Thursday 30 March 2023

City of Toronto receives Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data for the eighth consecutive year

The WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney (far right), presented (from left) the City of Toronto CFO Heather Taylor, City Manager Paul Johnson and Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie with four years of WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certifications from the WCCD. 

The original release can be accessed here.

March 30, 2023

Today, the City of Toronto received Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for implementing ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities) for years 2018 to 2021, resulting in Toronto receiving this Platinum certification for eight consecutive years.

The certifications were presented to Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Heather Taylor, and City Manager Paul Johnson by WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney during a presentation at City Council.

Toronto is among more than 100 global cities – including 30 Canadian – in the WCCD network that collect, share and use data to make effective and transformative decisions. Platinum Certification is the highest level of recognition by the WCCD and underlines the City’s commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data.

Beyond its commitment to annual ISO 37120 reporting, the City will shortly begin implementing ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities) and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities). The City also intends to become an Early Adopter of the newest ISO standard on city indicators, ISO 37125 (Environmental, Social and Governance Indicators for Cities.) Toronto is the first city globally to announce its intent to implement ISO 37125 with the WCCD. Underlining Toronto’s commitment to data-driven decision-making, these year-over-year certifications will also support and validate the City’s Sustainable Debenture Program, a critical funding source for the City’s 10-year capital plan.

A Canadian-led, global innovation, the ISO 37120 Series (i.e. ISO 37122, ISO 37122, ISO 37123), is being implemented in more than forty countries. It contains fully numeric key performance indicators to measure city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies.

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart. As a Foundation City of the WCCD, Toronto was among the first twenty cities globally to implement ISO 37120 in 2014 and is the host city for the WCCD’s headquarters.

Quotes:

“The City of Toronto is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the World Council on City Data. These annual benchmarks allow the City to make data-informed decisions to ensure that Toronto continues to be a global leader and a great place to work, play, learn and invest. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the WCCD for future certifications.”

– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)

“Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data supports the City of Toronto’s sustainable debenture program and demonstrates our commitment to climate action, bond performance and investor relations, while enabling us to make the best data-informed decisions for the residents of Toronto.”

– Heather Taylor, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

“Through its commitment to standardized city data, the City of Toronto stands out as a leader in Canada and globally. With its eight years of WCCD ISO data, Council and City staff are equipped to continue focusing on improving Toronto residents’ quality of life while attracting new and diverse talent and investment. I congratulate the City on this important milestone.”

– Dr. Patricia McCarney, World Council on City Data, President and CEO

 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter (opens in new window)Instagram (opens in new window)or Facebook (opens in new window).

Media Relations

Thursday 9 March 2023

North Grenville Achieves Platinum Data Certification from World Council on City Data for the Second Consecutive Year

Mayor Peckord (Centre Left) and Council receive WCCD ISO 37120 Platinum Certification from the WCCD President & CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney (Centre Right)

The original release can be accessed here.


March 9, 2023

NORTH GRENVILLE, ONTARIO - Recognizing North Grenville's commitment to data-driven decision-making, the Municipality has received its second consecutive Platinum Certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD) for implementing ISO 37120 – the first international standard for city data. North Grenville joins a network of over 30 Canadian and 100 municipalities globally within the WCCD network that collect, share and use data to make effective and transformative decisions. This Platinum Certification is the highest level of recognition by the WCCD and underlines the Municipality's commitment to high-calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data.

"As our Municipality emerges from COVID with a core focus on infrastructure investment, improved service delivery and continued support for local economic development and tourism promotion, high calibre data is at the core of measuring progress and tracking change," stated Mayor Nancy Peckford.  

“Council would like to extend our special thanks to Director of Corporate Services Hillary Geneau and her colleague, Ashely Cuthbert for their sustained efforts. We appreciate their dedication,” added Mayor Peckford.  

Highlights of this year’s certification for North Grenville include:

  • A highly educated population - North Grenville is a leader in Canada and the world with residents holding, collectively, more than 8,600 post-secondary degrees;
  • Sustained business attraction, expansion and retention - even during the pandemic - promoting local economic growth and a vibrant community. 
  • Low water consumption and loss, contributing to overall cost savings and climate change mitigation.
  • A place to be active - North Grenville is a global leader with over 698 square metres per capita of outdoor recreation space.

"Working with the WCCD – and annually implementing the ISO 37120 standard - is supporting our prudent approach to affordability, while promoting a high quality of life for residents and business leaders in North Grenville. Through the data-driven insights that we obtain through our annual WCCD ISO certification, our staff continues to monitor and respond to our strategic priorities while prioritizing data-driven investment in our community," emphasized Mayor Peckford.

The WCCD's President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney, was present at the March 7th Council Meeting to mark this important accomplishment:

"North Grenville is a remarkable community that is harnessing high-calibre data to drive a more sustainable future and inclusive prosperity for its residents," stated Dr. McCarney. "It is truly a pleasure to congratulate Mayor Peckford, Council and Municipal Staff on achieving WCCD Platinum Certification for the second consecutive year.

North Grenville is expertly “putting their data to work,” drawing on their ISO 37120 data to encourage economic growth and inform sound infrastructure investment. North Grenville is an example to communities across Ontario, Canada and the globe as their leaders embrace a data-driven culture that ultimately informs sound decision-making that ensures a high quality of life for all residents.”

A Canadian-led, global innovation, ISO 37120 is the first international standard for city data. With 104 fully numeric indicators across 19 themes, it helps to measure city services and quality of life, underpinned by standardized definitions and methodologies.

The WCCD was founded in 2014 and helps communities of all sizes worldwide embrace standardized, independently verified and globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, prosperous, inclusive and smart.

For more information on the World Council on City Data (WCCD) visit: www.dataforcities.org/.