As we begin a new year, I want to take the opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our members for your continued partnership and dedication to working collaboratively.
2021 brought about big changes; although some were challenging, other changes resulted in great opportunities.
Despite ongoing disruptions caused by the pandemic, last year we were still able engage with our members through our Virtual Café Series along with many one-on-one custom webinars.
The Society also welcomed two new staff members, Darren Smylie (GIS Technology Administrator) and Eden McDonald-Yale (Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator), who have proven to be a great addition to our team. Darren has been focusing on learning the backend to our GeoShare environment while Eden has been focusing on outreach and communications to our valued members.
As we look to 2022, ICI Society will focus on optimizing our data sharing standards and processes; strengthening the network by building more opportunities for members to work collaboratively; and delivering information and education through a variety of events, activities, and outreach. Our key priorities for the year include:
Ongoing Initiatives:
ParcelMap BC
The Society continues to support its members towards the adoption of ParcelMap BC. Custom packages are sent out to its members on a weekly re-fresh to ensure members are getting up to date parcel information to support their operations. The Ops Team provides additional support through participating in the Adoption Working Group in addition to hosting Virtual Cafés that address many ParcelMap BC related topics.
Diversify Membership & Expand Data ShareHouse
Ongoing outreach and engagement to our members continues as we increase the content and value within our Data ShareHouse. Currently, we are still collecting and requesting addresses, infrastructure mains and zoning information.
Please contact us if you have additional data to contribute and we will assist you in updating your GeoShare Delivery Script.
Targeted Outreach to Improvement Districts
As part of our continued strategy to expand and diversify membership, we are focusing efforts to engage and recruit Improvement Districts. There are almost 200 Improvement Districts across the province, and we believe Improvement Districts would gain significant benefits from ICI Society membership.
First Nations Members
ICI Society is working to strengthen the relationship with existing and potential First Nation members, establishing the First Nations Working Group to guide the process. Last month, we distributed a survey to ICI Society First Nations members in order to identify potential improvements in the Data Catalog and other Society activities. We aim to gain a better understanding of what data members are using and how the Society can better support their geospatial work.
NG9-1-1
The Next Generation 9-1-1 Initiative aims to update and improve public emergency communication services across Canada and the US to reflect the current technological advancements. The updates will require coordination and collaboration between numerous stakeholders, including the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission; 9-1-1 service and network providers; federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; and emergency responders. ICI Society is participating in ongoing discussions and will continue education & outreach for its members.
Cost-Sharing for Aerial Imagery Acquisition
The acquisition of aerial imagery is important to BC Assessment (BCA) along with other ICI Member Segments across the province. Up-to-date imagery helps BCA maintain an accurate inventory of developed properties, and it can assist local governments in raising tax revenue for critical local projects. By collaborating on imagery, it also creates a consistent, single source for information on a particular property. The ICI Society is working with BCA to create a cost-sharing platform in which members and BCA can work together for mutual benefit.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining the Cost-Sharing Program or want to learn more.
Ongoing Collaboration & Support:
Webinars, Virtual Cafés & Regional User Conferences
Although some events and activities may look a bit different as we continue to learn how to coexist with COVID-19, we look forward to hosting a variety of events to facilitate collaboration and re-establish relationships in the upcoming year.
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Overall, we will continue to push forward with new ideas, improvements, and a dedication to providing reliable access to the best available geospatial data across the province.
ICI Society remains committed to building collaborative networks to facilitate innovative, location-based solutions in support of the economic, social, and environmental well-being of British Columbians.
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On behalf of the Ops Team, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and a safe, healthy & prosperous 2022!
Regards,
Steve Mark
Director of Operations
