HALIFAX, Esri Canada User Conference -November 15, 2017 – The Halifax Regional Municipality today received Esri Canada’s Award of Excellence for improving operations using geographic information system (GIS) technology. Halifax transitioned from a centralized method of implementing GIS applications, where departments received geospatial information products and services from a central group, to an enterprise approach for more effective delivery of location services. The move has provided new capabilities to staff and better public services.

In the past 18 months, Halifax has introduced various GIS-based applications built on the ArcGIS platform. These include an Open Data Portal, powered by ArcGIS Open Data, which allows the public to easily access spatial information such as community boundaries and transit areas, and non-spatial information such as transit schedules. They have also implemented an enterprise asset management system using Cityworks AMS to better manage infrastructure assets across the municipality. As well, they have built a Situational Awareness application used across multiple departments for emergency services operations, and a set of focused mapping applications that address specific business needs.

“Halifax has been a GIS innovator since they first implemented Esri technology in 1989. Now, by moving from a centralized to a distributed enterprise GIS approach, they have opened access to this powerful technology to the entire organization,” says Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “This fosters collaboration across all departments and helps staff better accomplish their daily work.” 

This transition that centers around data sharing provides several benefits to the municipality:

• Improved transparency by providing better access to information through the Open Data Portal
• Effective enterprise asset management through a geo-centric approach
• Enhanced decision support through purpose-built mapping applications that meet specific information needs
• Better positioned to support future business needs

“ArcGIS has become one of the key IT pillars in our municipality,” notes Paul Shaffelburg, Business Relationship Manager (Public Safety), Halifax Regional Municipality. “It allows us to quickly deploy apps across departments in support of better public services and more effective use of resources across the municipality.”

Learn more about the ArcGIS platform at esri.ca/arcgis.

About Halifax

The Halifax Regional Municipality is the government for the largest municipality in Atlantic Canada, delivering programs and services to more than 400,000 residents across 200 communities and neighbourhoods. Halifax boasts the friendliness of a small-town with the amenities, culture and opportunities of a modern urban centre. As home to some of the brightest minds and best educational institutions in the world, Halifax is forward thinking, resilient and resourceful, with a reputation as an energetic, caring community that embraces creativity and innovation.

About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from Esri, Schneider Electric, Cityworks–Azteca Systems, LLC and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Esri Canada joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies in 2012 and became a Gold Standard winner in 2015. The company has also been named to the Branham300 and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Esri Canada: Email Contact

Halifax Regional Municipality: Email Contact