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Smart Cities challenge statement approved by council

Apr 18, 2018 | 11:59 PM

The City is moving forward with a submission for the national Smart Cities Challenge offered by Infrastructure Canada.

The challenge offers up to $50 million to winning municipalities for the purpose of implementing bold and innovative ideas that respond to chalenges using technology.

Municipalities were required to submit a challenge statement by April 24.

Red Deer’s was approved by city council on Monday and reads, “Provide residents and visitors anticipatory navigation to activities, sites and amenities to increase the engagement and participation in our community.”

The City’s vision, should its bid be successful, is potentially to create an app to allow residents to find the best place for a coffee, where activities are happening, or how long it takes to get to the next park node. It could also include geocaching capabilities.

If chosen as a finalist, the municipality will work with stakeholders to further develop its proposal. Finalists are expected to be announced this summer with final proposals being submitted in the winter.

The City said it received a lot of feedback on the Smart Cities Challenge at its recent Let’s Talk event.