You spoke, we listened: Markham's Smart Cities Challenge submission will focus on seniors

MARKHAM, ON - April 25, 2018 -   The City of Markham has entered the Smart Cities Challenge and asked for the community's ideas on what the most critical challenges are that are facing our City and how they could be solved through data and connected technologies. And you rose to the challenge, Markham!
Community members took the City's online survey or participated in in-person focus groups to share their big, bold ideas for change. Markham also actively engaged thought leaders, technology companies, academic institutions and community organizations.

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 has applied for a $10 million grant.

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

Markham residents identified a number of key challenges facing the City, including: transportation and mobility, economic opportunity, environmental protection, healthy living and inclusion and empowerment. While many of these challenges are interrelated, there was a clear priority identified relating to our seniors, and the need to improve their health and wellness, and address social isolation.
"Markham's submission explores new ways to connect, empower and integrate our diverse seniors' community. Some seniors face challenges because of language barriers or limited mobility," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "What we propose will not only help seniors in Markham, but in other communities across Canada."

Together, with Markham's partners in business and in the community, the City's plan is to create living labs to test and validate technology solutions where seniors live. This could be at home, or in a long-term care facility.

"I'm very proud of our community, you stepped up and engaged with us to make Markham a better place for seniors, and for the community as a whole," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

Based on Infrastructure Canada guidance, the City of Markham will share the full details of our submission in May, once submission eligibility has been confirmed.

PHOTOS

VIDEO: Mayor's Message on Markham's Smart Cities Challenge Submission

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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.