I will be engaging in discussion regarding topic 4 and/or 6 . (Report to follow).
(From the Smart Growth Symposium page)
As Ontario faces rapid economic transformation, climate pressures, and intensifying global competition, advancing sustainable growth has never been more critical.
Under the theme of Building Ontario’s Economy of the Future, this year’s event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to explore how strategic investments, next-generation infrastructure, and emerging technologies can strengthen economic resilience and long-term competitiveness.
Through cross-sector dialogue and forward-looking insights, this event will examine the policies, partnerships, and strategies needed to enhance productivity, unlock new sustainability opportunities, and position Ontario for future-ready growth.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS: TABLE TALKS
Table talks are intimate roundtable sessions that explore opportunities to drive innovation and sustainability across sectors with fellow industry and academic experts. This is a chance to share insights, spark ideas, and help shape Ontario’s path to growth and resilience.
Table Talk 1: Ontario’s Energy Grid
Ontario’s energy grid is fueling economies. With growing demand from population growth, electrification, and emerging industries, we must balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability. We will explore how nuclear, hydro, and renewables, alongside innovation, grid modernization, and investment in clean generation can strengthen our province’s energy grid, enhance resilience, reduce emissions, and position Ontario as a leader in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Table Talk 2: AI and Digital Infrastructure
Digital infrastructure and industrial innovation are essential for supporting Ontario’s growth and transformation towards a smart and sustainable future. We will explore how emerging technologies and solutions, such as AI, digital twins, automation, quantum computing, data centres, and clean tech can drive decarbonization efforts, optimize operations, and enable resilient, adaptive urban ecosystems.
Table Talk 3: Smart and Sustainable Finance
The transition to a low-carbon economy presents both challenges and opportunities for Ontario. As new financial tools, investment frameworks, and market expectations emerge, finance will play a critical role in driving innovation, resilience, and economic growth. This table discussion will explore how we can unlock capital, incentivize investment, and position Ontario as a leader in the growing green economy.
Table Talk 4: Reimagining Sustainability and Agriculture
Ontario’s agrifood sector is central to building a sustainable, innovative, and resilient economy. From harnessing agritech solutions such as AI, robotics, and data-driven farming to strengthening farm-to-table connections and supporting farms for the future, the sector is evolving to meet new environmental and economic demands. We will explore how sustainable innovation can drive productivity, reduce emissions, and ensure Ontario’s agrifood system remains competitive and resilient for generations to come.
Table Talk 5: Sustainable Competitiveness for Businesses
Businesses now face the dual challenge of staying ahead in an evolving marketplace while integrating sustainability into their operations. We will discuss how we can leverage sustainability-enhanced productivity, reduce environmental impact, and build resilient, future-ready organizations, and explore strategies for tech adoption, workforce development, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term planning to ensure Ontario remains a leader in sustainable economic growth.
Table Talk 6: Incubating Sustainable Innovation
Turning bold ideas into real-world impact requires strong systems to move research, talent, and intellectual property into scalable, sustainable solutions. We will explore how Ontario can connect academia, industry, and investors to accelerate commercialization of IP and build an ecosystem where sustainable innovations can grow, compete globally, and drive long-term economic resilience.