City of Hamilton recognized with Innovative Management Practices award

OAKVILLE, ONT.—The City of Hamilton, Ont. recently won the 2021 John Niedra Better Practices Competition in the Innovative Management Practices category for the use of artificial intelligence technology.

The award, presented by the Ontario Good Roads Association, was announced during the 2022 Good Roads Conference in Toronto.

“The competition showcases the ingenuity of municipal employees and recognizes innovations and achievements that improve the efficiency of municipal transportation and public works services and operations.” said Scott Butler, executive director for Good Roads in a statement.

“Two Good Roads members, Iris and the City of Hamilton, used artificial intelligence to improve sign inventory and location mapping.” said Dr. James Smith, manager of research and technical products, Good Roads. “The two worked to enhance proprietary technology that can automatically detect, analyze, and report pavement defects and other infrastructure. This is a great example of streamlining a labour-intensive process. Moreover, this initiative also helps support the City’s Vision Zero strategy.”