Smart 50 Awards recipient, the MyRichmond project in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada connects and creates a superior user experience for citizens to connect and engage with local government. They have implemented a custom portal that brings information, data and services relevant to the customer on a single, easy to use interface. MyRichmond utilizes newer technologies such as AI and machine learning to provide real time analysis of data and provide real time actions. A key use case was an application to detect and mitigate traffic incidents. Learn more from our interview with the project team here:
Q: What does the term ‘smart city’ mean to you, and how does your project contribute to a larger smart city vision?
A: Smart city is simply about using technology in meaningful ways that makes the lives of everyday citizens better. It is about providing service around the clock and ultimately, about creating new opportunities and ways that enhance the lives of our stakeholders.
Q: Why is the implementation of your project transformational in our current society?
A: Not many local governments have taken a fully integrated approach as we have. We have enabled integration between our systems but more importantly, we have exposed data and services from those system using micro services (API’s) that enable new ways of doing business. Through this we have created a whole new interface for customers to engage with the City in a meaningful manner.
Q: What advice did you receive along the way that helped you complete your winning project?
A: No specific advice received. We were blessed to have a vision that was supported by our Senior Executive team and with our Mayor and Council. It took time, commitment and effort to begin to realize benefits. Significant time is spent on the ‘plumbing’.
Q: What advice would you give a city community or a solution provider looking to implement a municipal-level project?
A: Start first with a clear vision of the outcomes that you wish to realize. Drive a plan that is milestone based on achievements along the way in order to keep the morale and focus of the team. Bring these achievements to City Council which increased their engagement and level of support.
Q: What does it mean to you to win the Smart 50 Awards?
A: This is a significant milestone for the City of Richmond. We are honored to have been selected as one of the top 50 throughout the world. This brings some assurance and validation that we are indeed on the right path with our vision.
