Durham Region named Top7 Intelligent Community for third consecutive year

Whitby, Ontario – The Region of Durham has once again secured its position as an intelligent community.

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.

The ICF evaluates communities based on criteria including broadband deployment and use, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and advocacy. Durham Region’s commitment to these principles through a variety of projects and public services has cemented its place as a top intelligent community.

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.

Initiatives including Durham OneNet, Your Durham and the myDurham 311 online portal have fostered a more connected community and provided residents with  enhanced access to service. The Durham Greener Homes and Durham Greener Buildings programs also support the Region’s long-term sustainability goals. And with collaborative initiatives to connect businesses directly to customers, like the Downtowns of Durham, The Region offers a strong network of digital support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

This year, cities in Brazil, the United States and Taiwan were also recognized by the ICF as Top7 Intelligent Communities. One of the Top7 finalists will be named the Intelligent Community of the Year this fall in Barcelona during the annual ICF Summit.

Visit durham.ca/IntelligentCommunities for more information on current initiatives in the Region. To learn more about ICF and the 2024 Smart Communities awards, visit IntelligentCommunity.org.

Quotes 

“Connectivity, sustainability and innovation are at the core of the work we do in Durham Region. By honouring these principles we are able to offer resident-centric solutions to everyday challenges and improve the quality of life for our communities while preparing for continuous growth. We thank the Intelligent Community Forum for this recognition.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“Durham Region is vibrant, diverse and one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. We continue to focus on creative, forward-thinking solutions while integrating sustainability in the work we do. I applaud the hard-working team of public servants at the Region who remain dedicated to innovative projects that improve the service we provide to our community.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

“We are constantly working to improve here in the Region, introducing new projects that reflect our Regional priorities and long-term goals. With initiatives like the myDurham 311 online portal we are better able to track and understand service requests from our community that will ultimately help us serve our residents better.”

- Alison Burgess, Director of Communications and Engagement

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.

Quick facts

• Durham Region was named one of the Smart21 Communities of the Year for the fourth year in a row in 2024.
• 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 learn more about Durham’s corporate intelligent initiatives.

About Durham Region

Located on the eastern side of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.