Thunder Bay Open Data

Watch an overview of Thunder Bay's Open Data Portal

 What is open data?

Open data is digital data that is freely available, without restrictions from copyright or patents, to everyone to use, reuse and redistribute under the open data licence, anytime and anywhere. Datasets, available within the open data portal, are provided as source data in the format and state that they currently exist, unless privacy, contractual, security, privilege, confidential, or other limitations restrict the release or parts of the data in the dataset. 

Digital data, referred to as datasets, are provided in a format that is machine-readable, and may include formats such as CSV, XML, JSON, Shapefiles, or APIs. This data, unlike human-readable formats, such as PDFs or HTML pages, can be loaded, analyzed or repurposed by computer applications to provide further analysis, generate insights or used to develop software applications. The City of Thunder Bay’s available datasets can be accessed through the City’s open data portal.

What are the benefits of open data?

Open data has the potential to advance City operations and benefit residents. Open data can provide the following benefits: 

Transparency and accountability

People want to know what government is doing. To do that, they must be able to freely access public data and information and be able to share that information. By opening up data, citizens are enabled to be much more directly informed and involved in decision-making. Open access to data can aid in unifying our community and empowering citizens to help shape the city’s future. 

Improved effectiveness and efficiency of services

Data can be used to do research, analysis and provide insight into municipal operations. This can help to solve issues or identify issues that we may not know we have. For example. Energy consumption, traffic counts, bus stop locations or budget information. It also creates operational efficiencies for some of our departments as it will cut down on data requests. Open Data portal = Self Service. 

Innovation and economic development

Data is a key resource for social and commercial activities. Open data, can help drive the creation of innovative business and services that deliver social and commercial value. In addition, the data can be used as the foundation to create Software Applications or Mobile Apps. 

Quality of life for citizens

Access Applications that use Open data or just having access to the open data itself. 

Learn more in the blog: 5 Benefits of Open Government Data.

 What is open government?

Open government is the idea of making government more accessible to the public. It is based on the principles of:

• transparency
• integrity
• accountability
• stakeholder participation

Open government enhances citizen participation in policy making and designing services. It also helps government to be more responsive to citizens.

Learn more: FAQs about open government

 Who can use the open data datasets?

Everyone is able to access, use, and share the datasets that are provided. Examples of groups and instances where this data may be used is by software developers to build applications, or researchers, media, educational institutes and the public to perform analysis, identify trends over time, or to look into how different parts of government go about their work. It is your responsibility when using the data, to take into consideration the possible limitations of each dataset, as it may have been created for a different purpose and scale.

 What is not included in the open data datasets?

Each of the datasets are reviewed by the Open Data Committee prior to being published. Each dataset is reviewed to ensure it does not contain any of the following information:

• Personal information
• Data that can identify an individual
• Confidential information
• Data that may pose a security concern or risk

 What datasets are available and how do I request a dataset?

Available Datasets

The City of Thunder Bay has provided an initial set of datasets for release in a number of different formats. These were selected as they were readily available and free from any restrictions. There will be an ongoing process to review and expand on the number of datasets that are available on the site. View the available datasets through the Open Data Portal. A search option is provided to find a specific dataset, or the categories can be reviewed to determine what is available.

Request a Dataset 

If you would like to have a dataset considered for request, submit a Request a Dataset through the online form and provide details about the information you are requesting. Contact information should be provided in the event follow-up is necessary.

 How accurate is the data available on the portal?

Prior to the use of the data within the portal, please read the open data licence. By downloading data from the portal, you agree to the terms, and you are responsible for validating the data you have downloaded and are planning to use.