Greater Victoria has edged out more than 126 other cities to be named one of 10 finalists in Infrastructure Canada's 'Smart Cities Challenge'.
The win awards 'South Island Prosperity Project' (SIPP) $250,000 in federal funds to further develop a proposal to compete for the grand prize of $10-million. SIPP is the economic development agency for Greater Victoria, a collaboration of municipalities, First Nations, private business and industry associations and non profits.
The competition sees communities submit their best strategies and plans for improving the lives of residents -- through innovation, data, and connected technology.
The South Island Prosperity Project submitted their proposal in April outlining a strategy based on multi-modal transportation to create a 20 per cent improvement in mobility and wellbeing.
The submission won out over other B.C. submissions from Nanaimo, Campbell River, Langford, Kelowna, Penticton, and Abbotsford.
Winners will be announced in late 2019.