Pickering Named One of the Top 21 Smart Communities in the World

PICKERING, ON, Oct. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The City of Pickering has been named one of the world's Smart21 Communities of 2017 by the Intelligent Community Forum.  The Smart21 program recognizes the global elite municipalities that are successfully leveraging the power of technology to create a more connected, engaged, vibrant, and sustainable community.

"The City of Pickering is thrilled to be named one of the world's top smart communities," said Mayor Dave Ryan.  "The Smart21 international recognition boldly states that Pickering is making the necessary investments to its technology infrastructure in order to attract the best and brightest residents and businesses to our City."

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) is a think tank based out of New York City that is comprised of a global network of cities and regions.  The ICF received approximately 400 submissions from around the world for the Smart21 Communities of 2017 awards program.  This is the very first year that the City of Pickering has participated.

The ICF has identified six indicators critical towards building an Intelligent Community: Broadband; Knowledge Workforce; Innovation; Digital Equality; Sustainability; and Advocacy.  Some of Pickering's winning Intelligent Community initiatives include:

• Pickering Public Library (PPL) Connects is an outreach program which teaches digital literacy skills; and loans out laptops and portable hotspots to low income households in order to provide equitable access to digital technology.
• Access Pickering features 35 permanent wireless access points across the City, which currently sees over 5,000 residents connecting every month.
• Celebrating Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program facilitates group projects that support Pickering's 55 indicators of sustainability. To date, the program has engaged thousands of residents and visitors and provided significant funding to implement a number of community enhancement projects.
• Downtown Intensification Study incorporated community engagement to develop the vision for a bold, vibrant, and livable downtown.

"Technology is the backbone of an intelligent community ecosystem, and will drive our transformation into a more sustainable, modern, agile, resilient, and smart (SMART) community," said Dale Quaife, Manager, Information Technology, and Project Lead, Intelligent Community Initiative. "This recognition not only validates the innovative and leading work we are doing - it also provides more incentive for Pickering to continue with and expand its Intelligent Community efforts."

Visit pickering.ca/smart for more information on Pickering's Intelligent Community initiatives.

As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. Recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum as one of the world's top Smart21 Communities, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.

SOURCE City of Pickering

Image with caption: "City of Pickering (CNW Group/City of Pickering)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161027_C7929_PHOTO_EN_805673.jpg

Media Contact: Mark Guinto, Manager, Business Development & Public Affairs | Office of the Mayor, 905.420.4660 ext. 2013 | 1.866.683.2760, [email protected]