The use of Digital Infrastructure is one of many tools to help the City achieve its strategic goals and priorities. As the use of digital infrastructure to provide City services and manage assets evolves, how information is collected, used, managed and protected must also advance. The Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework (DISF), formerly known as the Digital Infrastructure Plan, will modernize and formalize the roles, functions and procedures within which digital infrastructure decisions at the City are made.
City Council adopted the DISF at its meeting of April 6, 2022, as the guiding direction for Digital Infrastructure Initiatives undertaken by the City. The City’s Technology Services division is leading DISF implementation. Please contact digitalfeedback@toronto.ca if you have any questions.
City staff are exploring the development of a Sensor Policy for the City of Toronto. A Sensor Policy could guide the future use of sensors by the City, by establishing requirements on a range of matters (e.g. transparency, trust, privacy, security, open data, data ethics, interoperability, proportionality, necessity, coordination of deployments, etc.). The public can provide feedback through this online questionnaire. Details about additional opportunities for public engagement will be shared here soon or subscribe below to receive updates.
Digital Infrastructure is defined as: all technology assets that create, exchange or use data or information in a digital form as a part of their operation, as well as all data collected or used by the aforementioned technology assets. Examples of Digital Infrastructure include:
The DISF is founded on six Principles, each of which articulates a vision for the use of Digital Infrastructure in Toronto.
Digital Infrastructure can help improve the quality of life of Torontonians in a variety of ways. Some examples include reducing the digital divide, as well as improving opportunities for participation, inclusion and wellbeing. However, any benefits must be weighed against potential harms that could arise through the reinforcement of existing – or creation of new – barriers (digital or physical). The working principles provide guidance when deciding if a proposed use of Digital Infrastructure is:
Digital Infrastructure will be used to create and sustain equity, inclusion, accessibility and human rights in its operations and outcomes. Digital Infrastructure will be flexible, adaptable, interoperable and responsive to the needs of all Torontonians, including equity-seeking groups, Indigenous people, those with accessibility needs and vulnerable populations.
Digital Infrastructure will enable high-quality, resilient and innovative public services, and support evidence-based decision-making.
Digital Infrastructure will contribute to positive social, economic and environmental benefits by supporting the success of Toronto’s residents, businesses, academic institutions and community organizations.
Toronto’s digital infrastructure will operate in a way that protects the privacy of individuals in accordance with legislative requirements, and be safe from misuse, hacks, theft or breaches.
Decisions about Digital Infrastructure will be made democratically, in a way that is ethical, accountable, transparent and subject to oversight. Torontonians will be provided with understandable, timely and accurate information about the technologies in their city, and opportunities to shape the digital domain.
The City will maintain control in the selection, use and design of its digital infrastructure, so that it – and its residents – can act with autonomy and in a self-determined manner within the digital realm.
Please check back for details on public consultations coming up in early 2023.
The DISF has been developed in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, members of the pubic, and other community partners.
Winter 2022
Virtual and in-person public consultations were held on December 5 and 7 to give an update on the implementation of the DISF. Other topics discussed included:
Fall 2021
Virtual public consultations (DiscoTech: Discover Technology) were held on September 28 and 29. At these meetings, participants were provided with an overview of the DIP and had the opportunity to ask questions of staff, review the September 2021 draft version of the DIP, and provide feedback about the project
After the public consultations, three (3) drop-in sessions with the project team took place that provided an opportunity for interested people to speak directly with the project team and ask more in-depth questions related to the DIP.
A draft DIP Engagement Summary Report is available for download and review.
Based on input from various stakeholders, the title Digital Infrastructre Plan (DIP) was changed to Digital Infrastrucure Strategic Framework (DISF) and a March 2022 draft version was created after the fall 2021 consultations.
Summer 2021
A virtual public consultation (DiscoTech: Discover Technology) related to Digital Autonomy was held on June 21, 2021. Materials from that meeting include:
Fall/Winter 2019
Initial consultations on the DIP were held in December 2019. You can download and read the Discussion Guide, presentation and Discussion Boards from those meetings.
In addition, City Council also:
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