Celebrating innovative road operations

Vaughan receives prestigious award for Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution

Road safety is a leading priority for the City of Vaughan. Our Public Works portfolio continues to introduce new innovations using cutting-edge technology to help keep the city safe and moving – one of which was recognized with the Project of the Year Award, for a second consecutive year, from the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for Vaughan’s Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution! The award was presented during a ceremonial presentation at today’s Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.

The OPWA is a not-for-profit organization comprised of approximately 600 public works practitioners employed by the federal and provincial governments, municipalities, consulting engineers, utility companies, contractors and suppliers. The OPWA Project of the Year Award recognizes an individual, team or organization for the development, management and implementation of a creative idea, device, process or system that enhances the goals of public works in serving the community and protecting the environment.

The Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution is a software installed in City vehicles that allows for the seamless detection of potholes, road cracks, faulty streetlights, graffiti and more. Using the data it collects, the software automatically opens work orders in the City’s system. This means road patrollers are no longer required to complete work orders manually and can therefore focus more on driving safely. During the winter, the Road Patrol Solution provides better insight into snowy and icy road conditions, which helps the City proactively deploy winter maintenance resources.

To learn more about Vaughan’s road operations, visit vaughan.ca/transportation.

QUOTE(S)

“For the second year in a row, the City of Vaughan has been recognized by the Ontario Public Works Association with the prestigious Project of the Year Award. The winning project, the Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution, is a clear example of how Public Works’ commitment to advance innovation and a culture of continuous improvement enables this department to deliver incredible value to Vaughan residents. The software allows our staff to be more efficient and effective in keeping Vaughan’s roads safe for residents. It is a great step toward the Vaughan of the future. I want to congratulate the City’s Road Operations team for thinking strategically and for this impressive accomplishment.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“Congratulations to the City of Vaughan’s Road Operations unit for their ongoing commitment to keeping Vaughan safe – especially when it comes to the protection of our most vulnerable road users. Their unwavering commitment to innovation and road safety sets a remarkable example for the industry, showcasing their dedication to creating safer and more efficient transportation networks. This well-deserved recognition is the culmination of their hard work and passion, demonstrating the City’s commitment to delivering Service Excellence.”

- Nick Spensieri, City Manager

“I am pleased to congratulate our Road Operations team on winning the Project of the Year Award for the second year in a row! The new system, installed throughout the City’s vehicle fleet, uses artificial intelligence to detect deficiencies along the city’s right-of-way, including potholes, sign obstructions, faulty streetlights and more. From detecting potholes in the spring and summer, to providing insight into snowy and icy road conditions in the winter, the Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution is a testament to this team’s commitment to finding new ways to keep Vaughan’s roads safe for all users. Congratulations on this important recognition, and thank you for your commitment to putting our residents first.”

- Zoran Postic, Deputy City Manager, Public Works

QUICK FACTS

• The City of Vaughan received the 2022 Project of the Year Award from the Ontario Public Works Association for its Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution.
• This is the second consecutive year the City of Vaughan has received the Project of the Year Award from the Ontario Public Works Association. 
• The City of Vaughan’s Smart Cities Road Patrol Solution was assessed on a number of criteria, including good use of construction management techniques, safety performance and demonstrated awareness of the need for good overall safety and more.

LEARN MORE

• The City of Vaughan’s Transportation and Fleet Management Services webpage
• The Ontario Public Works Association website