On December 5 th, 2000 The Centre on Governance at The University of Ottawa held a public forum in order to explore both the current and future governance challenges of cities and regions around the world looking to emerge as Smart Communities. The Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) is home to Smart Capital – one of 12 pilot initiatives selected under the Industry Canada program. A key component of Smart Capital will be the creation of a new Research Chair at The Centre on Governance – with a unique focus on Governance and Smart Communities.