Durham Region has secured its spot once again among the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world for the fourth consecutive year, while Kingston, Ontario rejoins the prestigious list for the first time since 2014. The global recognition comes from the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), which evaluates cities and regions on their innovation, broadband connectivity, workforce development, digital inclusion, and community engagement.
Durham’s inclusion was driven by initiatives like Durham OneNet, which expands broadband access, and advanced civic engagement tools such as “Your Durham” and the “311” service. Regional partnerships — including the Durham Region Intelligent Community Consortium and the Durham Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum — are credited with strengthening innovation, economic growth, and community resilience.
One of Durham’s most notable technological milestones is the CityROVER A.I. pothole detection system, developed in collaboration with Visual Defence and the Ontario government. Durham was also applauded for completing the first phase of Project Genesis, a 700-kilometre rural fibre network aiming to serve over 1,800 underserved households.
Regional Chair John Henry celebrated the announcement, stating:
“Durham Region’s place among the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities highlights the strength of collaboration fueling our growth. We’re building smart, sustainable solutions that improve lives today and prepare us for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Kingston, meanwhile, was lauded for transforming from Canada’s first capital into a national leader in sustainability, green innovation, and culture. The city’s strong startup ecosystem, open-access broadband investments, and the Kingston Culture Plan reflect its future-ready approach, with a special focus on inclusivity and quality of life.
Joining Durham and Kingston on the 2025 Top 7 list are:
- Fairfield/Jefferson County (Iowa, USA)
- Hilliard (Ohio, USA)
- Assai (Parana, Brazil)
- Bursa (Turkey)
- Las Rozas de Madrid (Spain)
The Intelligent Community of the Year will be named in October. Canada has previously won the global title five times, with Winnipeg (2021) being the most recent.
Durham also achieved full Intelligent Community Certification, valid until 2027 — a rare distinction shared by only three other global communities.