Durham Region named one of the Smart21 Communities of 2024

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region has been named one of the top Smart21 Communities of the Year for the fourth year in a row.

Each year, 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. The program rewards communities using modern technology and innovative thinking to improve economic competitiveness, engage citizens, and increase connectivity to support smarter, healthier, more equitable and sustainable communities.

Through its Intelligent Communities Plan, the Region of Durham is undergoing digital transformation and leading the way in innovation. Over the last several years, Durham Region has created a connected, innovative community through initiatives including Durham OneNet, Your Durham and the myDurham 311 online portal. Additionally, the Durham Greener Homes and Durham Greener Buildings programs support our long-term sustainability goals. Durham also offers a strong network of digital support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, with collaborative initiatives to connect businesses directly to customers, like the Downtowns of Durham.

Durham’s thriving innovation community is made up of top talent and innovative partners that translate research and development assets into jobs and investment. Durham Region’s top Intelligent Community recognition is thanks to local success stories from all eight of our local municipalities, 1855 Accelerator, Access IO, Brilliant Catalyst, Durham College, the Durham Economic Task Force, the Durham Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum, Durham Regional Technology Development Site (Durham RTDS), Durham Region Transit, Ontario Tech University, OPG X-Lab, Spark Centre, Trent University Durham GTA, and others. Check out the #IntelligentDurham hashtag on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to see Durham’s innovation community in action.

To learn more about initiatives currently underway in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/IntelligentCommunities. For more information about ICF and the 2024 Smart Communities awards, visit IntelligentCommunity.org.

Quotes 

“Durham Region is creating connected, innovative communities with an eye on sustainability. We are honoured to be recognized as one of the Smart21 Communities of the Year for the important work we are doing. From introducing more opportunities for broadband connectivity to resident-centric customer service solutions, we are building a better Durham.” 

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“A region as diverse and fast-growing as Durham deserves to be supported by creative, sustainable tools and forward-thinking solutions. Durham Region provides opportunities for the entire community to contribute to our sustainability goals through initiatives like Durham Greener Homes, a program that helps our residents save on energy costs.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

“Integrating intelligent solutions to address our community’s challenges is our goal. Making our roads safer through technology like the CityRover AI system, is one way we aim to improve infrastructure through our Intelligent Communities Plan.”

- Alison Burgess, Director of Communications and Engagement

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