Cornwall, ON –Local innovators, strategists, creatives, and technologists are invited to participate in Hack to the Future: Civic Tech Edition on Saturday, November 25th from 8am to 3:30pm at the Ontario Power Generation Visitor Centre. We are proud to feature lunchtime keynote speaker Sage Franch, the founder of TrendyTechie.ca who is also an experienced Microsoft Developer from Toronto. This event is a partnership with the City of Cornwall, Choose Cornwall, the Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area, and Code Heroes. Alex de Wit says: “The Social Development Council is excited to be part of this type of event, especially since this one is focusing on local civic issues. It’s always great to hear creative ideas and solutions from community members about issues that directly affect them.”

Participants do not need to be experts in technology but they do need to be passionate about creating innovative opportunities and solutions for their community. The event will focus on such city-wide issues such as transportation, childcare, tourism, economic development, youth involvement, and have the option of working alone or in a team. Be sure to register as soon as November 15th since participants will be given datasets, tools, and instructions beforehand and will have the chance to work on their ideas for up to 10 days, before presenting to the panel of judges including Leslie O’Shaughnessy (Mayor of Cornwall), Sage Franch (Microsoft Canada), and other high-profile members of the community. “The City of Cornwall is pleased to be a partner in this exciting event,” said Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the participants and exploring ways to make our City an even better place.”

First place will be a cash prize of $1000. Participants are required to be 13 years of age or older and will receive an exclusive Hack to the Future t-shirt, free lunch, and swag sponsored by Choose Cornwall. The event is FREE and open to the public. Register now at www.hacktothefuture.ca.