The City of Surrey has been recognized as one of the top 7 most intelligent communities in the world for the second year in a row.
New York based think tank Intelligent Community Forum compiled the fourteenth annual Top 7 list, and placed Surrey alongside Canadian cities Montreal and Winnipeg, and international cities Taiwan, Germany, and New Zealand.
The Intelligent Community Forum focuses on studying both the economic and social development of the 21st Century community. Cities that earn a spot on the list are praised for adapting to new demands and seizing the opportunities to develop using technology and the best practices available.
“It is an honour to be named for the second year in the row among the Top 7 Intelligent Communities,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “With our rapid growth, we are always looking to innovate and make the best use of leading edge technology to continually improve the quality of life for our citizens and to shape the Surrey of the future.”
Surrey was also recognized for its Innovation Boulevard project, an agile partnership of health, business, higher education and government which is creating new health technologies to improve people’s’ lives in the areas of medical devices, independent living and digital health.
“Being recognized like this is an indication of the great work being done to advance smart city strategies in our community,” said Councillor Bruce Hayne, Chair of the City’s Investment & Innovation Committee. “This worthy global movement is leading cities around the world and sharing best practices in open data, broadband inclusion and utilizing technology to make fact-based decisions and provide better services to citizens”
One of Surrey’s latest projects includes converting 28,000 street lamps into LED lights, a long term investment that will benefit both motorists and pedestrians.
