The Brock community is being asked to bring innovative ideas to the table that could see Niagara transformed into a smarter region.

A roundtable discussion will be held on campus Friday, Feb. 2 to get a dialogue going about ways to help local municipalities become smart cities — communities that use data and technology to create efficiencies and economic development, improve sustainability and enhance quality of life for residents.

Held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pond Inlet, the public event is organized by Niagara Centre Member of Parliament, Vance Badawey, and Brock’s Department of Geography and Tourism Studies.

The talk will focus on the Smart Cities Challenge issued by Infrastructure Canada, which calls on communities across the country to bring forward their best ideas for improving the lives of residents through innovation, data and connected technology.

All feedback collected during the discussion will be submitted to the Niagara Region for its Smart Cities Niagara survey.

While not required, registration for the event is recommended and can be done online.