10 Cities
9 Partners
6 Time zones
2 Hosts
1 Country
The Ride
A Campaign to Connect Canada - #BSCride
May 21st - May 29th 2013
Canada was born out of the need to connect. Confederation brought together our vast and sparsely inhabited country with the promise of connectivity. The Trans Canada Railway, completed in 1885, represented a significant infrastructure investment and became the first platform to connect our nation. Now over 125 years later, our rail and transit systems are in need of repair, and a new platform for connectivity is emerging as an imperative link for economic prosperity: bandwidth.
Inspired by “The Great Canadian Challenge” we are taking the train across Canada to advocate for investment in the physical and digital infrastructure that connects Canadians and strengthens our emerging digital economy.
We believe that strong municipalities are connected with sustainable transportation and reliable broadband. We want physical and digital connectivity to build a strong Canada.
The Campaign starts in Halifax May 21st with stops in 9 cities and ends in Vancouver at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Annual Conference May 29th. Follow and share our story
Presented By
Whistle Stops
Port of Halifax
Learn how this historic port shaped the foundations of Canada’s economy and how the rail keeps it going!
Toronto: Union Station & Metrolinx
Learn how this significant investment in rail and commuter transit will transform Toronto and Ontario’s economy.
Waterloo: Digital Transformation
How will information “super highways” transform our economy? We speak with Communitech in Waterloo to learn the importance of supporting digital infrastructure to grow our economies and communities.
London, Ontario
How a Southwestern Ontario city transformed itself from a manufacturing economy to a digital economy through investments in digital and rail infrastructure
Waterfront Toronto
From water to rail to local transit systems, how can an economy leverage it’s historical infrastructure assets to propel itself into the future with digital infrastructure and smart city technology?
Stratford
How does a small rural economy transform into a digital economy? Infrastructure.
Winnipeg
Learn about the history and significance of water and rail transportation in building the region’s economy, and discusses fibre as the next platform to connect Manitoba.
Vancouver
After taking the train across Canada to talk about investment in infrastructure we arrive in Vancouver and headed to Stanley Park to check out the pacific coast and get to know the city. This video chronicles the highlights of their journey.
Our Blog
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Commentary from the Trans-Canada Rail
A new series of blogs has just been announced with Public Sector Digest. ”Commentary from the Trans-Canada Rail” will feature monthly blogs covering what the Build Strong Cities
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Rail, Empires, and Communication
Riding across Canada one can’t help but reflect on the importance of the construction of the rail in Canada’s history. In particular, I am reminded of Harold Innis “Empire and Communications.”
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The roads & bridges that connect us
I had no idea how big Canada was until I took the VIA train across it. Canada is a big country. 9,984,670 km² to be exact. And in order to connect suppliers to customers, people with jobs
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The all red route: trans Canada Highway
While the Canadian Pacific Rail was the first “iron highway” to connect Canada from coast to coast, we should talk about The trans Canada Highway, Canada’s second transportation platform that connected our nation.
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BSC Ride: Josh Wright wrap up
I want to thank the sponsors of the Strong Cities Campaign for the opportunity to go on this trip, learn about so many great things going on for Canada in terms of the digital economy. The recent Great Canadian Infrastructure Challenge
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From Coast to Coast – growing the digital economy
British Columbia and our final destination, Vancouver, is a very vibrant place that represents a host of incredible organizations that support entrepreneurship and connectivity when it.
Meet the Team
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Kadie Ward
FOUNDER
Kadie is an award-winning multi-media producer and economic developer. She works to build local economies by shaping policy and sharing their story around the world. She is proud Canadian who works across North America, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean and is inspired to build a stronger Canada.
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Josh Wright
Founder, Marmot Labs Inc.
Josh is a Waterloo-based entrepreneur who is passionate about the emerging digital economy. As a co-founder of Marmot Labs, he and his partner have created Decision.io, an online platform that will change the way collective decisions are made in businesses and foundations.
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Manoj Kelath
Videographer, Masters of Digital Experience Innovation, The University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
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Jean-François Tremblay
Photographer, Bachelor of Global Business and Digital Arts, The University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
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