Intelligent Communities
myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan
The Region of Durham has developed an Intelligent Communities Framework that will align our ongoing projects and guide our future direction. We have gathered projects and stories that embody our vision for an Intelligent Region. As you explore this site and read our framework, please enjoy the videos that showcase the exciting work already underway in Durham.
Contact us to collaborate:
IntelligentCommunities@durham.ca
Canada Learning Bond - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Our Vision for a Smart, Connected Durham
Durham Region, along with our eight area municipalities, partners and the community, will focus on our residents and businesses as we address our collective challenges in a smart, connected way.
Implementation of the myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan will improve economic competitiveness, engage citizens and increase connectivity to support smarter, healthier, more equitable and sustainable communities.
City Studio - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Why is now the time for the myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan?
Durham is already an Intelligent Region. As an organization, we are undergoing digital transformation and we have been leading the way in innovation. Through the development of this framework and action plan, we compiled dozens of projects already underway. The myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan will align these projects and set out the principles to guide our future direction.
Traffic Management Centre - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
The concept of ‘smart cities’ has evolved over the past decade. Intelligent communities are focused on solving problems that matter, not just the ones that technology can address. The Region of Durham is transitioning from being a Smart Region to a collection of connected Intelligent Communities. We will use data and technology to improve service delivery, but it will be informed by our residents, businesses and partners.
myDurham 311 - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Putting People at the Centre
Durham’s approach began with putting ‘people’ at the centre by collecting feedback from our residents, businesses and partners. Through ongoing engagement, it will continue to evolve.
Regional Cycling Plan - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Goals
The myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan doesn’t replace an existing plan or strategy. Instead, we will use the Plan to guide the deployment of intelligent approaches, enabling the Region to achieve our objectives while leaving space for new and innovative ways of providing service to our community.
The Region of Durham established our goals for the next five years through the development of the Strategic Plan 2020-2024
Primary Care Outreach Program - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Principles
myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan is based on core principles:
- myDurham is Open – There will be many ways to engage and co-create a Smart Durham.
- myDurham is Collaborative – Partnership and collaboration will ensure Durham is a place where we work together to support our residents and businesses.
- myDurham is Connected – Whether by physical or virtual infrastructure, Durham will be a place for connecting with your community.
- myDurham is Inclusive – All Durham residents will be welcome and able to take part in activities and enjoy experiences
across the region. - myDurham is Prosperous – Durham will be a place of economic opportunity, supportive of business and piloting innovative ideas.
- myDurham is Sustainable – Durham will be a place for environmentally sustainable living.
Durham Home Energy Savings Program - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
The Framework
Organizational structure |
Implementation of the myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan requires input from across departments and integration with our local area municipalities and community partners. It is important that everyone have a voice in the process. We envision three main governance structures. 1) Regional Intelligent Communities Steering Committee - Within the Region of Durham, staff in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer will centrally manage and coordinate the Intelligent Communities Plan. The project lead will be supported by a multi-departmental Steering Committee. Together they will:
2) Intelligent Communities Community Advisory Committee – The Advisory Committee will include representation from local area municipalities, educational institutions and members of the public to ensure alignment among community initiatives, participate in an evaluation process and inform future directions. Continuous Public Engagement – The Plan will be based on comprehensive and ongoing community engagement and consultation. We will use a variety of engagement tools and methods, including:
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Data Governance |
The foundation of success for the Region’s Intelligent Communities Plan will be a robust, transparent data governance process. It is critical to ensure privacy, the protection of personal information, and all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements. The governance structure will include the following:
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Evaluation Framework |
An evaluation framework, developed in consultation with the Intelligent Communities Advisory Committee, will help measure the success of the Intelligent Communities Plan. Through this process, we will collect baseline data, identify key performance indicators and annually evaluate project success. |
Formalized Collaboration |
Durham can’t become a truly intelligent region without the help of many partners. Using this framework as a guide, we will continue to seek partnerships with community organizations and leverage our innovation ecosystem to initiate pilot projects. Regional staff will develop a set of guiding policies and procedures to ensure alignment and coordination. Data governance policies will protect our residents in project implementation. Key partners in the innovation ecosystem include:
Innovative Collaborations with Post-Secondary Institutions
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Trusteed Youth Research Project - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Intelligent Communities Implementation
Durham Region has many intelligent projects underway. The myDurham Intelligent Communities Plan will align these projects to ensure integration with future projects.
Regional Cycling Plan |
The Regional Cycling Plan update incorporates feedback gathered from residents. Residents have been clear that the main concern is safety and the Region will explore new ways to increase cyclist and driver knowledge about safety on the road. As part of our overall effort to improve environmental sustainability, the Region will begin addressing connectivity of routes to ensure that cycling is a viable option for residents and tourists to explore Durham. We’ve received thousands of points of information – and we’re using them to build a better Regional Cycling Plan.
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Durham Home Energy Savings Program |
The Region recognized early that in order effectively tackle a wicked problem like climate change, we were going to need to work with our partners. The ambitious Durham Home Energy Savings Program has been developed alongside municipal partners, energy utilities and financial institutions. The Program will leverage data from our partners to create an engaging digital platform that highlights customized energy savings opportunities, and will provide a Home Energy Coach service to answer residents’ questions along the way. We are excited to be on this journey to a low carbon Region.
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Primary Care Outreach Program |
The Primary Care Outreach Program was developed in response to support residents who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. A paramedic provides acute medical care and the social worker provides counselling and support services. Through virtual assessments and connection to nurses and doctors, vulnerable individuals can receive treatment they might not have previously. This program ensures all residents have access to social and medical care.
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COVID-19 Data Tracker |
COVID-19 has had unprecedented impact on our communities. As a method to keep the public informed about the risk and aware of the cases in the community, the Durham Region Health Department collaborated with Information Technology and Planning and Economic Development to create the COVID-19 data tracker. As the pandemic evolved, the tracker did as well, growing from a website reporting positive cases to a comprehensive tracking and reporting system that equips the community with data to inform decision making.
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Traffic Management Centre |
The Traffic Management Centre is the heart of the Region’s Smart Mobility efforts. It is where the Region works to optimize traffic flows on our road network and improve safety. This hub receives data from every traffic signal, 150 intersection cameras and other sources to monitor traffic flow, adjust traffic signal timing and respond to incidents. This centre helps residents get to where they need to go safely and efficiently.
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Trusteed Youth Research Project |
Trusteed Youth are kids who are living on their own but are too young to receive social assistance directly. They are part of a system designed to support adults. To better support these youth, the Region began a review of our internal processes. We also participated in an applied research project with Durham College, community organizations and trusteed youth. Based on data collected and the voice of youth themselves, the Region has made significant changes to improve services and give youth the support they need to be successful.
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Canada Learning Bond |
Research has shown that children who have savings for post-secondary are three times more likely to attend. The Canada Learning Bond is a federal government contribution to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to support the costs of education for families living with low income. The Region has partnered with other levels of governments, community organizations and financial institutions to host annual sign-up events. These events are a one-stop shop to create a pathway to the Canada Learning Bond for all eligible families.
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myDurham 311 |
myDurham 311 is a transformational project aimed at improving the customer experience across all channels. This project will ensure service is always available and accessible. Customers will access support and information at the time that is right for them and in the manner they prefer. As the program rolls out, it will expand across all Durham municipalities.
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CityStudio Durham |
The Region launched the CityStudio Durham collaborative initiative in partnership with our local post- secondary institutions. Through a web-portal, faculty and students connect to municipal staff to share ideas, develop collaborations and solve real world problems. CityStudio Durham engages students in their future by having them work on challenges in our community while they are in school. This is the opportunity to co-create the Durham of the future.
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COVID-19 Data Tracker - Intelligent Communities - Contact us to collaborate
Hello Tomorrow: Durham Smart Cities ForumLearn ● Experience ● Contribute |
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On September 29, 2018, the Region of Durham successfully hosted the Hello Tomorrow: Smart Cities Durham Forum at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in the City of Oshawa. More than 300 residents, community partners, businesses, academics, students, government officials and tech industry leaders in Durham Region and beyond registered to attend the forum to share feedback on, and learn more about, smart cities approaches and technologies. The forum included:
As promised, we are pleased to share some exciting next steps, and invite you to sign up for future smart cities updates.
We continue to receive ideas regarding future sessions focused on specific industries, including energy, transportation, public health, etc. |
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