Waterloo named to the Smart 21

(November 14, 2006) Waterloo, ON - After being named one of the world's Top 7 Intelligent Communities 2006, Waterloo is once again being recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum as one of the Smart 21 communities in the world, putting Waterloo in the running for Intelligent Community 2007.

As a Smart 21, Waterloo is among cities from around the world being recognized for their innovative use of technology, and for the deployment of broadband connectivity and communication technologies by government, business and citizens.
"Through the Intelligent Community process last year, we know that Waterloo has an impressive story to tell," said Waterloo Mayor Herb Epp. "Being recognized to the list of the Smart 21 confirms that once again, Waterloo is a viable contender for the honour of Top Intelligent Community 2007."

This year, the Smart 21 Communities are from 12 countries on four continents. They range in population from 22,000 to nearly 7 million. The United States dominated the list for the first time with five communities. Canada and the United Kingdom were second to the US with three communities on the list. Other nations represented included South Korea (world leader in broadband deployment), Japan, China, France, Afghanistan, Australia and, for the first time, the Baltic nation of Estonia. A complete listing of the Smart 21 communities at www.intelligentcommunity.org.

The Smart 21 announcement is the first stage in ICF's annual Intelligent Community Awards cycle. Based on nominations submitted by communities, companies, organizations and individuals from around the world, ICF selects 21 finalists with the potential to become one of the Forum?s Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year. These Top Seven will be named in January 2007, followed by the announcement of the Top Intelligent Community in May, 2007.

According to ICF Chairman, John G. Jung, selection is based on awards applications from communities large and small, in industrialized and developing nations, around the world. Each year, communities are considered based on five primary criteria, as well as an annual theme.

In 2007, the theme is "Leadership." In the Intelligent Communities that ICF has studied, leadership has emerged from elected officials, government employees, business executives, universities and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the annual theme, ICF?s researchers and international jury will also look for evidence of collaboration and of a culture of broadband use in the commnities being considered.

"ICF's view is that communities of all sizes are capable of achievement and success in the Digital Age." Jung noted that the 2007 theme reflects the importance of champions, whether they be committees, companies, elected officials or individuals that grasp the critical importance of this issue, and move their communities forward toward becoming intelligent communities.

"Every community in nomination has 'won,' in the sense that they can demonstrate that they are moving their community into a more secure future by using the tools availble in the digital age."

Developing the submission for Waterloo was once again a collaborative effort that focused on the many ways Waterloo has enhance its position as a global intelligent community. Said Simon Farbrother, Waterloo Chief Administrative Office and Chair of the Intelligent Waterloo steering committee, "The process of completing the submission requires a collective effort that brings together information from all facets of the cmmunity - not for profits, academics, business, and municipal government. We have a strong submission that reflects the many ways Waterloo uses technology and innovation to enhance overall quality of ife in this community, and truly around the world."

Committee members for the 2007 Intelligent Community process include:

Waterloo Mayor Herb Epp, Intelligent Waterloo Leadership Group
David Johnston, President, University of Waterloo, Intelligent Waterloo Leadership Group
Jim Balsillie, Chairman and Co-CEO, Research in Motion, Intelligent Waterloo Leadership Group
Simon Farbrother, Waterloo Chief Administrative Officer, Steering Committee Chair
Mark Whaley, Waterloo City Councillor
Steve McCartney, President, Atria Networks
Colleen Fitzpatrick, Centre for International Governance Innovation
Don Cowan, Computer Systems Group
Doug Muholland, Computer Systems Group
Shirley Fenton, Waterloo Institute for Health Informatics Research, UW
Cathy Matyas, Waterloo Public Library
Catherine Rosenberg, Centre for Wireless Research, UW
Steve Farlow, Wilfrid Laurier University
Linda Fegan, Canada's Technology Triangle Inc
Mike McKeever, Waterloo Public Library
Ken McLaughlin, University of Waterloo
Ellen Jones, Waterloo Public Library
Trudy Beaulne, Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo
Vic Degutis, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Bruce Hawkins, City of Waterloo
Garry Bezruki, City of Waterloo
Marlene Coffey, City of Waterloo
Patti McKague, City of Waterloo
Elaine Nesbitt, City of Waterloo

Intelligent Community Forum

The Intelligent Community Forum (www.intelligentcommunity.org) is a global think tank that focuses on the uses of broadband and information technology for economic development by communitie large and small. ICF conducts research, creates conferences, provides speakers, publishes newsletters and research and presents annual awards that give a significant profile to communities leading the way i the Digital Age. ICF holds its annual conference at Polytechnic University in New York. The 2007 conference is scheduled for May 17-18, 2007.

Smart21 Communities named by the Intelligent Community Forum:

Ashland, Oregon
Bettendorf, Iowa
Burlington, Ontario
Corpus Christi, Texas
Dundee Scotland
Gangman-gu, Seoul
Hong Kong, China
Ichikawa, Japan
Isle of Man, British Crown Dependency
Issy les Molineaux, France
Jai Ding, China
Kabul, Afghanistan
Karlskrona, Sweden
Loma Linda, California
Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario
Reykjavik, Iceland
San Francisco, California
Sunderland, England
Tallinn, Estonia
Waterloo, Ontario
Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia

For further information:

Patti McKague Director,
Communications and Marketing
City of Waterloo
(519) 747-8748
pmckague@city.waterloo.on.ca

Click here for the press release in PDF format.