London is one of Canada's smartest cities, according to Macleans magazine's smartest cities survey for 2010. In its annual rankings, London has moved up to 10th place out of more than 4,500 Canadian cities and communities. Also tied for 10th with an overall score of 81 points are Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg. Last year London was ranked 19th.
The rankings are based on the Canadian Council on Learning's (CCL) 26 measures which form the Composite Learning Index (CLI). The measures are grouped into four pillars of learning, a framework originally developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and include learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be. The measures include data on formal education, graduation rates, number of vocational schools within driving distance, how many people volunteer, how many are active in clubs, as well as per capita spending on books, museums, art galleries and sports and recreation.
"I am very proud that London is one of Canada's smartest cities," says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. "This ranking is a real credit to our citizens who actively take part in not only educational and learning opportunities, but opportunities to help others, through volunteerism, as well as our many fine cultural and recreational facilities."
The Macleans article cites research which "has consistently shown that the better educated a city's population is, the higher their incomes will be." Adds Rob Greenwood, head of Memorial University's Harris Centre, "Dynamic economies and well-paid jobs attract smart people."
To view the Macleans' rankings online: CLICK HERE
To view the CCL data for each city: CLICK HERE
Media Contact:
Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best
519-661-2500, ext. 4920
