Government of Canada launches the Smart Cities Community Support Program to help communities improve the quality of life for their residents

News release

Government of Canada opens call for proposals for not-for-profit organizations to deliver the new program

Ottawa, Ontario, June 7, 2018 — Being innovative and using data and connected technology will strengthen our communities, make them more liveable and inclusive, and create economic opportunities and jobs for middle class Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, launched an open callout to select not-for-profit organizations across Canada to deliver the new Smart Cities Community Support Program.

Building on the Government of Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge that is currently under way, not-for-profit organizations funded under the Smart Cities Community Support Program will work to build the capacity of all Canadian communities to better navigate the fast-moving and complex smart cities landscape.

Not-for-profit organizations funded under the Program will provide advisory services to communities of all sizes from across the country, in particular small and medium-sized municipalities and remote and rural communities. This will include the support required to understand smart cities approaches, engage residents, and develop robust smart cities proposals. Specific capacity building services are being sought for Indigenous communities.

Not-for-profit organizations have until July 20, 2018 to submit their applications. Applicants are encouraged to work together, to form consortia and submit joint proposals to ensure national reach and coverage of experience and expertise.

Quotes

“The Smart Cities Challenge has been creating excitement in communities of all sizes across the country. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate, including small and medium-sized municipalities and rural, remote and Indigenous communities. This open and competitive callout provides a unique opportunity for organizations to support the drive to a culture of change, continuous improvement and innovation in communities across Canada.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts

  • The competition is open to not-for-profit organizations across Canada. The callout and Application Guide are posted on the Infrastructure Canada website

  • Organizations must have experience working across multiple sectors (private, public, and civil society). They should have the appropriate structure in place to deliver the required activities, a mandate that aligns with advancing smart cities approaches in Canada, and established networks and expertise at the national level, community level, and with Indigenous populations.

  • The Community Support Program will provide support to communities throughout all three competitions of the Smart Cities Challenge.

  • Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada launched the first of three competitions of the Smart Cities Challenge in November 2017, encouraging communities across the country to develop and implement smart cities initiatives. Finalists were announced on June 1, 2018 and winners will be announced in spring 2019.

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Contacts

Kate Monfette
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-301-0894
kate.monfette@canada.ca

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

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