Markham is in the running for a prestigious award thanks to its long-term vision for creating a ‘vibrant’ and ‘intensive’ mixed-use downtown.
Being named a finalist in IDC Government Insights’ annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA) is “a reflection of our deep commitment to innovation and Smart City design,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.
Markham is a finalist in the Urban Planning and Land Use category for “Smart” as a Pillar to the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update. Markham Centre promises to represent the new urban downtown model in Canada and will feature the largest concentration of mixed-use LEED downtown projects in North America. It will be home to 41,000 residents in 20,000 units and 39,000 jobs. A secondary plan guides change in a particular area of the city through detailed policies on things like infrastructure, public spaces, transportation, community services and the environment.
The city worked with Stantec, a global design firm, to develop a Smart City Strategy that serves as a foundation to ensure a secure, scalable and sustainable approach to build Markham Centre by putting a focus on people and purpose. “Applying smart technology sustainably and effectively is a journey that requires a good roadmap,” says Rick Huijbregts, Stantec’s global smart cities lead. “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.”
Smart Cities focus on using emerging technologies and innovation to make cities more livable, and offer new services and economic opportunities, says IDC Government Insights. It helps government policy, program and IT leaders and the suppliers who serve them make more effective technology decisions by providing timely and insightful research and consulting services.
Award finalists illustrate best practice examples of how forward-thinking municipalities effectively leverage technology and innovation to offer new services and economic opportunities and to meet the needs and expectations of citizens and residents.
“We are grateful to showcase the innovation and ingenuity being applied across municipalities and provide a roadmap for others looking to replicate similar initiatives,” says Ruthbea Yesner, vice president, IDC Government Insights and Smart Cities and Communities Strategies.
The awards will be presented on May 17 at Smart Cities Connect being held in Denver, CO.
Photo: Markham is a finalist in the Urban Planning and Land Use category for “Smart” as a Pillar to the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update. (City of Markham photo)
