Do you have a big, bold idea to improve our community?

Do you have a big, bold idea to improve our community?

MARKHAM, ON - February 14, 2018 — The City of Markham is entering the Smart Cities Challenge and wants to hear the community's ideas on what the most critical City challenges are and how they could be solved through data and connected technologies.

The Smart Cities Challenge was introduced by Infrastructure Canada to empower communities of all sizes across Canada to address local issues through new partnerships, using a smart cities approach. Proposed technology based solutions must improve the quality of life for residents, address the community's most pressing challenges, and achieve meaningful outcomes. Markham is eligible to apply for two grant levels - up to $10 million, or up to $50 million.

This program will promote partnerships across sectors, including business, education, health, industry and community groups to make positive change in Markham.

"We are an innovative city and we have some of the best talent,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I am calling on the thought leaders, the change makers and the best creative minds as we plan Markham’s future together. What’s on your mind? How can we make it better for you? This is your city, your country and your voice matters.”
During previous community consultations, Markham residents identified a number of key challenges facing the City. Based on this feedback, the City has created a short survey to help identify Markham's most pressing issues, and to help formulate the Smart Cities Challenge submission. Potential issue areas include:

• Transportation and Mobility
  
• Economic Opportunity
  
• The Environment
  
• Healthy Living
  
• Inclusion and Empowerment

Participants may also identify other priorities for consideration.

"The Smart Cities Challenge aligns with our Digital Markham strategy, which envisions the 'City as a platform' for innovation, and will expedite our digital journey," says Nasir Kenea, Markham's Chief Information Officer. "Through the use of data and connected technologies, our community can realize an impactful positive experience."

How to Participate

The Markham Smart Cities Challenge Survey is open to the Markham community and interested stakeholders and will be available online until March 4, 2018.

Survey results and Markham's Smart Cities Challenge submission will be published online in late April 2018. Infrastructure Canada will announce the shortlisted candidates in summer 2018.

Take the Markham Smart Cities Challenge Survey.

About Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge

The Infrastructure Canada Smart Cities Challenge seeks to catalyze individual efforts and bring together diverse perspectives from community leaders and city builders, governments, corporations, entrepreneurs, and academic innovators to achieve a real and positive impact to common issues.

Focus Group Sessions:

We will be holding 2 Focus Group sessions to gather your insights.

• Session 1: Tuesday, February 27 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Aaniin Library Program Room (Aaniin Community Centre & Library, 5665 14th Avenue, Markham)

• Session 2: Wednesday, February 28 from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm in the Angus Glen Library Program Room (Angus Glen Community Centre and Library, 3990 Major Mackenzie Dr., Markham)
  If you wish to participate in one of these sessions, please let us know via email to SmartMarkham@markham.ca

 – 30 –

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416.737.2684.