MARKHAM, ON – October 5, 2020 – Today, the City of Markham was recognized with ISO 37120 Platinum-level certification from the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The City of Markham reported over 90 of the 104 indicators within WCCD’s ISO 37120 international standard to achieve the highest level for city data, joining a select group of global cities across 35 countries who are collecting, sharing, and using city data to make effective and transformative decisions. The WCCD ISO Platinum Certification was awarded as part of the three-year “Data for Canadian Cities Project” as supported by the Federal Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities.
Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, and the Member for Parliament for Markham-Thornhill Mary Ng joined Markham City Council on behalf of Minister of infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna for the presentation by WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney.
“Cities are at the core of global transformation and have the opportunity to shape a better, more inclusive and sustainable world,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "As Canada’s High-Tech Capital and most diverse city, we are thrilled to join the WCCD Canadian and global network, allowing us to benchmark against other leading municipalities, continue to drive change and learn from best practices. We are confident that other municipalities will greatly benefit from our successful sustainability initiatives and we in turn look forward to learning from others especially in areas such as infrastructure and rapid transit development.”
The City of Markham joins one hundred cities around the world – and thirty across Canada – as part of a global registry that allows municipalities to benchmark quality of life and delivery of services indicators, and to improve the delivery of city services.
"All communities, large and small, need good data to plan and build modern public infrastructure,” said Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna. “Meeting global data standards is critical. Through the Data for Canadian Cities Project, in partnership with the World Council on City Data, we've been helping municipal leaders in a number of communities across Canada do just that. I am delighted that the City of Markham has obtained the ISO standard for municipal data. This will help the city plan projects with quality data and will help guide evidence-based decision-making. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country and builds stronger communities."
"With a strong reputation as one of Canada's most diverse communities - combining outstanding community planning with a vibrant local environment - it is my pleasure to award the City of Markham with WCCD's ISO 37120 Platinum Certification, through the federally supported "Data for Canadian Cities Project," stated WCCD President and CEO, Dr. Patricia McCarney. “The commitment of Mayor Scarpitti, City Council and Staff to harnessing high calibre, globally standardized and independently verified city data underlines the City's dedication to improving citizen services and quality of life. With a firm commitment to sustainable transport and a data-driven safe and resilient future, the WCCD looks forward to working with the City of Markham in creating a smarter, more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous future for your residents."
Access to the WCCD Global Network allows the City of Markham to collect, share, and use data to inform decision making in a way that benefits all participating cities. It can measure quality of life and service delivery using a common international standard, share local experiences but also understand how cities around the world are tackling similar issues, learn about practices and policies that have the biggest impact, and access the expertise and experience of leading global experts and municipal peers.
For more information about the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and the certification, visit dataforcities.org
Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.
For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.