City launches open data portal

The City of Medicine Hat launched an open data portal today – another step in the journey to provide convenient access to public municipal information.

An open data portal is an online platform that hosts and provides public access to downloadable datasets such as transportation, infrastructure, or environmental information – all free from restrictions like copyright or patents. These portals promote transparency, innovation, and accountability, allowing developers, residents, and businesses to download, analyze, and use the data for free, provided they acknowledge the disclaimer.

Municipalities are approaching open data with purpose, recognizing that allowing access to this information can reduce the need for staff to respond to information requests, and empower the public to use data for their own business and personal use. From guiding real estate investment and supporting local businesses, to enabling research, advocacy, and everyday decision-making, open municipal data provides valuable insights that help build stronger, more informed communities.

Early in this Council term, a commitment to providing exceptional and efficient customer service became clear as a cornerstone of the new mandate. As such, City administration collaborated across multiple departments to advance this project.

“This open data portal demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration,” said Pat Bohan, Managing Director of Development and Infrastructure. “By making public municipal data accessible, we empower residents, businesses, and community partners to turn information into new services, applications, and economic activity.”

The project also supports an operational need in the parks and recreation department. Through work connected to the Growing Canada’s Community Canopy Grant, staff identified the need for reliable, accessible data on City-owned trees: where they are, what species and sizes, and how that information could be shared consistently – both internally and externally – to support local school involvement in the project. 

The preview of the City’s open data portal was offered at a Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce event earlier today, providing a glimpse of how this tool may be of use to the business community.

Datasets currently included in the portal include 47 downloadable files from public washrooms to water and sewer pipes. City officials confirm that this is the first iteration of the portal, and more datasets will be added overtime.

“Providing downloadable open data will cut red tape, improve customer service and demonstrate a commitment to providing open information to the public,” added Bohan.

Visit the portal at opendata.medicinehat.ca.

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