Calgary is rapidly transforming into a smart city, actively integrating innovative technologies into its urban infrastructure. From digital transportation management to environmentally friendly initiatives, the city is focused on improving residents’ quality of life and ensuring sustainable development. In this article on calgary-future, we explore the steps Calgary has already taken to achieve its smart city vision and look at what the future holds.
The “Smart Calgary” Strategy
The City of Calgary has been investing in the digital infrastructure needed to realize its “Smart City” project since the year 2000. City officials recognize that the world is undergoing significant changes, and it’s vital for Calgary to be prepared for this evolution. To address this, the comprehensive “Smart Calgary” Strategy was created.
The primary goal of this strategy is to transform Calgary into the ideal place for residents to earn, live, and play. It is essential to improve the daily lives of Calgarians by leveraging all available technologies. Furthermore, a crucial element of the strategy is accelerating the pace at which the city enhances its resilience and sustainability.
The municipal government is committed to fostering a stable and successful economy, supporting economic diversification opportunities, reducing barriers, and establishing digital equity. Below, we detail the projects that have already been successfully implemented.
Achieving Digital Equity
Digital equity means ensuring every Calgary resident has access to essential digital services. The city runs the “AHA!” program, which helps citizens in need of a computer by providing them with older, refurbished city computers that are still in excellent working condition.
The city has also partnered with the Technology Helps Foundation to teach people how to use these devices and provide ongoing technical support. In today’s world, access to digital technology is crucial for education, employment, obtaining medical services, and participating in civic life.
Additionally, in the summer of 2021, secure access to free Wi-Fi was implemented across the city for post-secondary students, faculty, and staff.
Smart Transportation
Calgary has implemented a project that allows vehicles to receive real-time traffic information in specific areas while driving. This connected vehicle technology is a smart city initiative designed to share crucial data, significantly enhancing safety on the roads.
Furthermore, all public transit in the city is equipped with GPS, allowing residents to track bus movements in real-time. This capability helps citizens plan their routes more efficiently and minimize wait times.
The city has also optimized several traffic lanes. By implementing reversible lanes that change direction during rush hour, the system ensures a high volume of traffic can be managed smoothly during peak commuting times.
In addition, Calgary has introduced specific improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. Enhanced crosswalks, smart traffic lights, and improved pathways make walking and biking safer and more accessible for city dwellers.
Calgary: A Greener City
Calgary boasts over 500,000 trees on public lands alone. It is well known that trees improve air and water quality, reduce erosion, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. To ensure the survival of these green zones, it is vital to monitor exactly how much water each tree receives.
To achieve this, the city introduced water flow sensors. Implementing this project was challenging, as electricity and water rarely mix well, but through the joint efforts of experts, it was made possible. Currently, eight city watering trucks are equipped with these sensors, allowing the city to accurately track the volume of water used for each tree.
The “Living Labs” Initiative
Another excellent project is the “Living Labs” initiative. These are innovative spaces where residents, companies, and researchers can test and implement new urban solutions together. The core idea is simple: Calgary itself becomes a laboratory for new ideas.
Technologies and solutions are trialled directly on the streets, in public transit, parks, and residential areas. This provides real-world data on the effectiveness of these solutions and their impact on citizens’ daily lives. For instance, a designated industrial area in Calgary serves as a drone flight zone, and the Devonian Gardens botanical park is equipped with agricultural sensors that measure humidity, soil composition, and other vital indicators.
The Living Labs not only allow for the collection of real-world metrics but also help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition, attract investment to the region, and make Calgary a more favourable place to do business. Additionally, city residents are actively involved in testing new services, which naturally boosts the level of social engagement.
Calgary is demonstrating how a modern municipality can seamlessly integrate technology, sustainable development, and community participation to enhance living conditions. The city is transforming into a genuine platform for innovation and social interaction. Thanks to smart transportation systems, digital equity, Living Labs, environmental initiatives, and future projects, Calgary is becoming a safer, more comfortable, and modern city for its residents, all while creating opportunities for business and scientific development.