Open Data Policy

• municipalities across Canada have an opportunity to lower their costs by collectively sharing and supporting software they use and create; • the total value of public data is maximized when provided for free or where necessary only a minimal cost of distribution; • when data is shared freely, citizens are enabled to use and re-purpose it to help create a more economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable city; and Hamilton needs to look for opportunities for creating economic activity and partnership with the creative sectors; • the adoption of open standards improves transparency, access to city information by citizens and businesses and improved coordination and efficiencies across municipal boundaries and with federal and provincial partners; • digital innovation can enhance citizen communications, support the brand of the city as creative and innovative, improve service delivery, support citizens to self-organize and solve their own problems and create a stronger sense of civic engagement, community and pride;