Research pilot program integrates IBM data and analytics technology into IoT systems for City operational insights
MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 6, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - The City of
Markham today announced the launch of the Smart City Accelerator Research Program, a new partnership with Bell. The program will
deploy Bell's Smart City platform, an advanced solution of interconnected Internet of Things (IoT) applications, to improve the
efficiency of municipal operations and enhance City services for residents.
Through its Digital Markham strategy, Markham aims to create a "frictionless city" through
innovation and adoption of emerging technologies that will enhance the customer experience and improve the overall quality of
life for Markham residents. The Smart City initiative with Bell will advance Markham's digital journey and provide the opportunity for the City to test various sensor technologies in a
number of different business areas.
"Markham will serve as a living lab and an incubator for innovation," said Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham. "By embracing smart city technologies, we
will continue to deliver exceptional services to our residents at lower costs and improve the quality of life. This partnership
with Bell speaks to Markham's commitment to leveraging the latest digital tools and assets;
keeping us connected in an age of great transformation while reinforcing Markham's position as a
municipal leader in the heart of Canada's innovation corridor."
"We're proud to partner with Markham to extend the City's technology leadership in the
management of municipal operations and enhanced delivery of city services," said Bell Senior Vice
President Gary Semplonius. "By leveraging the Bell Smart City platform to monitor and manage
critical infrastructure and services, Markham's program will lead to more efficient operations
and improved services for everyone who lives and works here."
Bell is also partnering with IBM Canada to implement its components into the Bell Smart City platform. Supported by Bell's
advanced broadband networks, IBM technology helps to aggregate data gathered from the various IoT monitoring solutions from Bell
with the city's open data to provide a consolidated digital dashboard view of city operations. Data analytics gathered by the
system enable municipal workers from across city departments to collaborate in real-time, leading to better-informed decisions
about the management of city operations and delivery of services for citizens.
"This integration between IBM's technology and Bell's pervasive broadband networks and IoT applications brings the best of
these two industry leaders in delivering the Markham Smart City program to the City," said Nathalie Le
Prohon, IBM Canada's telecommunications leader.
Planned initiatives for the Markham Smart City program include:
- Asset management – Remote tracking of usage and location of municipal equipment.
- Water leak detection – Sensors on water mains and hydrants to provide real-time status of water system
conditions.
- Storm/flood water monitoring – Manhole and river sensors measure water levels to help manage flood risk and mitigate
damage.
- Environmental monitoring – Temperature and humidity sensors from fixed locations across the city will provide
weather data to guide decisions on management of city operations.
- Energy management – Sensors will monitor and support analysis of energy usage in municipal buildings to optimize
energy management.
For more information about Bell's Smart City platform in Markham, please visit Bell.ca/Markham.
About Markham
Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of
nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,100 high tech and life science
companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210
foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada's most
diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.
Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy
Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.
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. 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 significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To learn
more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
About IBM Canada
IBM Canada is headquartered in Markham, Ontario and is one of Canada's top 10 private
R&D investors; contributing more than $478 million to Canadian research and development
initiatives last year. IBM has a unique approach to collaboration that provides academic researchers, small and large business,
start-ups and developers with business strategies and computing tools they need to innovate. Areas of focus include AI, cloud and
security. Canada is also home to IBM's largest microelectronics packaging and test facility in Bromont,
Quebec and the largest software development organization in the country, with sites in Markham, Ottawa, and Fredericton.
Media inquiries
Lama Nicolas
City of Markham (Markham Mayor Frank
Scarpitti's Office)
416-671-2890
lnicolas@markham.ca
Erynn Sally
City of Markham (All other media inquiries for City of Markham)
416-737-2684
esally@markham.ca
Nathan Gibson
Bell
905-614-9596
nathan.gibson@bell.ca
@Bell_News
Lorraine Baldwin
IBM
778-230-5600
lorraine@ca.ibm.com
Bell investor inquiries
Thane Fotopoulos
514-870-4619
thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca
SOURCE Bell Canada
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