Windsor-Essex could be named world’s smartest region

By Dan Schwab – April 27, 2011

Even if Windsor-Essex isn’t chosen as the smartest region in the world by the Intelligent Community Forum, the momentum and buzz that has been created about this area will leave an enduring legacy.

	Robert Bell, co-founder of the Intelligent Community Forum, toured Windsor and Essex County last week as part of the region being selected as a top 7 finalist in the ICF’s contest to name the world’s smartest region.

Those remarks came from Brian Gregg, chief administrative officer for Essex County, who spoke to county council April 20 about the “whirlwind tour” Intelligent Community Forum co-founder Robert Bell took across the region over two days last week.

“I’ve never seen this community pull together the way it has over the past couple days to show the rest of the world what we have to offer,” Gregg said.

Bell visited 10 sites across Windsor-Essex, including the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital and other facilities, which focus on programs highlighting innovation, collaboration and creativity.

He was also taken on a helicopter tour of the county and saw from the air greenhouses, solar installations and wineries.

“I know Robert Bell certainly was impressed, he made those remarks several times,” said Essex County Warden Tom Bain during his opening remarks at the council meeting.

Windsor-Essex was named to the shortlist of top seven finalists in the ICF’s contest.

“Even if we don’t achieve number one, we know ourselves that we are number one,” Bain said. “We are a smart community.”