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Markham earns recognition for Smart City initiatives to create downtown

City named finalist in IDC Government Insights’ 6th annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA)

Yorkregion.com
Marc 23, 2023
Irene Wong

Markham’s vision to lead in Smart City thinking for creating a vibrant, intensive and mixed-use downtown has been awarded.

The city has been named a finalist in IDC Government Insights’ sixth annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA) in the Urban Planning and Land Use category, for “Smart” as a Pillar to the Markham Centre Secondary Plan update.

“The City of Markham is honoured to be named a finalist in IDC Government’s annual Smart Cities North America Awards, a reflection of our deep commitment to innovation and Smart City design,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

The city worked with Stantec, a global design firm, to develop a Smart City strategy and road map as part of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan.

“Applying smart technology sustainably and effectively is a journey that requires a good road map,” said Dr. Rick Huijbregts, global smart cities lead at Stantec. “Markham is establishing itself as a leader in Smart City thinking by taking a collaborative approach, and focusing on outcomes that improve life in the community.”

The strategy serves as a foundation to ensure a secure, scalable and sustainable approach to build Markham Centre. Markham Centre will be home to 41,000 residents in 20,000 units and 39,000 jobs. New development in the downtown is connected to the district energy system of heating and cooling and co-generation of hydroelectric power. And the Markham Centre secondary plan guides change in the area through detailed policies on infrastructure, public spaces, transportation, community services and the environment.

“Now in our sixth year, we continue to be impressed with the sophistication of Smart City initiatives successfully implemented across North America and congratulate the finalists on their dedication to employing modern technology to improve the day to day lives of citizens,” said Ruthbea Yesner, vice president, IDC Government Insights and Smart Cities and Communities Strategies.

Award finalists illustrate how municipalities leverage technology and innovation to offer new services and economic opportunities and to meet the needs and expectations of residents.

As a next step in the nomination process, IDC invites the public to vote on the named finalists at http://bit.ly/3JKtpvn. Voting will be open through March 31. Winners will be honoured at Smart Cities Connect being held from May 16 to 18 in Denver.