Durham Region named to ICF’s 2024 Smart21 list for fourth straight year

Durham Region has been named to the Intelligent Community Forum’s (ICF) 2024 Smart21 Communities list for a fourth straight year, according to a regional news release issued from Whitby.

The Smart21 list is part of ICF’s Smart21 Communities program, which the organization says recognizes municipalities it considers to be using data and digital assets as they develop communities.

In its release, Durham Region cited its Intelligent Communities Plan and initiatives that include Durham OneNet, Your Durham and the myDurham 311 online portal.

The release also mentioned the Durham Greener Homes and Durham Greener Buildings programs.

In a statement included in the release, Regional Chair John Henry cited broadband connectivity and online customer-service tools.

Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Baxter-Trahair said the Durham Greener Homes program helps residents save on energy costs.

In another statement, Alison Burgess, the Region’s director of communications and engagement, cited technology such as the CityRover AI system as one way the Region says it aims to make roads safer.

The release also listed organizations involved in Durham Region’s innovation and technology efforts, including Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Durham Region Transit, Spark Centre, Trent University Durham GTA and OPG X-Lab, along with others.

Online: durham.ca/IntelligentCommunities; IntelligentCommunity.org.