‘Intelligent City Forum’ (ICF) co-founder, Louis Zacharilla paid Surrey a visit this week as part of the city’s bid to be named the “Intelligent Community of the Year 2016”.
Mr. Zacharilla spent May 3 & 4 touring Surrey’s innovative infrastructure and meeting with its program leaders to hear about how the city’s commitment to innovation is transforming the community. For the second year in a row, Surrey has been named one of ICF’s “Top 7 Intelligent Communities of the Year” and is in the running for 2016’s top spot.
“I am pleased that Surrey is among the Top 7 finalists for the second year in a row,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “As Surrey continues to grow, ensuring greater access for our citizens to digitally connect and investing in innovative technology are essential to building a city that is ready to meet the challenges of the future.
The fact that we have once again made it to the final round is a validation that the work we are doing is having a positive impact on the people who live and work in our city.”
“Receiving the ICF Top 7 nod demonstrates the value of the work we’re doing in the City’s ‘Smart Surrey Strategy’,” said Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair of the Investment and Innovation Committee.
“We consider innovation and technology in all decision-making, as it’s key to ensuring Surrey keeps pace with global change and remains well-positioned to meet the needs of present and future generations.”
ICF, a New York-based international think-tank, defines Intelligent Communities as “those which have – whether through crisis or foresight – come to understand the enormous challenges of the Broadband Economy, and have taken conscious steps to create an economy capable of prospering in it.
They are not necessarily big cities or famous technology hubs. They are located in developing nations as well as industrialized ones, suburbs as well as cities, the hinterland as well as the coast.”
“Canada and Taiwan are again well-represented among the Top7 Intelligent Communities,” said Louis Zacharilla. “These are nations where regional and national policy has long aimed at helping their citizens adapt to the demands of the broadband economy, which has given them a lead in moving from broadband technology to truly transformed communities.”
2016’s ‘Intelligent Community of Year’ winner will be announced June 16, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio during the annual ICF Summit. Find out more about Surrey's commitment to innovation at www.surrey.ca/smartsurrey
