PRESS RELEASE: Fredericton Welcomes the Launch of the ICF Institute Canada (Atlantic) – A Milestone for Smart City Innovation

Fredericton, NB – October 30, 2024 – The ICF Institute Canada (Atlantic) made an impressive debut in Fredericton on October 28-29, 2024, marking a significant step toward advancing smart city solutions and sustainable community development in Atlantic Canada.

Hosted at the Wu Convention Centre, the two-day event gathered regional and international thought leaders, industry experts, and local innovators to explore technology-driven pathways for building resilient, inclusive, and intelligent communities.

Day one of the launch event brought together representatives from the three ICF institutes, highlighting the global reach and collaborative strength of the Intelligent Community Forum. Mayor Kate Rogers opened the day with welcoming remarks, followed by ICF leaders John Jung and Wendy Dupluy, who provided foundational insights into the organization’s history and transformative impact worldwide. Li Wen (Ema) Hsieh from Taiwan’s ICF Institute shared successful smart city practices, while Jeff Melanson of Unity introduced innovative concepts in digital twinning, demonstrating how advanced simulations can enhance community planning and resilience.

In the afternoon, Doug McCollough showcased the impactful work of the Dublin, Ohio Institute, followed by Simon Potter’s introduction of the ICF Institute Canada (Atlantic), where he emphasized the importance of accessible education and sustainability to local development. A session by Robert Bell further elaborated on new opportunities with ICF, including collaborations with communities across North America and beyond. The day ended with a panel discussion reinforcing Fredericton’s strategic role within this international network and underscoring NBCC’s contributions to economic growth through digital education and community-focused initiatives.

Day Two began with opening remarks from NBCC President Mary Butler, welcoming participants to engage in the future of connectivity, accessibility, and urban innovation. Presentations included the Black Arcs’ pioneering work in geospatial predictive analytics, the Autism Resource Centre’s strides in accessibility technology, and other initiatives addressing critical needs through advanced digital solutions. The event wrapped up with a discussion on Atlantic Canada’s role in fostering sustainable communities through strategic technology and industry partnerships.

The event successfully demonstrated the collaborative potential of the ICF network, laying a strong foundation for Atlantic Canada’s smart city and community development agenda.

The ICF Institute Canada (Atlantic) launch signifies an ongoing commitment to inclusive prosperity, technological advancement, and sustainable growth. For further details about the institute and upcoming initiatives, please contact the ICF Institute team.

For more information, please visit www.nbcc.ca/icf.