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2025 Smart Growth Symposium Agenda
September 16, 2025 at 7:45 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
Refreshments & Registration
September 16, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 8:38 a.m.
Welcome Remarks from OCC
Daniel Tisch picture
Daniel Tisch
September 16, 2025 at 8:38 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 8:45 a.m.
Welcome Remarks from CPE
Derek Newton picture
Derek Newton
September 16, 2025 at 8:45 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 8:55 a.m.
Keynote Presentation | Connected, Clean, and Clever: The Rise of Digital-First Cities

Dive into the critical role digital infrastructure plays in cleaner energy grids, optimized transportation systems, and data-driven planning. Attendees will gain insights into how industry is future-proofing services by leveraging AI and emerging technologies to reduce emissions and power the digital economy. 

September 16, 2025 at 8:55 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 9:45 a.m.
Table Talks

Explore opportunities to drive innovation and sustainability across sectors in intimate roundtable discussions alongside fellow industry experts and academics. Share insights, spark ideas, and help shape Ontario’s path to growth and resilience. 

September 16, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
Panel Session | The Future in Motion: Smart Mobility and Infrastructure for a Sustainable Economy

How we plan, build, and move is evolving fast. This panel will explore how strategic infrastructure and innovative housing initiatives can tackle challenges in affordability, mobility, and economic growth. From major public projects to cross-sector partnerships, hear from leaders in civic engagement and infrastructure development on creating more inclusive, resilient, and better-connected communities across Ontario.

Leslie Woo picture
Leslie Woo
Heather Grey-Wolf picture
Heather Grey-Wolf
September 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.
Health Break
September 16, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 10:55 a.m.
Keynote Presentation | Green, Smart, and Scalable: A Blueprint for Powering Industries of the Future

Discover how Ontario is turning cutting-edge innovation into real-world impact by accelerating commercialization. This session will highlight how public-private partnerships, government procurement, and sector-specific testbeds drive the adoption of sustainable industrial technologies across sectors, positioning Ontario as a global leader in the industries of tomorrow.

Dr. Claudia Krywiak picture
Dr. Claudia Krywiak
September 16, 2025 at 10:55 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 11:25 p.m.
Fireside Chat with Minister

Ontario is embracing digital transformation to modernize public services, improve efficiency, and foster sustainable innovation. In this fireside chat moderated by Dave Sinton from CPE, the Hon. Stephen Crawford will share how the province is leading the way in responsibly integrating artificial intelligence across government operations and the role government plays in today's evolving procurement landscape. The conversation will explore how AI is enhancing service delivery, supporting environmental sustainability, and advancing Ontario’s broader economic and climate goals. Minister Crawford will also discuss the importance of responsible AI use, data governance, workforce readiness, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure digital tools deliver inclusive and lasting benefits for all Ontarians.

David Sinton picture
David Sinton
Hon.  Stephen Crawford picture
Hon. Stephen Crawford
September 16, 2025 at 11:25 a.m. — September 16, 2025 at 12:10 p.m.
Panel Session | Smart Agriculture: Cultivating Innovation in Ontario’s Agrifood Sector

From field to fork, Ontario’s agrifood sector is undergoing a tech-driven transformation. This session explores how smart agriculture is revolutionizing how we grow, manage, and sustain our food systems. Learn how cutting-edge tools such as precision sensors, AI-driven forecasting, and automated machinery help farmers and processors make data-informed decisions, reduce risk, add value across the supply chain, and adapt to a changing climate. 

Shatha Qaqish-Clavering picture
Shatha Qaqish-Clavering
Greg Ogiba picture
Greg Ogiba
Ian Potter picture
Ian Potter
John Kelly picture
John Kelly
Cathy Lennon picture
Cathy Lennon
September 16, 2025 at 12:10 p.m. — September 16, 2025 at 12:15 p.m.
Closing Remarks
September 16, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. — September 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and Networking
*Agenda subject to change.