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

Whitby, Ontario – 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.

Intelligent Community Certification is an economic development credential based on the ICF’s Community Accelerator Strategy and analytic methods. Meeting ICF’s Certification standard provides objective validation that Durham Region has high-quality connectivity, effective workforce development, a business innovation ecosystem and meaningful community engagement, digital inclusion and sustainability programs in place. These qualities combine to support the growth of innovative businesses, to meet their talent needs and provide inclusive prosperity and a high quality of life.

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

For more information on current intelligent community initiatives in the region, visit durham.ca/IntelligentCommunities.

Learn more about the ICF and why Durham Region received full intelligent community certification. 

Quotes 

“Durham Region offers an exceptional quality of life, making it a great place to live, work and invest. This credential affirms the collective work of our local area municipalities, post-secondary institutions, boards of trade and chambers of commerce, incubators and more, that is positioning Durham for continued success.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“Full Intelligent Community certification demonstrates Durham Region’s readiness for global investment. With thriving sectors including technology, agriculture and energy, Durham boasts a robust infrastructure, access to top talent and innovative business solutions. Our alignment with local area municipalities, and community, education and industry leaders show the passion and commitment we all have in making Durham Region thrive.”

– Simon Gill, Director, Economic Development and Tourism, Region of Durham

“We’re proud that Durham Region is now an Intelligent Community. This recognition underscores Oshawa’s transformation into a city of innovation, where our community, businesses and institutions are connected through best practices that drive quality of life, sustainable growth and economic prosperity. With strong support from top-tier post-secondary and research partners, Oshawa is building a future of opportunity and resilience.”

– Mayor Dan Carter, City of Oshawa

"As a recognized Smart21 Community, the City of Pickering congratulates our partner, the Region of Durham, on achieving the prestigious Intelligent Community Certification. This global distinction underscores Durham Region's leadership in fostering innovation, connectivity, and sustainability. It also highlights our commitment to enhancing service delivery for residents and businesses, while fostering a more connected, engaged, liveable, and complete community. By attracting top companies and talent, we are driving job creation and positioning Pickering and Durham Region as premier destinations for investment, innovation, quality of life, and economic prosperity."

– Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering

"Achieving Intelligent Community Certification is a proud moment for Ajax and all of Durham Region. By embracing technology and innovation, we're not only creating a smarter, more connected community, but also enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Together, we're building a future where businesses thrive, opportunities grow and everyone in Durham can succeed."

– Mayor Shaun Collier, Town of Ajax

The Town of Whitby is proud to be part of this significant achievement. The Intelligent Community Certification highlights Durham Region's commitment to fostering innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity - values we actively promote and embrace in Whitby. This designation strengthens Whitby’s reputation as a prime destination for investment and an exceptional place to live, work, and explore.

– Mayor Elizabeth Roy, Town of Whitby

“This is an incredible achievement for Durham Region and its local area municipalities. I’m proud of Uxbridge’s commitment in helping secure this valuable designation, which will provide great support for economic development throughout the entire region. I look forward to Uxbridge’s ongoing collaboration with Durham Region on future initiatives in this area.”

– Mayor Dave Barton, Township of Uxbridge

“It is wonderful for the Region to receive recognition and certification as a fully Intelligent Community. This confirms what so many of us have known all along.... that Durham Region and its partner municipalities are at the forefront with places to invest in and receive benefits from a skilled workforce with a dedicated community of confident and inspirational educational, industrial, and governance leaders.”

– Mayor Walter Schummer, Township of Brock

“What an amazing achievement it is to have laid the groundwork for economic growth right here in Durham, and what an honour it is to receive this prestigious recognition for all that hard work.”

– Mayor Adrian Foster, Municipality of Clarington

“With immense pride, we celebrate Durham’s recognition as a fully certified intelligent community – a designation that reflects the dedication shown by all involved! We celebrate the collective dedication of the forum, every Durham resident, leader, and partner who has contributed to this journey. From digital infrastructure to smart services, innovation is unlocking new possibilities for us all, creating a place where growth and opportunity meet!”

– Kaila Dimopoulos, Managing Director, 1855 Accelerator

“Brilliant Catalyst is committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers and is excited to continue working with the business and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Durham Region to drive innovation and economic growth. Brilliant Catalyst and Ontario Tech University are proud to contribute to making Durham Region an Intelligent Community, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners, innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change in the Durham Region and beyond.”

– Dr. Osman Hamid, Director, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Ontario Tech University

“I am proud of the role we play in ensuring a highly skilled and intelligent workforce, how we address and help find solutions to today’s most pressing social problems, and ultimately how we work with partners all across the region to ensure a high-quality, connected and rewarding place to call home for everyone in Durham.”

– Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College

“Ontario Tech University is proud to see Durham Region receive this prestigious designation. Being certified as an intelligent community signals both the training of highly skilled talent in Durham and the creation of ethically informed technology. Durham Region’s future is bright, and as one of the Region’s key partners, Ontario Tech is excited for continued collaborations that will pilot intelligent community technologies in the Durham Region first."

– Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

"Durham Region's certification is a testament to our community’s commitment to innovation, connectivity, and sustainability. As a responsive post-secondary partner, Trent University Durham is proud to play a key role in meeting the talent needs of businesses and fostering a thriving, inclusive future. Together, we are building a region that is not only investment-ready but poised to lead economically, socially, and environmentally in the digital age."

– Dr. Scott Henderson, Vice-President and Head, Trent University Durham GTA

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.

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