Smart City ideas Challenge
Consultation has concluded
UPDATE:
Twenty finalists were selected to move to the Final Proposal Submission stage, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the May 31-June 3, 2018 Federation of Municipalities Conference in Halifax. Unfortunately, we were not selected as a finalist by the Smart City Challenge Jury, but we have an opportunity to get feedback and to refine or redefine our application with two additional competitions that will be announced in the future.
Thanks to all that have participated in the process so far. We will keep you informed about the next round in the competition. To view the top 20 Finalist submission, please visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/alt-format/pdf/cities-villes/spotlight-vedette-eng.pdf
Background:
The Town of Yarmouth is looking for your ideas! Is there something you would like to change or improve about our community? We want to hear from you!
The Government of Canada has issued a Smart City Challenge and are accepting applications for communities for meaningful, measurable, projects that reflect the needs of the community and are explained within the context of a “smart city approach”. Winning applications will receive the funding to implement their project.
- One prize of up to $50 million.
Open to all communities, regardless of population.
- Two prizes of up to $10 million each.
Open to all communities with populations under 500,000 people.
- One prize of up to $5 million.
Open to all communities with populations under 30,000 people.
The Town will be submitting a community generated idea to compete for the prize money. Thank you Yarmouth for you ideas! Town Staff has reviewed all ideas that have been submitted to ensure they meet the competition criteria. We now have six (6) finalist ideas for you to vote on! The winning idea will form the basis of the application which Town staff will submit to Infrastructure Canada for the Smart City Challenge.
The Smart City Challenge voting has now concluded. Thank you to all who participated!
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Do you have an idea to make Yarmouth better? The Town is now accepting your ideas.
Ideas should address local issues that residents face and offer creative and innovative technology solutions to the following concepts:
- Safe and Secure
- Earn a Good Living
- Move Arund my Community
- Enjoy a Healthy Environment
- Be Empowered and Included in Society
- Live an Active and Healthy Life
Ideas will be accepted until Friday February 9, 2018. Ideas are currently being evaluated by Town staff to ensure they meet the Smart City Challenge Competition criteria. Those that meet that qualify will the be posted and the community will be invited to vote. Voting will begin next week. The idea that receives the most votes will then form the basis of the Town’s application for the Infrastructure Canada’s Smart City Challenge.
View All Ideasabout 5 years ago
Homeless Shelter for Men
Men in Yarmouth do not have a place to stay if they are homeless. Youth can go to the SHYFT House and women can go to Juniper House. We have had several men show up at our church looking for a place to stay. Unfortunately, we have no place to refer them to. Following on the heels of 100 Meals, this shelter could provide meals for the homeless as well. Funding would be used for securing a place and funding staff.
about 5 years ago
Co-operative
A building/buildings that house people and or businesses and stores owned by the town. People live there and work for the town or places owned by the town and in return get free rent and food and all necessities! This will bring more people to Yarmouth and sustain Yarmouth for years.
about 5 years ago
Networked Camera System
As the number of automobiles on Nova Scotian roads continue to climb(1), pedestrians in downtown areas must become increasingly vigilant of vehicle traffic. Recent campaigns in the province have aimed at mitigating pedestrian accidents by encouraging walkers to avoid electronic distractions and remain cautious of the traffic surrounding them(2). But what if we could further this approach by implementing new technology that alerts drivers of potential pedestrian traffic? Deploying a network of traffic and pedestrian monitoring cameras throughout the Town of Yarmouth will enable real world data collection of movement patterns. Patterns that can generate valuable insights saving energy, money, time, and lives. Aligning well with the smart city approach of data analysis and connected technology, the proposed camera network will utilize machine learning algorithms coupled with live and recorded data. These algorithms will enable accurate solutions to the following problems: 1. It’s difficult to see and predict pedestrians about to cross the street. Tracking algorithms can watch civilians on the sidewalk, predict that they are about to cross the street and automatically illuminate a small lamp indicating that a pedestrian may be ready to cross. This will help mitigate risks associated with blind cross walks due to park cars and street corners. 2. Certain key roads in Yarmouth frequently become congested and backed-up. The networked camera system will be able to monitor and count live traffic totals on local roads. Predictive algorithms can then display fastest route messaging suggestions on digital display boards as vehicles approach town limits. For example, “Parade St. to Downtown estimated 6 minutes. Starrs Rd. to Downtown estimated 11 minutes.” 3. Pedestrians frequently cross Main St. in locations that are not crosswalks (jaywalking). The networked camera system will be able to monitor jaywalking and propose new crosswalk alternatives based on crossing patterns. 4. Street lamps remain on throughout the night despite the lack of pedestrian or vehicle presence. Integrating the street lamps into the camera network will enable cost and energy savings by keeping lights off when not needed. As well, triggering lights by motion can been a deterrent to criminal activity as it startles and draws attention to the perpetrator. Through implementing this networked camera system, the Town of Yarmouth has the potential to improve safety, security, and transportation all while saving energy, time, and money. Due to Yarmouth’s unique size and commendable willingness to implement new technologies, the local enactment of this networked camera system could serve as a valuable pilot and model for various other towns, cities, and countries to follow. Let’s connect Yarmouth through new technology and data insights to set an example as a safer and smarter community of tomorrow. (1) http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a47 (2) https://www.halifax.ca/transportation/cycling-walking/crosswalk-safety
about 5 years ago
BLUE BINS ,GARBAGE BINS, and PAPER BAGS
Plastic bags can take centuries to decompose yet we use plastic bags for trash and recyclables. I propose the town invest in blue bins and trash bins to be given to each household. Reusable shopping bags can cause cross contamination. The use of brown paper bags is the solution. Let's lead the way in helping the environment with this new (old) idea! The older generation had it right.
about 5 years ago
Indoor Park/Mariners Centre Expansion
It would be wonderful to have a place that encompasses everything together. We are in desperate need of a new curling arena. Larger pools for swimming laps or aquatic exercises, synchronized swimming, rock climbing walls, expanded gym and an indoor playground for little ones to stay active would be a wondrous thing!
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The Town of Yarmouth has been accepting your ideas address local issues that residents face and offer creative and innovative technology solutions.
All the Ideas were evaluated by Town staff to ensure they met the Smart City Challenge Competition criteria. They were then compiled into six (6) ideas for the community to vote on their favourite.
Now it's time to Vote! The top two ideas that receive the most votes will be brought to Council to decide which will form the basis of the Town’s application for the Infrastructure Canada’s Smart City Challenge.
For more details on the ideas and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.Voting ends March 19th. The winning idea will be presented to Council at Committee of the Whole on March 22nd.
View All Ideasabout 5 years ago
A Community Physical Activity Strategy with Free Targeted Public Facilities
Applicant Rderek with contribution from Holyroller, NovaScotiaJess, and Gil Dares Problem Statement: One of the largest issues facing North America is the consequences and health effects related to an increasingly stagnant lifestyle. This is especially true in marginalized and vulnerable groups such as elderly and low income families. For this reason, public money should be invested in recreational infrastructure that is developed for these groups and offered for free. Solution: 1. A community physical activity strategy that identifies vulnerable and marginalized groups and recommends recreation opportunities that would appeal to them. 2. Implement recommendations from the community physical activity strategy through a non-profit (such as the YMCA) or government organization and offer for free. For more details on this idea and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.
about 5 years ago
The Ultimate Transportation System
Applicant: Planning with contribution from Yourgogirl and Davisml Problem Statement: The Town of Yarmouth is very car oriented. Making it difficult for low income residents to access essential services such as health care, groceries and employment. Solution: A comprehensive, fully connected, sustainable transportation system to improve travel throughout the Town, making it possible to get anywhere within the Town fast, cheap and without a vehicle. For more details on this idea and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.
about 5 years ago
Re-Invent the Cooperative for Social Change and Economic Benefit
Applicant: Voteforchange with contribution from Janet Sollows. Problem Statement: Unemployment, mental illness and inability to access secure and stable housing are all issues that have been identified within the Town of Yarmouth. As a service centre for South West Nova Scotia and being more built up in comparison to outlying areas, the Town has found that vulnerable individuals are drawn to this area for the rental housing, minimum wage job opportunities and access to public transportation. Solution: The Town to provide an incentive for an innovation challenge for a new development within the Town of Yarmouth. A competition to inspire new models of cooperative housing to address existing issues in Town. The Town will provide a prize for the best new structure and then assist the winner in implementing the development through land donation, tax breaks, and other methods. The proposed objective of the competition will be to identify different models of collective purchasing which generate better quality or price of goods and services for consumers, can be sustained, and have the most potential to create social benefits. For more details on this idea and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.
about 5 years ago
Diversity and Improved Immigration for a Small Town
Applicant: Fundylass Problem Statement: 1.Rural Town's often have limited cultural diversity in their population for this reason many residents of this area have had limited exposure to people, food, and experiences from other cultures. 2. The Town has a declining population and a limited job force. Solution: 1. Develop an immigration strategy and approaches to draw new residents and families to live and work in this area. 2. Host Town led cultural events and opportunities for visitors and residents to spread awareness of existing cultures and races in our area. For more details on this idea and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.
about 5 years ago
Rethink Tourism with a Summer Resort and Research Centre
Applicant: Sanddawn57. Problem Statement: 1.The Town of Yarmouth, being a coastal community, has extreme weather conditions. Lots of rain, fog, ice and wind. Outside of the summertime, it can be difficult to enjoy the outside, and to shop Downtown due to temperature and weather systems. 2. The Town has positioned itself to welcome tourists to Nova Scotia with the investment of the US ferry service. However, there is a lack of access to assured accommodations for those coming to the region. 3. The dynamics of the tourism and holiday park industry are constantly changing; consumer recommendations, institutional investment, and the "stay-cation" all influence the market and represent opportunities. The Town needs to stay ahead of the tourism trends, and offer opportunities to attract people to our community. There is also opportunity for this type of development to create more job opportunities for local people. Solutions: 1. An indoor resort that can be used all year round but is intended to offer recreation and other services to residents and tourists in the winter months. 2. A Tourism strategy for the Town of Yarmouth to become a Canadian leader in Tourism innovation. 3. Develop an internship/fellowship or education opportunity to bring new minds and ideas to the Tourism industry with funding to implement ideas provided they are well researched, developed and all success and lessons learned are documented. For more details on this idea and how it connects to the Smart City Approach, check out the Smart City Finalists document in the document library. Please vote and share! You can make a difference in your community.
