‘Intelligent Certification,’ Smart7 honours, celebrates innovation in Durham Region

It may not always seem like it, but we’re getting smarter in Durham Region. ‘Smarter’ and a whole lot more tech savvy.

We know because we had us tested by some really intelligent people.

The Region has achieved the Intelligent 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.

Durham has also reached the top seven – the Smart7 – for the second year in a row by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a honour provided to communities that are “poised for investment and set to succeed economically, socially and culturally.”

The Intelligent Certification, which is good until 2027 and is shared by just three other global communities, is awarded to cities and regions who are “using innovation to improve the quality of life of their residents,” said Durham Region Chair John Henry.

“Durham Region offers an exceptional quality of life, making it a great place to live, work and invest,” Henry said. “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.”

Other communities achieving ‘Intelligent Certification’ include Winnipeg, Hilliard, Ohio and New Taipei City in Taiwan.

Durham is also a three-time Top7 Intelligent Community and a four-time Top21 finalist.

“I first had the privilege of visiting Durham Region in 2021,” said Intelligent Community Forum co-founder Robert Bell. “Since then, Durham has been both intentional and dedicated in pursuing its Intelligent Community journey, signaled by three consecutive Top7 awards from ICF. This full certification recognizes the major transformation that has occurred there over the past three years, creating a growing network of collaboration that makes the most of every innovative project and economic development.”

Engineering innovation is a big part of the ICF certification for the ‘Clean Energy Capital of Canada,’ with Durham providing nearly a third of the province’s energy needs. Energy engineering is a major employer as a result, with innovative projects like the first grid-tied small modular reactor project being developed at the Darlington nuclear plant in Clarington. Durham is also home to automotive manufacturing, a thriving film production industry and globally recognized research facilities such as the multi-climate ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel at Oshawa’s Ontario Tech University.

Durham Region has also completed the first phase of a 700-kilometer fiber network targeting underserved rural areas; the region has implemented a regional program to help hundreds of low-income families access Canada’s financial assistance programs for post-secondary education; and senior citizen centres are providing low-cost tech training to thousands of older residents.

In March, Durham Region made headlines with the successful delivery of the third generation of the CityROVER A.I. system, which was developed by Visual Defence in collaboration with the region and the Ontario government. Durham Region’s use of CityROVER A.I. for pothole detection is just one of the many examples of its Intelligent Community practices

The accolades on Durham Region’s achievement were quick to come in:

• “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.” – Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp
• “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.” – Ontario Tech President Dr. Steven Murphy
• “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.” – Trent University Durham GTA Vice-President Dr. Scott Henderson
• “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.” – Durham Region Economic Development and Tourism Director Simon Gill
• “We are committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers and is excited to continue working with the business and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Durham Region to drive innovation and economic growth,” – Ontario Tech Creativity and Entrepreneurship Director Dr. Osman Hamid
• “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.” – 1855 Accelerator Managing Director Kaila Dimopoulos

And from Durham Region’s mayors:

• “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.” – Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter
• “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.” – Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe
• “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.” – Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy
• “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.” – Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier
• “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.” – Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster
• “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.” – Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton
• “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.” – Brock Township Mayor Walter Schummer

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