A: In addition to the system designed specifically for municipal staff and elected officials, there will be a web-based GIS Portal for residents as well as tourism, and economic development purposes that integrates with the Core GIS. Residents and visitors will be able to access the public portions of the GIS through municipal websites. Among the information displayed on this portal is the ability to view parcel boundaries, official plans, zoning by-laws, business locations and contacts as well as any other data deemed beneficial by the municipality. No data considered private and confidential will be displayed on the Portal.

A GIS Portal will enable municipalities to foster business retention, business expansion, new development/ investment, and to increase tourism activity. GIS will not only act as a tool to promote local economic and tourism development but will also foster a stronger regional approach.

The GIS and GIS Portal will enhance economic development activities in each of the participating communities, will help to promote a diversified business climate within the region, will help to maximize the region’s potential for creating and retaining long-term jobs, and will help to revitalize individual communities and the region.