The following points reflect key elements of the scan of the literature and discussions held with a cross-section of leaders in Canada. Communities, for thousands of years, have worked together to survive and prosper. Use of technology throughout history has been a key to prosperity.
People use many different definitions of community.
No common understanding emerges, although there are common themes. Connectivity is the new enabling technology that allows people to come together to benefit from access to important information and ultimately form virtual communities in non traditional ways. The availability of the technology and its affordability have lowered the bar of access on a scale not previously experienced. What is good for one community may not be good for another. The hallmarks of a smart community will differ from community to community.