Markham joins global network of select data-driven cities

'All communities, large and small, need good data to plan and build modern public infrastructure'

Yorkregion.com
October 20, 2020
Heidi Riedner

The City of Markham joins a select group of global cities across 35 countries that are collecting, sharing and using city data to make the most effective and relevant decisions for their communities.

Markham was awarded the ISO 37120 Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) earlier this month after reporting over 90 of the 104 indicators under the international standard to achieve the highest level for city data.

The standard includes a comprehensive set of indicators that measure a city’s social, economic and environmental performance.

"As Canada’s high-tech capital and most diverse city, we are thrilled to join the WCCD Canadian and global network, allowing us to benchmark against other leading municipalities, continue to drive change and learn from best practices,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said.

Access to the network of 100 cities around the world -- and 30 across Canada -- allows the City of Markham to collect, share and use data to inform decision-making in a way that benefits all participating cities.

It can measure quality of life and service delivery using a common international standard, share local experiences but also understand how cities around the world are tackling similar issues, learn about practices and policies that have the biggest impact, and access the expertise and experience of leading global experts and municipal peers.

“We are confident that other municipalities will greatly benefit from our successful sustainability initiatives and we in turn look forward to learning from others especially in areas such as infrastructure and rapid transit development,” Scarpitti said.

Data-driven decision-making is vital to deliver high quality services and programs to residents, he added.

“Cities are at the core of global transformation and have the opportunity to shape a better, more inclusive and sustainable world."

The certification was awarded as part of the three-year “Data for Canadian Cities Project” supported by the federal Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities.

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"All communities, large and small, need good data to plan and build modern public infrastructure,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna.

“Meeting global data standards is critical,” she added, noting the federal government’s project, in partnership with the World Council on City Data, has been helping municipal leaders in a number of communities across Canada do just that.

WCCD president and chief executive, Dr. Patricia McCarney, commended the commitment of Mayor and Council, as well as city staff, for creating “outstanding” community planning with a vibrant local environment.

“Harnessing high calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data underlines the city's dedication to improving citizen services and quality of life,” she said.

“With a firm commitment to sustainable transport and a data-driven safe and resilient future, the WCCD looks forward to working with the City of Markham in creating a smarter, more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for your residents."

Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, and the Member for Parliament for Markham-Thornhill, Mary Ng, joined Markham City Council on behalf of Minister of infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, for the presentation by Dr. McCarney at a virtual council meeting.

For more information about the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and the certification, visit dataforcities.org.