Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced finalists in the national Smart Cities Challenge on June 1.
The Guelph-Wellington County entry was named one of 10 finalists in its population category and awarded $250,000 to further develop its bid for a $10-million prize.
The Guelph-Wellington bid is in the category for communities with populations up to 500,000, which drew more than 100 proposals.
The Guelph-Wellington circular food economy vision is to increase access to affordable, nutritious food by 50 per cent, create 50 new circular businesses and collaborations by using waste as a resource and increase circular economic revenues by 50 per cent, all by 2025.
It was developed in partnership with the University of Guelph, Conestoga College and dozens of other experts, entrepreneurs, innovators and community champions.
As a finalist, Guelph-Wellington will continue work with partners in the bid to win one of two $10-million prizes to be announced by the federal government next spring.
“Our community has the expertise and experience to create a food economy that is more efficient, more productive, more sustainable and more equitable for everyone,” said Wellington County Warden Dennis Lever.
“We are eager to solve a complex social problem and the Smart Cities Challenge is a critical element of a solution.”
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said, “This is a huge step on our road to becoming Canada’s first circular food economy. It’s a testament to the incredible talent and expertise in food and agriculture that exists in our region.
“I want to thank all the partners who helped us make it to the finals, and I look forward to working together in the months ahead to clinch the $10-million prize.” Guthrie added, “Guelph will then be truly living its motto – the city that makes a difference, locally and globally.”
Wellington County CAO Scott Wilson said, the funding “will enable us to create a substantial positive impact on developing systems and products that will be useful around the globe.”
Guelph CAO Derrick Thomson noted, “We are intent on creating a sustainable food system and addressing an issue that’s important locally, nationally and internationally.
“We are honoured to have this opportunity to draw on a rich resource of unique expertise here in Canada’s agri-food hub, in the heart of the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor.”
Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield said he will continue to “champion” Guelph-Wellington’s Smart Cities Challenge.
For more information about the circular food economy proposal visit guelph.ca/foodinnovation.
