The rise of smart cities is a global phenomenon that is transforming the way we live, work and interact with our environment. At the forefront of this revolution is Canada, a country that is leveraging its robust telecommunications infrastructure and integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to create smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable urban environments.
Canada’s telecom infrastructure is a key enabler of the smart city revolution. The country’s telecom industry, led by giants like Bell, Rogers and Telus, has invested heavily in building a robust, fast and reliable network infrastructure. This infrastructure, which includes advanced broadband networks, 5G technology and satellite communication systems, forms the basis for the connectivity and data transmission required for smart city applications.
Trevor Hurst is a dynamic leader in IT with an extensive 30-year career spanning private sectors, regulated utilities, and the energy sector in Western Canada. Having spent the last 15 years in provincial and local government roles, he currently serves as the Executive Chief Information Officer for Saanich, British Columbia. Hurst’s mission is to transform Saanich into a smart city, address housing and environmental issues, and enhance the residents’ quality of life.
In an Interview with CIO Review Canada magazine, Hurst shares his insights on the challenges and emerging trends in the Canadian smart city space and the experience he has gathered in the domain.
In a recent study done by Juniper Research ranking the top five smart cities in the world, Toronto, Ont. received the bronze medal.
The market research and analysis company ranked 50 world cities based on an evaluation of many different smart city aspects, including transportation and infrastructure, energy and lighting, city management and technology, and urban connectivity.
Read more: CA: Toronto ranks third smartest city in the world
Thomson Reuters wins contract to build system for delivering more services online
Ontario is investing $166 million to deliver more legal services online, replacing paper-based procedures with a digital platform that will provide better access to the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice.
Read more: CA: Ontario unveils $166 million investment in digital justice platform
We connect to our wearable fitness trackers. We set our smart thermostats. We ask our voice assistants to set our smart appliances to pre-heat the oven just before we come home.
Then, we step outside into public spaces that are increasingly connected through devices that allow us to receive instant information about bus schedules, traffic, health services, safety alerts, community news, and much more. The rate at which internet of things (IoT) technology is being developed and deployed in the world around us is astounding.