Politique locale et urbaine

E12 - Urban Innovation in Canada

Date: May 31 | Heure: 02:00pm to 03:30pm | Location: Classroom - CL 407 Room ID:15721

Chair/Président/Présidente : Aaron Moore (University of Winnipeg)

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Joseph Garcea (University of Saskatchewan)

Session Abstract: Communities of all sizes are integrating technology in servicing and decision-making to a greater degree than ever seen before. Doing so, however, begs several questions about equity and inclusion. This panel examines the integration of technology in municipalities and Indigenous communities.

Do Smart Cities Have a Participatory Ethos?: Nicole Goodman (Brock University), Zachary Spicer (University of Toronto)
Abstract: Cities around the world are adopting smart city frameworks to improve quality of life for residents. The implementation of technology is a key component of this process. A second primary element relates to people: those that manage implementation of governance and the engagement of residents themselves. The degree to which cities are successful in their quest to become smart cities, however, differs widely regardless of the extent to which technology is implemented. This raises questions about whether the engagement of residents plays a factor in smart city success. Do cities that are perceived as being ‘smarter’ have stronger a participatory culture in the sense that residents are more engaged in the community? Is there a link between the participatory ethic in municipalities and their progress on smart city implementation? Drawing on a national sample of residents from all 33 Canadian CMAs (N = 3,300) with oversamples in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver we examine whether communities whose residents report being more engaged fare better on smart city indicators and whether resident engagement might influence the success of such developments.

Creating a Digital Divide? The Administrative Gap in Smart City Implementation: Nicole Goodman (Brock University ), Zachary Spicer (University of Toronto), David Wolfe (University of Toronto)
Abstract: Key to the creation of Smart Cities is the implementation of digital opportunities and infrastructure, which is an integral part of the digitization of public services. The process of determining which services should move online and be made more accessible can prove challenging. In this paper, we rely on results from a survey administered to a national sample of residents, and surveys completed by local administrators and politicians in 33 Canadian CMAs to gauge impressions of Smart City services and innovation. The findings in this paper demonstrate that the preferences of citizens, administrators and politicians are not always aligned when it comes to the digitization of local services. We discuss implications for the future of service delivery and technological development at the city and community level.

Technology and Self-Determination: Indigenous Experiences in Canada: Chelsea Gabel (McMaster University), Nicole Goodman (Brock University)
Abstract: Nearly 60 Indigenous communities spanning Ontario, BC and Alberta have implemented digital technologies to support voting and consultation processes. One of the primary arguments for adoption is to engage a broader segment of the membership often with the goal of passing critical legislation to enhance community autonomy and take back power by passing their own constitutions or land codes. This raises questions regarding whether technologies are becoming increasingly important, perhaps even necessary, to enhance self-determination in Indigenous communities in Canada. Drawing upon community interviews in Whitefish River First Nation (Ontario), Wasauksing First Nation (Ontario), and Tsuu T'ina Nation (Alberta) this paper examines whether online voting is critical in enabling self-determination in a contemporary context. We find that online voting is an important tool in supporting and enabling self-determination, and perhaps even necessary given the need to engage off-reserve populations.