SEPTEMBER 9 WEBINAR - BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

Willis Award for Innovation -

Under 20,000 Population Category - Municipal Innovation Council

In 2019 the Town of Saugeen Shores began working with the newly established Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) to explore opportunities for collaboration. Realizing the potential to leverage resources, (ie. innovation teams, research and studies) Saugeen Shores advanced an MOU with the NII. The MOU directed Saugeen Shores to lead a conversation with municipal partners with a goal to build a collaborative program that advances municipal innovation in Bruce County.

Saugeen Shores staff worked closely with local municipal CAOs to develop a concept document and business plan to support the creation of the Municipal Innovation Council (MIC). Partners agreed to a funding model which would permit a healthy budget to evaluate common challenges and bring in the right person to develop solutions and implement change.

The objective of the MIC is to find and implement efficiencies for municipal service delivery and to enhance services in member communities. All partners were able to access their received one-time provincial efficiency grant for their financial contribution to the MIC.

In 2020, an Innovation Officer was hired and strategic framework was developed. A multitude of projects are underway.

To view the entire award submission, visit the CAMA Member's Section.

Willis Award for Innovation -

Under 20,000 Population Category - Mountain View County M-Files Implementation

In 2018, M-Files was pitched as a method for efficiency. Now, in the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been redefined as a tool for resiliency, accessibility and connectivity. Through the implementation of M-Files, Mountain View County now stores over 250,000 documents electronically, has reduced its reliance on paper, and has cancelled expensive contracts that provided external storage of physical documents. M-Files allows for expedient access to records, enhanced search functions, dynamic permissions and enhanced document and personal information security. Furthermore, automated workflows have resulted in municipal practices that are accountable and transparent while maximizing efficiencies.

The innovation of the M-Files system was seriously put to the test when the municipality transitioned to a "work from home" environment in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic where staff have been required to work remotely for nearly a year. With some innovative changes to the system, staff from all departments in the organization and Elected Officials have been able to work safely by increasing social distancing and minimizing in-person interactions while continuing to deliver our full range of services to the public.

To view the entire award submission, visit the CAMA Member's Section.