Meet Canada’s Smart21 Communities of 2021: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Located at the midpoint between the east and west coasts of Canada, Winnipeg, with its population of over 811,000 is the capital of Manitoba and is rich in agricultural and natural resources. This is the ninth time that Winnipeg has been recognized by ICF as a SMART21 community.

It previously celebrated its SMART21 recognition in 2011 – 2014, inclusively; in 2016; and again between 2018- 2021. It is also a three-time TOP7 award winner in 2014, 2016 and 2018. It is known for its collaboration in pursuing economic growth through connecting industry and education, while better equipping its large aboriginal population for greater opportunities. For instance, the Manitoba Internet Exchange (MBIX), allows members to directly connect to one another over unmetered ethernet in order to exchange local Internet traffic, bypassing the need for expensive and complex routing. The North Forge Technology Exchange is an innovation-based economic development agency in Winnipeg that provides entrepreneurs with award-winning mentors, subject-matter experts and a two-stage startup program that includes business training and access to financing. Winnipeg has also formed partnerships linking employers like Canadian Tire to the University of Winnipeg, an ICT association and other public-private groups to improve the supply of skilled employees. The Composite Innovation Centre (CIC), a public-private R&D organization, has developed technologies and supply chains for high-performance composites based on agricultural materials such as hemp and flax, which reduces costs for employers like Boeing and Magellan Aerospace. Winnipeg has leveraged its public library system as a way to close the digital divide among citizens. The library provides free access to 350 public computers with Internet access and a variety of MS Office software for public use.