THUNDER BAY – The public is being asked for input into the City of Thunder Bay and Fort William First Nation’s Smart Cities Challenge application and a chance to the short-listed for the $10-million top prize.
The goal of the program is for communities to improve the lives of residents through the use of innovation, data and connected technology.
A pair of open houses that will allow the public to ask questions, review highlights and provide feedback on the challenge statement will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at the city hall lobby on Donald Street East.
“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,” city manager Norm Gale said in a release issued on Friday.
Some of the innovations being considered for inclusion are smart technology infrastructure investments including multi-use trails with LED lighting on smart poles, cameras along waterways and technology connecting youth to their home communities.
“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 Fort William First Nation CEO Ken Ogima.
The release states the $10 million would be used to enhance the response from Nishnawbe Aski Nation to increase surveillance around waterways considered to be high risk.
Last year the three governing bodies signed a statement of commitment to help Indigenous youth and their families work together to address issues of health, safety and security.
In 2017 at least three Indigenous people died in local waterways.
