Esri Canada, a leading geographic information system (GIS) provider, has been named a Municipal Changemaker by Municipal World for its work in helping Canadian municipalities leverage GIS and location intelligence to enhance decision-making processes. The recognition highlights the company's role in enabling local governments to tackle complex challenges such as housing, infrastructure, emergency response, climate resilience, and service delivery through advanced mapping, dashboards, and digital twins.
Recognition for Innovation in Local Government
Municipal World, Canada's premier independent resource for local government professionals since 1891, introduced the Municipal Changemakers Awards to honor organizations that significantly improve how municipalities operate and serve their residents. Anthony Gibbons, CEO of Municipal World, stated, "Through our Municipal Changemakers Awards, we want to shine a light on those organizations that are making an impact on how municipalities work and serve their residents. Last year's recipients exemplify a commitment to practical, forward-thinking solutions, from reducing cardiac arrest rates by creating a defibrillator registry to providing comprehensive building solutions and leveraging geospatial innovation. We are proud to recognize innovative leaders like Esri Canada, whose work helps municipalities navigate complexity and build more resilient, sustainable futures."
GIS as a Transformative Tool for Municipalities
Esri Canada supports the municipal sector beyond software by offering free resources, training, national programs, and events that foster innovation and improve community outcomes. Alex Miller, president of Esri Canada, emphasized the importance of location intelligence: "Nearly every municipal issue has a location component. GIS helps leaders connect data on city assets and operations through dynamic maps, dashboards, and digital twins to make better decisions. From climate-resilient infrastructure and housing development to health and emergency response, GIS is transforming local government. We're pleased to see its impact recognized."
Real-World Impact: Halifax Regional Municipality
The Halifax Regional Municipality, which has leveraged GIS technology for over 35 years, exemplifies the benefits of location intelligence. Paul Shaffelburg, director of data analytics and visualization for the municipality, noted, "Our use of GIS has evolved from traditional land management to enhancing services such as planning, housing and development, wildfire and disaster response, climate change, and traffic management. GIS is part of the solution to every challenge we're facing. We're pleased that our concerted effort in applying technology strategically is delivering better outcomes for our community."
Esri's ArcGIS platform integrates data across the enterprise, enabling municipalities to make informed decisions, manage assets, engage constituents, and drive innovation. This recognition underscores Esri Canada's commitment to helping Canadian municipalities become smarter, more connected, and data-driven through powerful mapping and analytical tools.
