Data drives our future in Winnipeg. Every day, it guides how we make decisions. Recently, our work was validated with What Works Cities Silver Certification. This certification recognizes us for our strong data practices.
Winnipeg is one of the first 100 cities worldwide, and one of the first four Canadian cities, to achieve this recognition.
“We are proud to be one of the first Canadian cities to be certified for our exceptional use of data,” said Jen Bodnarchuk, Senior Data Scientist and Acting Coordinator of Data & Analytics.
Using data helps us to make better decisions and improve services. Most of the work happens behind the scenes, so you may not always see it. Like anything else we do, our focus is on the results. Almost all departments use data to make Winnipeg a better place:
- We track the performance of pilot projects that give more opportunities to businesses with diverse workforces or provide training for people with barriers to employment
- We use citizen satisfaction surveys and benchmark against other cities
- We have a new webpage to help residents find out if accessibility features are temporarily unavailable at City facilities
- We track workforce diversity data on our award-winning diversity dashboard and measure gaps in representation
“Assessment, measurement, and research inform all our equity, diversity, and inclusion decisions. We are committed to understanding and owning accountability to make change,” said Diane Burelle, the City’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist.
From helping those in need to planning how you get around, data improves many of the services you are familiar with. Just a few ways we do this is:
- The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service shares data with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership to help ensure the right resources are sent to help those in need
- Winnipeg Transit used data to design the new Primary Transit Network that will be launching on June 29, 2025
- Public Works shares up-to-date snow clearing and parking information through their snow operations map
- PP&D uses mapping data in their services
- Water and Waste also uses data extensively to inform their services
No matter the department, we always maintain data privacy and confidentiality. We make sure that our data and information are secure. And we are always adding datasets to our Open Data Portal.
Data and evidence are more than just numbers. When we lead with data, we put residents first.
Thank you and congratulations to every employee who contributed. Your hard work makes our community better.
The What Works Cities Certification program was launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and is led by Results for America. It is the international standard of data excellence in city governance. The program is open to any city in North, Central, or South America with a population of 30,000 or more.