Ah, the lowly streetlight. It’s as ubiquitous as the air we breathe, a constant that barely captures our attention. But could this most underrated piece of municipal infrastructure be at the forefront of the Smart Cities evolution.
A Smart City is a community that leverages technology, intelligent connectivity and the “Internet of things” to help solve real world problems. And at its core is the principle that the connected city serves the people by making it more livable and alive.
So why are streetlights so relevant in the transformation of cities? Well, if this stalwart of our streetscapes is embedded with sensors it can collect and transmit immense amounts of information and data on everything from traffic congestion, foot traffic and air quality, to noise levels and construction delays. Streetlight sensors could track electric vehicle charging stations, buses and available parking, and transmit that information instantaneously to the citizen who needs to know.
They could also improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians and make a city more manageable for people with mobility issues. They could dim, flash, and turn off and on to help prevent crime or reduce energy consumption and costs. And this is only the beginning of how municipal infrastructure can act as collectors of data as we rethink municipal services.
But perhaps the greatest opportunity for information collection is to envision every citizen as a potential sensor, collecting information, measuring, mapping, crowdsourcing and ground-truthing their reality, and the potential for greater collaboration between academics, the private sector, governments and its citizens.
The District of Squamish has embraced this idea of being forward-thinking. Our Digital Strategy embraces technologies that allow our economy to be relevant, competitive and deliver services, but also acknowledges the digital divide that is a very real threat to the social fabric of community, because no one benefits if large portions of the population are left behind. We place a high value on innovation and acknowledge we have to have the bravery to fail.
As part of this strategy we initiated an open data portal where anyone can access data sets and develop their own Apps, (data.squamish.ca), and our award winning GIS system is boast-worthy. And soon you will see sensors on our streetlights as a result of an MOU signed with Vancouver-based Moovee Technologies to test automated vehicle sensors.
Canada is seen as a straggler in the Smart Cities evolution so the federal government has initiated a Smart Cities Challenge to inspire innovation and boldness in communities across Canada.
Do you have ideas about how to improve the quality of life in Squamish?
Send me an email or pop by the next Mayor’s Drop-in.
