I am pleased to highlight some of the exciting initiatives underway here in Durham Region. Entrepreneurship is thriving in our Region. Durham companies have what it takes to compete, creating exciting products and services. Our advisory centres and business networks are connecting and supporting start-ups and small and medium sized businesses, delivering funding, mentor ship and expert advice. Our eight communities are working to create an innovation ecosystem, building on successes and forging new partnerships. Together, we are exploring fresh and innovative ways to use technology to address municipal challenges.
We are thrilled to announce that Durham Region has been selected as a lead jurisdiction in research, development and testing that will drive the future of transportation. In partnership with the Spark Centre, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and its Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), and Durham College, the Region will be home to one of six Regional Technology Development Sites funded through the Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network. Building on our proud history as a global leader in automotive manufacturing, we will continue to collaborate with our partners across government, industry and academia to realize the transformative opportunities of connected and autonomous vehicles.
Along with our local economic development offices, we are working hard to develop partnerships with international industry associations to spur foreign direct investment. Our five-year economic development strategy showcases Durham’s priority sectors, illustrating why we are the right choice for a bright future. Durham’s post secondary institutions play an active and vital role in creating and maintaining the Durham advantage. Our investment in talent, a competitive business climate, interconnected infrastructure, and an unmatched quality of life are some of the many advantages we offer for business.
Throughout the Region, we continue to invest in the infrastructure and community services that support our economy and quality of life. We are guided by our Strategic Plan, and our updated Transportation Master Plan is designed to keep us moving until 2031 and beyond. We are proud of our highly acclaimed Community Climate Adaptation Plan to allow us all to better manage the impact of extreme weather. Using a similar collaborative approach, we are working to develop a Community Energy Plan—setting out strategies that could dramatically reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in our communities, creating jobs along the way.
We are building the foundation for a smart, resilient, inclusive and prosperous community that will be a leader in Ontario and beyond. The path forward is full of possibilities and potential. We invite you to learn more about the exciting developments unfolding in Durham Region!
Gerri Lynn O’Connor
Durham Regional Chair and CEO
