Hub Staff
Strategic Initiatives Manager Jessica Linthorne delivered a recommendation to council seeking approval on a three-year pilot project of the Municipal Innovation Council (MIC). At the October 15 Committee of Whole, the project is in partnership with the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and participating municipalities. In addition, Linthorne proposed the use of a one time provincial Efficiency/Modernization Grant to fund the project.
The purpose of the MIC, explained Linthorne, will be to discover efficiencies, develop smarter processes and ensure municipal services are sustainable within the four areas of focus which include Construction and Infrastructure, Municipal Sustainability, IT/Digital enhancement and Livable Communities. The NII partnership will allow the MIC free access to innovation teams and researchers.
A budget model for the MIC was outlined in the presented draft Business Plan. Each partnering municipality, including the host municipality, will contribute a base annual membership fee of $12,000 plus $2.50 per household. Partnering municipalities are required to commit to the full three-year pilot project.
Councillor Dave Myette requested examples of similar projects to this in other parts of the province. “I presume it’s not the first time it’s been done in the province, that there are other innovation hubs that have been established, that are up and running. Can you talk about where some of those might be,” asked Myette.
Linthorne mentioned the Digital Kitchener Innovation Lab that has shared valuable input from their own experiences which helped Saugeen Shores to model a plan for the MIC.
“We have a fantastic relationship with them and we’ve been learning lots about what they’ve been doing and lessons learned,” stated Linthorne.
Linthorne also spoke of the City of Halifax that is launching an innovation space within their community that will work collaboratively with different neighbourhoods and groups to develop smarter, more efficient communities.
Linthorne stressed the importance of partnering with other municipalities in Bruce County but admitted the added benefit of the NII takes it to the next level and "adds significant value."
“Doing it collaboratively and leaning on the NII, is the secret for success,” stated Linthorne.
Councillor John Rich expressed his support for the project, in particular the fact that it’s grant funded and a three-year pilot which provides adequate time to examine the success of the program. Rich shared his concern of losing Linthorne to the MIC, whom he described as “an asset to our corporation."
“The way the [Memorandum of Understanding] reads,” explained Linthorne, “is that we, as the Town of Saugeen Shores, will be coordinating the MIC, building these partnerships, getting things in the right shape, getting that Lab Director in place and handing it over, but having myself act as that Chair at the MIC to ensure that this project moves forward successfully.”
Councillor Kristan Shrider asked if the MIC would still be formed if the invited Bruce County communities did not join. Linthorne explained the opportunity to reach beyond Bruce County to the counties of Grey and Huron and also stressed that the model would be adjusted accordingly.
“The MIC as presented in the concept and business plan is the dream,” said Linthorne. “This is the real opportunity, the wish list, this is what we want to do. If we can’t hit that budget revenue of approximately $300,000 per year collectively, it will change. It’s a scalable model,” said Linthorne.
The CAO interjected to report that Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce Peninsula have both formally accepted the invitation to participate. “So far we’re two for two,” noted the CAO.
Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt was not supportive of the MIC and called it another layer of government. He asked Linthorne how the success of the project would be measured.
Linthorne said reports back to council outlining efficiencies and cost savings would provide adequate indication to the success of the project.
“We will, in some cases, be able to report back with a cost estimate, and certainly I would like to believe,” added Linthorne, “the innovations that come to the table will certainly have value.”
Council voted and approval was granted for the MIC pilot project.
