Intelligent Communities

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Intelligent community certification signals global recognition for quality of life, investment readiness

Top7 Intelligent Community of the year

Durham Region is leading the way to a bright future. As a community, we are working together to invest in improving the citizen experience and in co-creating the future with our next generation of problem solvers.

For the third consecutive year, Durham Region has been recognized as one of the world’s Top7 Intelligent Communities by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). Through its Intelligent Communities Plan, the Region of Durham puts digital transformation, sustainability and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs at the forefront to lead the way in innovation.

Intelligent Community Certification

Durham Region has been recognized as a fully certified intelligent community by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a designation provided to communities that are poised for investment, and set to succeed economically, socially and culturally.

Read the certification news release.

A photo of the Intelligent Communities Forum smiling, standing in front of a banner that reads. Top7 Intelligent Communities of the Year.

Intelligent Communities Consortium

Durham can’t become a truly intelligent region without the help of many partners. Using the Intelligent Community Forum Framework as a guide, consortium partners work together to leverage our innovation ecosystem, initiate pilot projects and tackle region-wide challenges. The Advisory Committee includes representation from local area municipalities, post-secondary institutions and boards of trade and chambers of commerce, to ensure alignment among community initiatives, and participation in an evaluation process to inform future directions.

Community Stories

Read about the work taking place right here in Durham Region that contribute to our intelligent community recognition

The City of Oshawa skyline with an pink, blue green and yellow abrstract border along the bottom, From left to right, ICF and Durham Region logos, and the Top 7 Intelligent communities of the year badge

What is an intelligent community? Durham Region recognized as one of the world's top seven

A person speaking to an audience, with a stand-up banner behind them that reads, "Bringing Bigger Ideas to Life."

Brilliant Catalyst, a business incubator at Ontario Tech has supported 500+ start-ups

An aerial view of Algoma Orchards manufacturing facility and storefront.

The largest apple producer in Canada is in Newcastle and it's more high tech that you'd think

A group of people posing at a construction site for a new business announcement with a Tessera Group sign behind them.

How Durham plans to bring over 500,000 new residents and thousands of new jobs to the area

One of the world's most accessible buildings in the world can be found right in the heart of Durham Region

How does Durham design its social programs? By listening to people with lived experience

An image of a technology station in the Oshawa Public Library Memory Lab

Libraries are community hubs, of course, but in Oshawa, they're providing unparalleled access to technology, too

The Durham Greener Home icon with an abstract banner along the bottom, that includes the ICF and Durham Region logos, and the Top7 Intelligent Communities of the Year badge.

Durham Region's plan to tackle the climate crisis? Get inside your head

A photo of the outside of an Ontario Tech University building, with students sitting on the grass in front of the building.

At Ontario Tech University, experiential learning is part of the institution’s DNA

Thanks to technology, the award-winning Durham311 has one of the best call-wait times in Ontario

In the News

For three consecutive years, Durham Region has been named a Top 7 Intelligent Community. Learn more about why we were selected.

Durham Region receives intelligent Community certification

Durham Region joins Winnipeg, Manitoba as the second Canadian community to receive this prestigious designation. Certification will remain in place until October 2027.

Read the certification news release.

Durham Region named a Top7 Intelligent Community for 2024

For the third consecutive year, Durham Region has been recognized as one of the world’s Top7 Intelligent Communities by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). This accolade celebrates municipalities that use technology, innovation and digital inclusion to enhance citizens’ lives and drive economic growth.

Durham Region named a Top7 Intelligent Community for 2023

Durham Region has been named one of the top seven global Intelligent Communities of 2023 by the
Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).

The announcement marks the 21st annual top seven list and comes following the 2023 Top7 Intelligent Communities Conference hosted by the Region of Durham, in partnership with ICF.

Durham Region named a Smart21 Intelligent Community for 2023

Durham Region has been announced a Smart21 community of the year for the third year in a row!

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF)’s Smart21 Communities program recognizes the world's leading municipalities that are successfully leveraging data and digital assets to develop inclusive and prosperous communities.

Durham Region is being recognized on the global stage for its modern technology and leadership in innovation to improve economic competitiveness, engage citizens, and increase connectivity to support smarter, healthier, more equitable and sustainable communities.

Innovative projects include the myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service project, the first in Canada to bring regional services to a smart home device; and CityStudio Durham offering experiential learning to tomorrow’s leaders by opening up municipal government to the classroom.

Learn more about the Smart21 Communities of 2023.

Durham Region featured in Municipal World

Durham Region’s Intelligent Community journey was recently featured in Municipal World.

"Connections with community organizations, other orders of government, not-for-profits, incubators, and post-secondary institutions create an innovative ecosystem to help propel new ideas forward. In a community of the future, these connections will be what keeps citizens engaged, connected, and thriving.”

Learn how Durham became a global Top7 Intelligent Community.

Durham Region named a Top7 Intelligent Community for 2022

Durham Region has been named one of the top seven global Intelligent Communities of 2022 by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). The ICF’s Top Seven list recognizes communities who exemplify best practices in broadband deployment, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and advocacy.

Durham’s booming growth, talent pool, leading academics, and excellent quality of life is why top investors from around the globe want to be here.

Durham Region named a Smart21 Intelligent Community

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has recognized Durham Region as one of the Smart21 Communities of the Year for the second year in a row.

Durham is undergoing digital transformation and leading the way in innovation. This award is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to innovation, engagement, and strengthening connectivity to our residents across the region.

Learn about the Smart21 Intelligent Communities of 2022.

Learn more about the Smart21 Intelligent Communities of 2021.