Grey County is once again being named one of the Top 21 international communities to be recognized by the Intelligent Communities Forum (ICF).
The county says this is the third time it has been recognized as Smart21 by the international think tank, which evaluates communities on six intelligent community indicators, broadband, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital equality, sustainability, and advocacy.
“Smart communities aren’t defined by the amount of technology available in a community, they are defined by the way the technology is used to increase prosperity and quality of life for the people who call that community home,” says Warden Brian Milne.
The county first received recognition for innovation by the think tank in 2016, then went on to achieve Top7 designation in 2017.
The forum seeks to help communities use information and communication technology to create inclusive prosperity, tackle social and governance challenges, as well as improve the quality of life.
Grey County Director of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Savanna Myers says they are proud to be recognized for their projects and initiatives across the region.
“Our application was built on the innovative work of all county departments, member municipalities, partnered organizations, businesses, and residents in Grey. Together, we are building a strong, intelligent community, that cares for our people. This is what sets ICF apart and why Grey County is so humbled and honoured to be part of the Smart21,” says Myers.
Other communities named to the Smart21 include:
-Assaí County, Paraná, Brazil
-Astana, Kazakhstan
-Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
-Binh Duong Smart City, Vietnam
-Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
-Coral Gables, Florida, USA
-Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
-Defiance, Ohio, USA
-Doral, Florida, USA
-Durham Region, Ontario, Canada
-Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada
-Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
-Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
-Greater Geelong, Victoria, Australia
-Hilliard, Ohio, USA
-Pickering, Ontario, Canada
-Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
-Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
-Townsville, Queensland, Australia
-Whanganui, New Zealand
The county says over the next couple of months, it will be participating in further review and analysis by the forum, with the Top7 shortlist announcement set for this June in Durham region, and the third and final stage of naming the Intelligent Community of the Year taking place in New York City in October.
