Durham Region named 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year!

Whitby, ON – Durham Region is celebrating a global achievement! We’ve been named 2025 Intelligent Community of the Year by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a recognition of our innovation, workforce development and commitment to inclusion.

Across Durham, strong partnerships and bold ideas are shaping a brighter future—enhancing quality of life and fueling economic growth. This honour reflects the incredible collaboration of our community partners, including our eight local municipalities: Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby, along with 1855 Accelerator, Brilliant Catalyst, Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, and local boards of trade and chambers of commerce. This win belongs to all of us!

 Durham rose to the top against six other outstanding finalists from around the world:

• Assaí, Paraná, Brazil
• Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Türkiye
• Fairfield/Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
• Hilliard, Ohio, USA
• Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain

The ICF evaluates communities on six pillars of its Community Accelerator Strategy: broadband, sustainability, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and engagement. Durham Region’s leadership in these areas—through transformative projects and exceptional public services—has secured our place among the world’s most forward-thinking communities.

To celebrate, we will be launching the Proud to Call Durham Home campaign, showcasing the partnerships and organizations driving innovation and growth across the region. Explore stories of innovation at durham.ca/LeadingTheWay.

Learn more about ICF and the 2025 Intelligent Community Awards at IntelligentCommunity.org.

Quotes  

“I am thrilled that Durham Region has been named Intelligent Community of the Year. Our region is leading the way in economic development, innovation and community excellence. It is an honour to receive international recognition of all the work being done by our local governments, post-secondary institutions and business ecosystem partners as we continue to work to remain a top community of choice to live, work and do business.” 

- John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

“As a rapidly growing community of more than 750,000 residents, it is essential that Durham Region remains ahead of the curve in terms of planning, sustainability, economic development and inclusion. This recognition demonstrates that our proactive approach to community development is setting us up for a bright future. I applaud the hard-working team, both here at the Region and across our community partners who are committed to creating a vibrant and growing place for everyone.” 

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer 

“This award is about more than technology – it's about people. Collaboration is what makes Durham strong. This award shows that when communities are connected and work together with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable results. Durham is leading the way toward a future that is connected, innovative, and full of opportunity.”

- Alison Burgess, Director of Communications and Engagement 

About Durham Region 

Located on the eastern side of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities. 

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