News Release

 

HRM launches open data catalogue 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – Accessing popular city information became easier today as HRM launched its open data catalogue, as part of a pilot project to release readily available, high quality data sets for public viewing, and use in the development of web and mobile based applications.

"The launch of this free, online data catalogue represents the first step in an ongoing effort by members of Council to make city government more open and accessible to residents," said Mayor Mike Savage. "We collect a great deal of information on the state of the city, which we know could be better utilized through data applications that enhance our existing services and improve our citizen’s quality of life."

Seventeen data sets will be released during this phase of the pilot project including information on HRM parks, buildings, garbage and recycling collection zones, civic addresses, and transit routes and schedules. These data sets were selected because they were complete and accurate, with good data management practices already in place, were free of personal and confidential information, and had been previously requested by HRM citizens.

“We will be looking for feedback on additional data sets citizens would like to see released in subsequent phases of the project,” said Donna Davis, HRM’s Chief Information Officer. “In particular we’re excited to engage citizens, developers, academia and industry in the development of innovative and creative applications using the initial data sets during our upcoming open data contest.”

HRM’s open data contest will run from July to November. Nova Scotia residents, application developers and post-secondary students will be encouraged to submit applications, or ideas for applications, using one or more of HRM’s free data sets. More details on the contest will be available over the next few months in advance of the contest launch in July.

Following an evaluation of the initial data release and results of the application contest, HRM staff will bring forward a report to Regional Council with recommendations on how to move forward on expanding HRM’s open data program.

To view the new online catalogue visit data.halifax.ca.

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Media contacts:

Shaune MacKinlay
Principal Advisor, Mayor’s Office
490-6531

Tiffany Chase
HRM Communications
490-5057