Region launches Smart Waterloo Region campaign on National day of the child

Region launches Smart Waterloo Region campaign on National day of the child

Waterloo Region – The Region is hosting three launch events today in Cambridge, Elmira and Kitchener toencourage participation and garner support for winning the national Smart Cities Challenge – a competition worth $50 million.  

Waterloo region has already been shortlisted as one of five cities competing for the title. “A smart city uses data and technologies to enhance services to citizens and increase quality of life – in Waterloo Region, we are proposing to build a smart city that supports our children and youth” said Matthew Chandy, Smart Waterloo Region Lead. “To win we will need to leverage the knowledge of our technology and social sectors to become the best community for kids in Canada.”

Children and youth are crucial stakeholders in a thriving community. That’s why Smart Waterloo Region (SWR) invited children and youth as well as parents, tech partners, organizations and community members to come to a series of launch events to share ideas. 

SWR is also partnering with UNICEF, who monitors and continually works to improve child and youth wellbeing in Canada. SWR plans to offer community solutions to child and youth challenges that can be shared across the country – starting here in Waterloo region. ““Municipalities play an important role in the health and wellbeing of child and youth in Canada. At UNICEF Canada, we believe every child has a voice and a right to participate, and we are delighted to be partnering with Smart Waterloo Region as they take on the challenge to create the best possible opportunities for children and make life better for its youngest citizens,” says Lisa Wolff, Director of Policy and Research, UNICEF Canada. 

Those who can’t attend a launch event this afternoon or this evening, but still want to give input or get involved in future events can visit smartwr.ca. The current online question is, “What top challenges do you think children and youth face in our community?” New interactive discussion forums will be posted every other week to help the team gather insights and solutions.  

SWR has created a youth advisory panel who meet regularly to help inform the team and co-create solutions. “We want all kids to feel valued, heard and included,” said Chandy.

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For more information, please contact:

Jill Kolb, Communications Coordinator, jkolb@regionofwaterloo.ca , 226-751-6536

The Region of Waterloo provides more than 60 per cent of municipal services to a growing population of 570,000 people. We are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving and sustainable community through innovative leadership and a range of services such as: public health, social services, planning, heritage, water supply, regional roads, waste management, ambulance service, rural libraries, public transit, community housing, emergency planning, Provincial Offences Courts and airport services.