistance.
- Educating and engaging citizens on topics of importance to the community’s future (including development proposals, budgets and user fees, and zoning by-law reviews).
Visit IntelligentCommunity.org to learn more about the award program.