Town discusses launch of new local GIS app
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A presentation given before Town of Strathmore council during the Jan. 22 regular meeting detailed the launch of local Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Economic Development Dashboards.
The development of the Public Web Map and Economic Development dashboards aims to provide residents and businesses with easier access to information, while supporting the town’s economic development goals.
“This tool will provide our residents, businesses, and other stakeholders with easy access to property information, reducing the need for direct inquiries and empowering a self-service for our community,” said Seth Whitney, GIS specialist for the Town of Strathmore. “The public property search web map is an app that is user friendly, and a web-based map where users can search properties by various criteria like address, tax roll number, or even by zooming into the map.”
Whitney explained the map provides a convenient and intuitive way to gather information on properties, including details on assessments, taxes, and zoning.
This also includes information such as lot size and garbage pickup days for a given property. All of this is to be made available online with constant accessibility, without the need to contact town staff.
“The tool brings multiple benefits: first, it reduces the number of calls and inquiries that staff need to respond to by allowing residents and businesses to get to the information themselves,” said Whitney. “Second, it provides faster access to property details, meeting the growing demand for transparency and convenience. It is especially useful for real estate agents, assessors, and resident who need quick access to this type of information.”
Sensitive information regarding properties, such as property owner identities and contact information has been removed from the app.
Upon receiving support from council, public communication regarding the app will be distributed in order to increase awareness, as well as to teach people how to utilize the app effectively.
Whitney also clarified to council, town or RCMP staff, for example, would only be able to discover property owners’ names through the app should their job require such information to be disclosed.
Only at such a time would permissions be granted to view that information. GIS aims to remain Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) compliant regarding disclosure of potentially sensitive information.
GIS has indicated they have a target launch date of March 17. More information regarding the project is available via the town’s Jan. 22 meeting agenda, as well as on their YouTube channel.