Town of Innisfil
Innisfil Informs, Educates and Engages the Community as it Integrates Technologies in Public Spaces
About the Art
Like a honeycomb, this is a single unified piece of many parts. Inspired by slices of agate and using the blues, yellows and deeper tones of the iconography of this project, the parts become a whole that weaves a narrative. Each piece is represented as a single hexagonal canvas to nod to the icon shapes represented in the project and the essence is evoked through movement of the brush strokes. You might find roots stretching up for ecology, spot the waves for sound, feel the wind, or feel the sun beams as you explore this installation.
Original artwork by Aedán Crooke of Surface Impression. No AI was used in the creation of these original artworks.
A Town of Innisfil project enhanced transparency and fostered community engagement by providing clear, accessible information on new technologies being used in public spaces and inviting community feedback and participation.
In 2022, Innisfil became the first Canadian municipality to join Helpful Places’ inaugural cohort, developing visual standards for transparency and accountability in public spaces. Collaborating with other pioneering municipalities from France and the U.S., they installed sensors in garbage bins at two of their most popular public parks to monitor usage. Signage was set up to allow people to access detailed information about the technology being used. By scanning a QR code, people could learn about the data being collected, who was collecting it, how it was being used and managed, and how personal information was protected.
The signage included clear icons and a QR code linking to a Guide App web page, offering additional information, as well as a feedback survey. The public could drill down into project details, including vendor information, data usage, and collection frequency. A combination of online and off-line approaches to engage the community were involved — town staff were also onsite to help spark curiosity, answer questions and gather feedback.Cities worldwide are integrating technology into public spaces, often without individuals’ awareness or understanding. This initiative brought people into the conversation, ensuring they were informed and engaged. Surveys revealed that respondents appreciated the transparency and engagement, and the majority were satisfied with the process. The Digital Trust for Places and Routines initiative illustrates how municipalities can leverage innovative new technologies, promote higher standards for openness, transparency and privacy, and foster greater public engagement and trust.
Transcript
Innisfil is always moving the needle when it comes to innovation in municipal government.
Recently, we participated in a program aimed at improving the transparency of technology used in our public spaces. In collaboration with Helpful Places, we participated in the inaugural cohort of the Digital Trust for Places and Routines or DTPR program.
In Innisfil, we deployed sensors in our waste bins. Now these waste bins are about 8 ft deep underground and the sensors measure how full those bins are.
During the pilot, signage was set up allowing residents and visitors to access detailed information about the technology being deployed. People could scan a QR code to learn what data the sensors are collecting, who’s collecting it, and what the data is being used for. We also engaged residents on-site and through surveys to learn how people felt about the project and future applications of the technology for the town.
We’re grateful to Helpful Places for their support in promoting transparency and revolutionizing the way we communicate the use of technology in our public spaces.
Learn more about the technology in public spaces project. Listen to Commissioner Kosseim’s interview with Mike Melinyshyn and Damien Mainprize from the Town of Innisfil. (begins at 13:17)
