Proud to call Durham Region home: Among world's most intelligent communities
Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – For the fourth consecutive year, Durham Region has been recognized as one of the world’s Top7 Intelligent Communities by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF).
From bold technological advancements to community-driven engagement, Durham Region is showing the world what it means to be a smart, forward-thinking community. Initiatives such as Durham OneNet, which improves broadband access across the region, and programs like Your Durham and 311 are helping connect residents with services—making interactions easier, faster and more responsive.
At the same time, local groups like the Durham Region Intelligent Community Consortium and the Durham Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum are working together to make sure new ideas and technology help meet local needs, grow the economy, and support a healthy, long-term future.
Together, these efforts reflect a region that’s not only embracing the future, but actively building it.
At the heart of this recognition is a shared commitment to collaboration and innovation. Durham’s success is driven by the collective efforts of our local municipalities and a dynamic network of partners including 1855 Accelerator, Brilliant Catalyst, Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, and many others. Together we are driving forward smart, inclusive and sustainable growth—making Durham a global leader in intelligent community development.
This year, communities in Canada, Brazil, the United States, Turkey and Spain were also recognized by the ICF as Top7 Intelligent Communities.
To learn more about how Durham Region is shaping a brighter future, read our stories at durham.ca/intelligentcommunities.
Quotes
"Durham Region’s place among the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities highlights the strength of collaboration fueling our growth. By uniting local governments, universities, entrepreneurs and innovators, we are creating smart, sustainable solutions that improve lives today and prepare us for tomorrow’s challenges. This success is a testament to everyone invested in Durham’s future and we’re excited to celebrate it with communities everywhere."
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Quick facts
-
The ICF evaluates communities based on criteria including broadband deployment and use, workforce development, innovation and digital inclusion. As a connected region of partners and institutions working together, it is our commitment to these principles through a variety of projects and public services that has cemented Durham Region’s place as a top intelligent community. The Intelligent Community of the Year will be announced in December. To learn more about ICF and the 2025 Smart Communities awards, visit IntelligentCommunity.org.
-
In 2024, Durham Region received full certification as an intelligent community by the Intelligent Community Forum. This certification highlights that Durham Region is a thriving community, recognized for its economic performance and investment opportunity, making it a prime destination to live, invest and succeed.
-
Durham Region Intelligent Community Stories:
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.
– 30 –
For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.
Contact Us