Contacts
Pickering is committed to intelligent community development to create a more connected, engaged, inclusive, and sustainable City. Advancing our broadband and information and communications technology will enhance the quality of life for those who live here, and play a critical role in generating economic growth and employment opportunities for Pickering.
Intelligent Community Awards
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has recognized Pickering as a Smart21 Communities of 2023, 2018 and 2017. The award program recognizes the world's leading municipalities that are successfully leveraging the power of technology to develop inclusive and prosperous communities.
Visit intelligentcommunity.org for more information on the Intelligent Community Forum and the Intelligent Community of the Year awards.
ICF released a comprehensive ranking of intelligent communities grouped by population, naming Pickering Top 10 by population of 50,000-100,000.
Some of Pickering's smart initiatives include:
Broadband Strategy / Accessible and Affordable Internet |
Durham Region and the City of Pickering are focused on driving broadband availability throughout the region and creating a digitally connected community. This includes ensuring equitable and affordable broadband access in all of our rural communities. Broadband availability is now vital, not only in delivering the City’s services and interacting with residents, but as an essential tool for citizens and businesses as they connect, communicate and contribute to our community. To deliver on this initiative, the Region is preparing to launch a survey coordination to residents and businesses to learn more about their current broadband situations. We hope the responses will shed further light on the exact trouble areas and the specific nature of the problem. Watch durham.ca for more information on the survey. In the meantime, we are increasing co-ordination and communication with all stakeholders. This includes studying ways of streamlining processes and removing barriers for service providers to reach our rural communities. The following projects aim to provide residents with equitable access to internet:
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Digital Skills Training |
The City aims to bridge the digital skills gap by providing free education on the skills needed to be successful in today's technological environment. The Library's iHelp Service Desk offers free one-on-one advice and training, and is open 7 days a week, assisting over 17,000 clients per year. The Library also offers free instructor-led and online learning opportunities ranging from basic computer skills to more complex topics, such as Computer Security, 3D Printing, and Circuits and Robotics. With a library card, residents can also take part in online learning through partners such as:
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Furthering our Sustainable Pickering Journey |
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Community Engagement and Education |
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