City of Cambridge Wins Award for Using GIS for Drug Debris Response

LONDON, Esri Canada User Conference–April 4, 2018– Esri Canada presented the City of Cambridge with an Award of Excellence today for its quick response to a public safety concern using geographic information system (GIS) technology.

Like many cities around the world, Cambridge is dealing with the opioid crisis and its impacts on the community.  The presence of needle debris in public spaces, as well as a desire to streamline reporting mechanisms for all waste and debris in the community, created a priority review of the current processes and practices.

A coordinated and rapid effort by staff resulted in an Esri–based solution for tracking and streamlining the identification, location and removal of drug-related debris in the city, including needle debris, on public and private property. The online reporting tool can easily be used by staff, contractors and the public through the City’s website.

“Responding quickly in a matter of public safety, as Cambridge did, is impressive and important. And sharing information with both City Hall staff and residents using GIS demonstrates how governments can be both nimble and inclusive,” said Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada.

"This issue was location-based and so we used ArcGIS, a location-based technology, to address it. The overall impact of this app allows city staff to better allocate resources as well as take a more proactive and preventative role in ensuring our community is safe and clean for all of our residents and businesses," said Robert Delorme, Manager of IT Strategy at the City of Cambridge.

Using Esri’s cloud-based mapping platform, ArcGIS Online, the City created an online form on which the public or staff can report debris. The form triggers an automated notification email with the location and pertinent information to field crews using tablets with the Collector for ArcGIS app. Through the app, staff and contractors can directly track and respond to information that is reported and record their findings while on proactive patrols.

By noting the time, day and location, trends are revealed allowing for a more targeted, efficient and effective ongoing response. It is also much easier for senior management to monitor progress and response.

Local media picked up on this program and it has been widely embraced by the community. Its success is being closely watched by Waterloo Region’s partners and is part of a bigger community outreach program, which will include proactive clean-ups of all types of litter and beautification projects  currently being developed by the City of Cambridge.

Learn more about ArcGIS Online at esri.ca/arcgisonline.

About Cambridge, Ontario
Cambridge is a thriving city with a diverse population of more than 125,000. It is located within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, one of Ontario's fastest growing regions. Cambridge has used digital technology to showcase the city, most recently using a Story Map to illustrate what a popular spot it has become as a filming location.

About Esri Canada  
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower people in business, government and education to make informed and timely decisions by leveraging the power of mapping and spatial analytics. These solutions enable organizations to better manage their resources, plan their future and collaborate within and beyond their organization. Esri Canada’s products and services help advance successful digital transformation. The company serves 12,000 organizations from 16 offices across Canada and is based in Toronto. In 2015, Esri Canada became a Gold Standard winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and in 2016 was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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