THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay, in partnership with Fort William First Nation and other partners including Thunder Bay Police, TBayTel, and Thunder Bay Hydro, is submitting an application to the Smart Cities Challenge to be shortlisted for a $10 million prize.
The Challenge encourages communities of all sizes, including municipalities, regional governments and Indigenous communities (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), to adopt a smart cities approach to improve the lives of their residents through innovation, data and connected technology.
The Public is encouraged to ask questions, review highlights, give feedback on the challenge statement and learn more about the Smart Cities Challenge at drop-in open houses taking place:
| Tuesday, April 17
10 am to 2 pm City Hall Lobby 500 Donald Street East
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Wednesday, April 18
10 am to 2 pm City Hall Lobby 500 Donald Street East |
“This project as a whole will significantly benefit everyone residing in the city, whether they live here permanently or on a transitional basis, and deliver meaningful outcomes through the use of connected technology and data,” said Ken Ogima, Chief Executive Officer, Fort William First Nation.
The draft proposal considers specific smart technology infrastructure investments such as enhanced multi-use trails with LED lighting on smart poles and cameras along waterways and technology to support youth in connecting to their home communities and each other.
“The application will be shaped by ongoing youth engagement and community consultation, with a focus on youth empowerment and inclusion, and public safety and security to transform Thunder Bay into a community where all citizens feel safe, included and connected,” said Norm Gale, City Manager.
The $10 million prize would allow an enhanced response to the request made from Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum to City Council to increase surveillance around waterways considered high risk. In August 2017, leaders of Fort William First Nation, the City, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation signed a Statement of Commitment to First Nation Youth and Families to work together to address issues of health, safety, and security.
The Project will be guided by the findings of various reports including the Seven Youth Inquest (2016) and the Crime Prevention Council’s Safer Thunder Bay – Community Safety & Well-Being Strategy (2017-2019).
The initial application submission deadline is April 24. If the city is selected as a finalist, it will be announced in summer 2018. Finalists who are selected will receive a $250,000 grant to develop a final proposal.
Winners will be announced in spring 2019, followed by the implementation phase.
