Council receives Digital Oakville 2021 Plan Update

Council received the town’s Digital Oakville 2021 plan at Monday’s meeting, which outlines the key projects and activities that will be rolled out this year in the areas of Online Services, Partnerships and Data Management; Digital Infrastructure; and Continuous Improvement.

“In today’s digitally-driven world, it’s more important than ever to be strategic in the way we invest in digital improvements in the town,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Our Digital Oakville 2021 plan shows how we continue to invest in technology and embrace innovation. With this plan, the Town of Oakville is well positioned to become a digital leader in the public sector.”

The Digital Oakville 2021 plan, which supports the Council’s strategic plan, builds on investments and improvements the town has made over the last several years. Highlights of the plan include:

With all the Digital Oakville 2021 plan initiatives, the opportunities for technology investment are broad ranging and solutions are changing rapidly. As a result, the town has adopted a “build-measure-learn” approach where the initial service launch meets core needs but gradually matures based on user feedback. This approach will nurture a culture of data analytics and continuous improvement.

Looking beyond 2021, the town is working on a number of planned improvements, such as revamping the town’s web site with improved content management, easier navigation and user focused content. New Service Oakville features will allow more self-serve, an improved report a problem process and greater information sharing. In the near future, the town will also see online property tax functions. Finally, recognizing the knowledge and experience that many local companies have in digital innovation, the town will explore potential opportunities to continue to engage, test and learn.

“The Digital Oakville 2021 plan focuses on using the extensive data the town produces to improve services, and foster an organizational culture that embraces continuous improvement and digital innovation to meet citizen needs,” said Jane Clohecy, CAO. “The town’s commitment to innovation through enhancing digital service delivery and infrastructure well positions us to take advantage of economic, social and environmental opportunities. In doing so, these initiatives directly support the town’s vision of being the most livable town in Canada.”

For more information, review item 9.4 in the April 26, 2021 Council Agenda.

On December 21, 2020, Council requested that staff prepare a summary of the digital/innovation plan for 2021.