Two Ontario regions make global ‘Top 7 Intelligent Communities’ list

Smart, forward-thinking and bursting with bold technological advancements and community-driven engagement have earned Durham Region recognition as one of the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities for the fourth consecutive year.

Joining Durham on the global list compiled by the Intelligent Communities Forum (ICF) was Fairfield/Jefferson County (Iowa, USA), Hilliard (Ohio, USA), Assai (Parana, Brazil), Bursa (Turkey), Las Rozas de Madrid (Spain) and Kingston, Ontario, which is making its first appearance in the top seven since 2014.

The ICF evaluates communities based on criteria including broadband deployment and use, workforce development, innovation and digital inclusion.

Initiatives in Durham such as Durham OneNet, which improves broadband access across the region, and programs like Your Durham and 311, which is helping connect residents with services, caught the attention of the ICF.

At the same time, local groups like the Durham Region Intelligent Community Consortium and the Durham Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum are working together to make sure new ideas and technology help meet local needs, grow the economy, and support a healthy, long-term future.

Together, these efforts reflect a region that’s not only embracing the future but actively building it, said Regional Chair John Henry.

“Durham Region’s place among the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities highlights the strength of collaboration fueling our growth,” he said. “By uniting local governments, universities, entrepreneurs and innovators, we are creating smart, sustainable solutions that improve lives today and prepare us for tomorrow’s challenges. This success is a testament to everyone invested in Durham’s future and we’re excited to celebrate it with communities everywhere.”

The region was cited by the ICF for completing the first phase of Project Genesis, a 700-kilometer fiber network targeting more than 1,800 households in underserved rural areas and for the successful delivery of the third generation of the CityROVER A.I. system, which was developed by Visual Defence in collaboration with the Durham Region and the Ontario government. Durham’s use of CityROVER A.I. for pothole detection is just one of the many examples of its Intelligent Community practices.

Kingston has evolved from its historic role as Canada’s first capital and a key military post into a thriving hub of innovation, sustainability, and cultural vitality, according to the ICF. The city leverages its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene and one of the nation’s most educated workforces to build a dynamic, future-ready economy by fostering the commercialization of green technologies and life sciences while supporting a burgeoning startup ecosystem ranked Canada’s best among small cities. With investments in open-access broadband, cleantech, and cultural development through the Kingston Culture Plan, the city has also prioritized inclusivity, sustainability, and quality of life.

In October the ICF will name the Intelligent Community of the Year.

Last year’s winner was Curitiba, Brazil and Canadian cities have won the award five times since its inception in 1999: Winnipeg (2021), Montreal (2016), Toronto (2014), Waterloo (2007) and Calgary (2002).

Durham Region is also just the second community in Canada to receive the full Intelligent Community certification, a standard that affirms that Durham has high-quality connectivity, effective workforce development, a business innovation ecosystem with “meaningful community engagement,” digital inclusion and sustainability programs in place.

The Intelligent Certification, which is good until 2027 is shared by just three other global communities.