Applications Due: Monday, July 11 at 2:30pm EDT

Hello, are you interested in using open data to solve problems in government?

Do you know of a great start-up, enterprise, or group who can build solutions for water usage, parking, or public notice distribution?

Then check out the Guelph Civic Solutions Accelerator. It's a great way for companies and groups to get deep access to a customer and shorten time to first sale.

Companies can develop a solution and sell it to Guelph – or any Ontario municipality – without further public tender.

Applications are due Monday July 11 at 2:30pm EDT. Finalists will be announced in August. To learn more, read the problem statements below, email Joseph at ODX with your questions, or download the RFP and apply!

Challenges

Challenge 1: Water Usage Data

How can Guelph Water Services enable citizens to detect leaks and reduce their water use?

Customers of Guelph Water Services (GWS) want to protect their homes from leaks and reduce their water consumption. Whether they are driven by potential cost savings or by environmental concerns, GWS believes these consumers need access to accurate, real-time information about their water use.

Guelph Water Services is looking to partner in the development of a smart meter or leak detection solution that is sold directly to consumers.

Challenge 2: Parking

How can we maximize the value of parking space in the downtown?

Parking is an important City asset, vital to the economy and life of downtown. Existing parking is stretched to capacity however, and enforcement of parking competes with other By-Law priorities. Whilst new parking capacity is needed (2 new parkades are planned), maximizing the use of existing and future spaces is critical.

The Economic Development and Transportation Services departments are looking to partner in the development of a solution that enables them to effectively manage parking in the downtown.

Challenge 3: Statutory Notices

How can we make it easier for the public to provide feedback on planning decisions?

Public participation in planning and development decisions improves the outcomes of these decisions, and builds public trust in local government. Municipalities have a legislated responsibility to notify the public about planning decisions (including new developments, re-zoning, changes to Official Plans), but existing notices are often confusing and unclear. Legal and regulatory requirements mean that the information contained in existing planning notices is often highly technical. This information and the ways in which it is commonly displayed make the notices difficult for many citizens to understand.

The Clerks and Planning departments are looking to partner in the development of a solution that makes the public aware of City planning applications and decisions and easy for them to participate in these decisions.