20 Canadian communities are happily looking ahead to cashing big federal government cheques, as they have been short-listed as the finalists for Canada’s “Smart Cities Challenge”.

The new, competition-based approach encouraged villages, towns and cities to come up with local, innovative solutions to their most pressing issues. More than 200 communities from across Canada responded. They submitted ideas that have the potential to improve their communities in areas such as reconciliation, protection of Indigenous language and culture, food security, better education and health for youth and children, and affordable housing.

The links to powerful local leadership are one critical element in towns and cities seeking bold and innovative ideas and solutions to local issues. As the other articles in this June issue of PERSPECTIVES demonstrate, leadership by Mayors, Councillors and senior administration is critical to making Canadian communities competitive in the global economic environment.

The connection between great local leadership and successful, prosperous and progressive towns and cities has never been greater.

And, as advanced technology will drive city halls even more in the future, it is important for Canadian communities of all sizes to support and encourage an open, innovative and progressive strategic development in their local communities—and city halls. This is where strong leadership can really separate weak from robust civic agendas.

The announcement of the 20 finalists was made at the FCM conference in Halifax by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities:

• Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation, Ontario ($5M prize)
• Bridgewater, Nova Scotia ($5M prize)
• Cree Nation of Eastmain, Quebec ($5M prize)
• Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Quebec ($5M prize)
• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories ($5M prize)
• Airdrie and Area, Alberta ($10M prize)
• Communities of Nunavut, Nunavut ($10M prize)
• Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec ($10M prize)
• Greater Victoria, British Columbia ($10M prize)
• Guelph and Wellington County, Ontario ($10M prize)
• Parkland, Brazeau, Lac Ste Anne and Yellowhead Counties, Alberta ($10M prize)
• Richmond, British Columbia ($10M prize)
• Saint Mary’s First Nation and Fredericton, New-Brunswick ($10M prize)
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ($10M prize)
• The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and Kelsey, Manitoba ($10M prize)
• Edmonton, Alberta ($50M prize)
• Montreal, Quebec ($50M prize)
• Quebec City, Quebec ($50M prize)
• Region of Waterloo, Ontario ($50M prize)
• Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia ($50M prize)
   

The twenty finalists that have been selected will now go on to compete for four prizes:

• one prize of up to $50 million, available to all communities;
• two prizes of up to $10 million, available to all communities below 500,000 residents; and
• one prize of up to $5 million, available to all communities below 30,000 residents.
   

Congratulations to the twenty finalists are certainly well earned. But equally, to the other 180+ Canadian towns and cities who entered, congratulations as well. Their work and ingenuity will undoubtedly better each of their communities and help to resolve pressing local issues.

Well done, Canadian municipal leaders!