Collectively Building the Framework to Shape our Future Cities

As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, with cities accounting for the majority of the population growth and economic activity, the topic of smart and sustainable urban development inevitably emerges. With that comes a renewed interest in opportunities for improved efficiency and livability through “smart” interventions, activities, and technological development. Although a universally accepted definition of a “smart city” does not exist, ICTC defines this concept as a community that uses technology to guide operational efficiencies with the aims of improving the quality of life and services for its residents.

In Canada, the notion of a smart city is increasingly gaining momentum, with one of the most significant recent developments being the Government of Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge. Although the winners of this challenge were announced in the spring of 2019, this competition was notable because it helped communities of all sizes and across all regions explore technology-based initiatives that can improve livability. Internationally, many jurisdictions are also engaging in similar challenges and exploring various pathways for the development of future communities.

While not intended to serve as an exhaustive list, this report provides an understanding of notable smart city developments taking place in Canada and around the world, according to ICTC’s smart city guiding pillars: Smart Infrastructure, Smart Mobility, Smart Health & Wellbeing, Smart Energy & Environment, Smart Government, and Smart Regulation. At the same time, this report highlights some of the most resounding and critical themes that emerged from a years’ worth of engagement (eight meetings) with ICTC’s three main smart city taskforces: Smart City Labour Demand, Smart City Labour Supply, Smart City Technologies. These taskforces—comprised of key leaders from industry, academic institutions, associations and other essential organizations across the country—stressed the notion that our future cities will see a demand for labour across various occupations, ranging from sensor technicians to blockchain developers and beyond. The taskforces will continue to guide and shape ICTC’s research and policy work on smart cities and will inform effective strategies for leveraging skilled workers of all varieties to meet demand. Whether new grads, career transitioners, or underrepresented groups like Indigenous peoples and people with disabilities, all talent streams will play critical roles in advancing Canada’s smart future.