Guelph-Wellington win $10M in federal government's Smart Cities Challenge

The City ofGuelphand Wellington County have won $10 million in federal grant money through the Smart Cities Challenge.

The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon in Ottawa.

The communities submitted a joint application to create Canada's first circular food economy. They wereamong 10 finalists competing for one of two $10 million prizes.

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said the challenge brought people together.

"Our vision is a food system where everyone has enough healthy food to eat, nothing is wasted and the environmental footprint is a lot smaller and we will make that possible thanks to this Smart Cities Challenge award," Guthrie said in his acceptance speech.

Making a positive difference

The city and county have already received attention for their efforts outside of Canada. They were invited to take part in an international circular food economy study and were also asked to present at the Global Food Summit in Germany.

County of Wellington Warden Kelly Linton said he always knew the area was special.

"To develop such an innovative and ambitious program, right in my hometown, right in my our county, it's huge for me," Linton told CBC News after the win was announced.

"I think it just causes us to look beyond our own borders to think how can we make a positive difference in our area, in Canada and be models internationally."

The Region of Waterloo was also a finalistin the $50 million category.

The region's bid, which centred on the use of technology to improve the lives of young people and children, lost out to Montreal.