Open data is being used by municipalities to improve services and foster innovation
Township of King, Ont. — In keeping with its commitment to transparent governance, King Township has released three open data sets, providing residents and stakeholders with unprecedented access to key information regarding municipal operations. The newly available data sets include an interactive view into development applications, building permits and fire inspections, and can be viewed online at king.ca.
Open data refers to digital information made available with the necessary technical and legal attributes to enable its free use, reuse and redistribution by anyone, anywhere at any time. In the case of King Township, these data sets are not only accessible through user-friendly maps and dashboards but also allow for the download of CSV data, enabling further analysis and application development by the public.
The details of King’s new open data sets are as follows:
Development applications: This data is presented in three formats – on a map, in a table and a CSV file. Information includes the application type, file name and number, application date, property address, application description and status details.
Building permits: This data is presented in two formats – as an infographic and a CSV file. Information includes the total number of building permit inspections, number of passes and failures, applications received and permits issued.
Fire inspections: This data is presented in three formats – on a map, in a table and a CSV file. Information includes the number of home inspections, the number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed and the number of working and non-working smoke alarms.
The release of these open data sets is just one more way the Township is committed to transparency, reflected in the recent publishing of its service profile inventory.
Municipalities are increasingly recognizing the value of open data and are using it in a variety of ways to improve services, increase transparency and foster innovation. One key area where open data is making a difference is in urban planning and development. By providing access to data on zoning, land use and development applications, municipalities are empowering citizens and developers to make more informed decisions about building projects and community development.
Digital data can be leveraged by computer applications to generate insights, conduct analyses and develop innovative web and mobile applications. Through this initiative, King Township is fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
For regular updates on Township programs and events, follow the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram or visit king.ca.
-30-
Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca