"Smart Cities" is a popular term but what does it really mean? Quite simply, Smart Cities use data and digital technology to help make decisions and improve the quality of life in cities. This can give residents online access to report problems such as potholes or a watermain break; make better use of lighting and energy in buildings; improve traffic flow on the roads; save time in undertaking inspections; identify the availability of parking spaces in a parking garage; streamline approvals; and use data to understand the frequency of vehicular accidents so that that action can be taken to address problem areas. Digital technology transforms all facets of our lives, dramatically improving access, transparency and service delivery in many areas of our day-to-day lives.

The Town of Oakville has been a digital laggard. To date, the implementation of Smart City technologies has been done without a coordinated approach. There isn't a defined plan that identifies, prioritizes and implements digital technologies in the many Town departments. And the Town's purchasing policies make it difficult to pilot new technologies. It's a huge missed opportunity and Oakville is lagging behind other cities.

Oakville's Chamber of Commerce released a "Roadmap for a Smart Oakville": "...we believe that digitization, investment in technology and transportation mobility is integral to the growth of our economy, livability and quality of life. That's why we are calling on Town Council to demonstrate leadership by making transportation mobility and digitization a Town priority through an Innovation Strategy."

Tapping into Oakville's Tech Experts

Oakville is fortunate to be home to many of Canada's smartest technology experts and companies. The Town can benefit from their advice and thinking.

As Mayor, I will encourage Council and our CAO to make digital transformation a priority by directing staff to develop a comprehensive digital strategy for the Town. I will also harness our local talent and entrepreneurs to form a Technology Advisory Committee to help Oakville jump into the forefront of the adoption of smart technologies that will benefit our community.