Global recognition highlights Kingston’s innovation and digital leadership
Kingston, Ontario – March 11, 2025 – The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has selected Kingston as one of the Smart21 Communities of 2025, marking the city’s return to this prestigious global recognition. The announcement was made at a special evening event following the Communities in Transition conference in Hamilton, Ontario.
Kingston was chosen based on its demonstrated excellence across ICF’s Community Accelerator Strategy framework, which evaluates communities on their connectivity, innovation, digital equality, sustainability, advocacy, and engagement. Kingston, last ranked a Smart21 city in 2014, joins three other Canadian communities (Langley, British Colombia; and Durham Region and Grey County in Ontario) and global cities including Assaí Paraná, Brazil; Bilbao, Spain; Brightlands-Limburg, The Netherlands; Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia; Chiayi and Pingung County, Taiwan, Coral Gables, Florida; and Reykjavík, Iceland, named this year.
The Intelligent Community Forum, a global network focused on job creation and economic development in the digital age, annually recognizes communities that leverage technology to build inclusive prosperity and tackle social challenges.
“It’s amazing to see this list. Not only is it very international, there are no usual suspects of large cities on this list that everyone normally would think of when they think of smart cities and Intelligent Communities,” said John G. Jung, Co-Founder of ICF. “Initially, only larger cities had the capacity and advanced interest to pursue this smart / Intelligent movement, but now many of ICF’s celebrated Smart21 communities are smaller, medium-sized and regional entities, keen to participate globally and attract jobs, talent and investment in the same way that larger cities do by promoting their advanced capabilities as part of their competitive advantages”.
“It’s thrilling to see Kingston recognized on the international stage for our ingenuity and innovation in advancing liveability, sustainability and economic prosperity across our region,” said Cathy Campbell-Wilson, Chair, Board of Directors, Kingston Economic Development.
Kingston continues to leverage its strategic assets, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and collaborative public-private partnerships to drive economic growth and enhance quality of life for residents. “This recognition affirms Kingston’s position as a leading innovative community on the global stage,” said Donna Gillespie, CEO of Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “By strategically investing in digital infrastructure, fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem, and focusing on sustainability, we are fostering an environment where businesses and residents can thrive. This achievement belongs to our entire community.”
“Being recognized as one of the Smart21 Communities validates what we’ve always known – Kingston is a world-class city for innovation and economic growth,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “This international recognition showcases our city’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to create a vibrant community. It is a testament to the hard work of our businesses, institutions, and residents, who make Kingston a dynamic place to live, work, and invest.”
Media Contacts:
Daniel Solorio
Marketing & Communications Manager
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
613-329-9270
solorio@investkingston.ca
