Smart City and the Toronto Region If you’ve never heard of the phrase “Smart City,” it’s because it’s all around us. Smart City is a concept that touches every part of our lives – from transportation to infrastructure, and from environmental policy to advanced technologies like hybrid vehicles. As champions for the Toronto Region, our team and partners are strategically positioned to bring our home to the SCEWC stage as Smart City leaders. Not only is the Toronto Region home to emerging initiatives and developments in sustainable, well-connected communities, but we are also at the forefront of introducing innovative urban activities, such as 5G network, autonomous vehicle testing, and electric vehicle charging. The Toronto Region looks to the future, by proactively confronting the challenges of a projected population growth from 7.1 million to 10 million people in the next 25 years and the weight of protecting our citizens by advocating for environmental sustainability. And as the fastest growing city in the U.S. and Canada, the Toronto Region has embraced the concept of Smart City as a driving force for future-proofing our economic development and an area of opportunity for international companies to expand into one of the most diverse places in the world. Primed for Smart City opportunities to flourish The Toronto Region didn’t just stumble into being a Smart City – it was designed to be one. With more than 50% of our population being foreign-born, combined with being one of the largest tech hubs in North America, the region has been uniquely primed to adapt technological advancements coming from local and international expertise. Our adaptability is rooted in a strong, multifaceted business environment, incentivizing organizations to work here. But the region’s high quality of life, universal healthcare, openness to diverse perspectives, and ability to build communities based on shared values is what attracts cultures from around the globe to live in the Toronto Region. Furthermore, Canada is the only G7 country to have free trade agreements with every other G7 country, becoming a key economic gateway and allowing for seamless access to the U.S. markets. Canada’s 14 active trade agreements, including the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), means that it is easier than ever before for foreign companies to bid on local government projects. Building tomorrow’s Smart City today Canada has the lowest tax rate on new business investment in the G7, and the nation is investing $180 billion in infrastructure over the next 12 years. From improving digital urban infrastructure to building a micro-grid of integrated smart devices to benchmarking for a low-carbon economy, we see the potential for building a robust region. Here are three examples of how forward-thinking Smart City opportunities have developed the Toronto Region, today:
What’s next? Everything is in place for the Toronto Region to be the next Smart City global leader, and we’re here to assist companies looking to join the workforce of the future. Along with our partners, the Toronto Region Board of Trade and Destination Toronto, our team at Toronto Global leveraged the SCEWC event to arrange meetings with 20+ international businesses in market to support potential expansions into the Toronto Region. Toronto Global is the best choice and a trusted partner for organizations looking to access Smart City opportunities and bring their expertise to an unparalleled pipeline of highly educated talent and rich, diverse communities.
If you’re interested in learning more about Smart City opportunities and how Toronto Global can support you, contact: JanWillem Gille Director Investment Attraction Western Europe Email: jwgille@torontoglobal.ca Phone: 437 775 8096 LinkedIn Bart Deelen Senior Advisor, Investment Attraction Europe Email: bdeelen@torontoglobal.ca Phone: 416 567 4122 LinkedIn