Event Details

Open Data as data liberation is still a relatively new concept. While some organizations have made huge strides towards implementing Open Data strategy, there is still unknown and unresolved territory to cover if we are to achieve a truly open data community. In this webinar we will not only discuss the common merits of Open Data, but also explore uncommon and misunderstood issues.  This exploration will provide participants with an understanding of the value and challenges inherent in implementing an Open Data strategy.

In this webinar, participants will gain

• An overview of Open Data
• An understanding of the challenges of implementing an Open Data strategy

About the Presenter

Harvey Low

With a degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Ryerson University, Harvey Low has over 25 years experience as an urban planner with focus on social research. He is the Manager of the City's Social Research & Analysis Unit within the Social Development Finance & Administration Division. Harvey has worked on a number of key social policy initiatives including the 25-in-5 Network for Poverty Reduction, the City's Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, and Community Safety Plan. He was also on the core team that developed Canada's first 211 human services telephone information system in 2002 (http://www.211toronto.ca/index.jsp). He is currently a City of Toronto OPEN DATA Champion, and serves as cluster representative on the City's new staff OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE.

His team launched a new City of Toronto web application in June 2011 called Wellbeing Toronto. This new web-tool helps measure community wellbeing across the City's neighbourhoods. It provides a number of facts and indicators that will assist in the monitoring of economic and social wellbeing. It allows users to custom select and combine and weight data and see results instantly on a map. It allows download of data for free. This tool is designed to not only assist the public in a better understanding of the diverse communities that comprise our City, but also as a support tool for staff and Council in the development of policies and programs that require a place-based neighbourhood perspective.

Sponsored by Ontario 211

Ontario 211211 is a three-digit phone number and website that provides information and referral to community and social services. With information on more than 56,000 agencies and services in Ontario, we can help you find the answers you need, quickly and easily. Our phone service is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is available in more than 150 languages.

Event Materials