University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman says SMART Windsor Essex could "further define the nationally recognized strengths of Windsor and Essex County."University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman says SMART Windsor Essex could "further define the nationally recognized strengths of Windsor and Essex County."

UWindsor joins community partners in Smart Cities Challenge

Windsor and Essex County have accepted the Smart Cities Challenge.

Stakeholders in the initiative gathered for a formal announcement at the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre to launch the SMART Windsor Essex — Smart Cities Challenge, which tasks municipalities to think creatively in achieving meaningful outcomes for residents using innovation, data and connected technology.

The winner of the challenge can receive up to $50-million from Infrastructure Canada to implement their ideas.

“When we talk about a smart city we're really talking about a city where people of all ages, interests and backgrounds can have access to data, technology and resources that can let their creative capabilities be expressed and grow,” said University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman.

The initiative is headed up by the City of Windsor, County of Essex, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Connecting Windsor Essex and other local stakeholders.

Bob Campbell, CEO of Connecting Windsor Essex, speaks to the media following the SMART Windsor Essex launch on March 23, 2018.

Bob Campbell, CEO of Connecting Windsor Essex, speaks to the media following the SMART Windsor Essex launch on March 23, 2018.

Through analysis of local data, the consortium has identified “Poverty,” “Health,” and “Employment” as three potential themes for the SMART Windsor Essex proposal. The initiative is now seeking input from the community through its website www.smartwindsoressex.ca.

“Visit the website, because this will be your opportunity to have your say and to help shape our community for generations to come,” said Essex County Warden Tom Bain.

Finalists in the challenge will receive $250,000 to develop their proposal and winning communities will receive a $10-million grant to implement their plans.