Internet of Things data integration to improve operational efficiency, enhance city services
KINGSTON, ON, Feb. 7, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Kingston City Council
has approved an agreement towards a public-private partnership between the city and Bell that will employ Bell's Smart City
platform to provide a series of connected Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Bell's innovative technology will create a more
mobile, efficient, collaborative and environmentally sustainable Smart City.
"Technological advances are absolutely critical and one of the key factors to our future and economic success throughout the
Kingston region," said Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson. "A Smart City uses technology and data to improve livability and opportunities for the city
and its people. This partnership with Bell will create cutting-edge technology for us and put Kingston on the map as being one of the most innovative cities in Canada
and a leading Smart City, while improving everyday life for the people of Kingston."
Supported by Bell's advanced fibre and wireless broadband networks, the Smart City platform will aggregate data from numerous
IoT monitoring solutions coupled with the city's open data to provide municipal staff with a digital dashboard containing a
consolidated, city-wide view of municipal operations. The Smart City platform will enable Kingston to digitize its operations and collect data to make better informed decisions and investments in
city operations and infrastructure, benefiting constituents, internal departments and employees while improving citizen
engagement.
"Bell is proud to partner with a technology and innovation leader like Kingston to realize
the benefits of the Smart City," said Bell Senior Vice President Gary
Semplonius. "The Smart City platform will offer city staff a comprehensive and consolidated view of connected city
services supporting better operating efficiencies, cost savings and improved services for Kingston residents, businesses and visitors."
The first two Smart City solutions of the pilot program will be rolled out this spring:
- Energy management: Energy analytics help reduce carbon emissions and meet municipal environmental targets while
providing financial savings and enhanced productivity of staff through better coordinated maintenance.
- Digital kiosks: Bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access, real-time event updates, charging station
services, tourism promotion, remotely managed video cameras, city information and 9-1-1 emergency buttons.
"Awareness of Smart Cities has grown enormously over the past year. Municipal, provincial and federal governments realize that
they can positively alter the lives of millions of urban residents with the technology and data-driven opportunities that digital
transformation provides," says Nigel Wallis, IDC Canada's Vice President of IoT and Industries.
"Smart City initiatives benefit civic institutions through provisioning sensor data that is analysed, and acted upon by staff and
citizens. This makes for better decisions, made faster. IDC believes that the Internet of Things has the potential to enhance
efficiency while enabling governments to deliver services in ways that were not previously possible. It is heartening to see a
medium-sized city embrace IoT, showing that mid-sized towns are well positioned to take the lead as Canada's Smart Cities."
The Government of Canada announced $300 million in funding over 11 years in Budget 2017 towards
a Smart Cities Challenge
Fund. The Infrastructure Canada initiative is designed to encourage cities to improve the lives of their citizens through
innovative connected technology.
The IoT solutions being implemented in Kingston are part of a Smart City program offered by
Bell that will enable cities to quickly transform their operations within months so they can start collecting data, analyze
insights and make smarter decisions. For more information about Bell's IoT solutions, please visit Bell.ca/IoT.
About the City of Kingston
Kingston's vision of being a smart, livable 21st century city is fast becoming
reality. History and innovation thrive in our dynamic city located along the beautiful shores of Lake
Ontario, an easy drive from Toronto, Ottawa and
Montreal, in the heart of eastern Ontario. With a stable and
diversified economy that includes global corporations, innovative startups and all levels of government, Kingston's high quality of life offers access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced
healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities. To learn more, please visit www.CityofKingston.ca.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication
services throughout the country. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out
of home, and digital media. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE; NYSE: BCE). To learn more,
please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell
Let's Talk Day, and provides significant Bell funding of mental health care and access, research and workplace leadership
initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
Media inquiries
City of Kingston
Communications and customer experience department
613-546-4291 ext. 2300
@CityofKingston
Bell
Nathan Gibson
905-614-9596
nathan.gibson@bell.ca
@Bell_News
Bell investor inquiries
Thane Fotopoulos
514-870-4619
thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca
SOURCE Bell Canada
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