Smart Cities Challenge Canada Winners Announced

The four winners of Canada’s first-ever Smart Cities Challenge have been announced.

The winners are:

  • Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia ($5M) with the challenge statement: our community will lift its residents out of energy poverty, starting by reducing the energy poverty rate by 20% by 2025. The final proposal may be read here.
  • Nunavut Communities, Nunavut ($10M) with the challenge statement: our communities will implement protective and preventative measures to reduce the risk of suicide in Nunavut, which is ten times the national average, and increase the amount and accessibility of peer support networks, educational resources and creative outlets that promote positive Mental Health to all Nunavummiut. The final proposal may be read here.
  • City of Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario ($10M) with the challenge statement: Guelph/Wellington will become Canada’s first technology-enabled Circular Food Economy, re-imagining an inclusive food-secure ecosystem that increases access to affordable, nutritious food by 50%, where “waste” becomes a resource, 50 new circular businesses and collaborations are created, and circular economic revenues are increased by 50%: 50x50x50 by 2025. The final proposal may be read here; and,
  • City of Montréal, Quebec ($50M) with the challenge statement: the Montreal community is shaping an efficient and dynamic neighborhood life by innovating mobility and access to food. Through a co-creation and citizen participation process, the accessibility of services and the well-being of Montrealers are increasing significantly. The final proposal may be read here (available in French only).

“Congratulations to finalists and winners of Canada’s first-ever Smart Cities Challenge. The work you have put into developing your proposals and to improving the lives of your residents is huge,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of infrastructure and communities. “Your efforts will benefit your communities, and also communities across the country who may be facing similar challenges. You are shining examples of Canadian ingenuity and innovations at its best and I am immensely proud.”

The winners intend to implement their smart cities approaches over the next five years. Updates on their implementation will be posted on Infrastructure Canada’s website.