The City of Richmond in British Columbia is holding a Smart Cities Ideas Fair at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) with the aim of showcasing the collaborations between businesses, governments, and academia on connected technology. Richmond is currently one of ten finalists in its category for one of two $10 million CAN prizes in in Infrastructure Canada’s nationwide Smart Cities Challenge. The national completion encourages communities to adopt a smart cities approach to improve the lives of their residents through innovation, data, and connected technology.
“Richmond has long been home to some of the world’s leading technology companies and many of our local government agencies and academic institutions are leading the way in embracing Smart Cities thinking,” said mayor Malcolm Brodie in a press release. “The Smart Cities Ideas Fair is a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the exciting advances being made right here in Richmond and our province.”
The Smart Cities Ideas Fair will feature a variety of displays, demonstrations, presentations and hands-on activities. Attendees will be able to learn more about the city’s plans and provide input on its proposed smart cities initiatives. The fair will also highlight innovative local projects and programs that incorporate smart cities thinking, from the city’s digital strategy – which is expanding the array of civic e-services and community connectivity – to cutting edge programs that address climate change and long-term sustainability such as the city’s internationally-award winning District Energy Utility and the Dike Master Plan, which provides flood protection.
“KPU is proud to partner with City of Richmond on the Smart Cities initiative, which aligns completely with our polytechnic university mandate,” said Alan Davis, KPU president. “Participating in the Smart Cities Challenge will provide our students with the opportunity to explore learning beyond the classroom, in settings that will allow them to participate in a real way in the creation of an Intelligent Operations Hub.”
