It was a great pleasure to see the 1st Annual Mayor’s AI Awards take place today! We recognized the tremendous work done by City staff bringing forward innovative AI platforms in 311, Parks and Recreation, and Toronto Building!
Today the following were recognized:
Public-Facing AI Solutions
- 311 Virtual Assistant – Supporting faster, more consistent responses to resident inquiries while assisting staff in delivering improved customer service.
- Building Permit Application PreCheck – Streamlining the permit process to help applicants navigate requirements more efficiently and reduce processing timelines.
Toronto Public Service–Facing AI Solutions
- TechAssist – IT Virtual Assistant – Helping City staff resolve internal IT issues more quickly and accurately.
- Data-Enabled Recreation Planning – Using data insights to better understand community needs and enhance recreation programming across the city.
Here are my comments:
- Thank you, Mayor Chow! Your leadership and vision was of paramount importance in seeing these awards come to fruition.
- And thank you to my colleagues who took the time today to visit the Mayor’s AI Awards Projects Showcase and those who were able to speak with staff and to see firsthand the work being done across this organization.
- I’ve always believed this: digital transformation isn’t about technology for technology’s sake.
- It’s about people.
- It’s about making sure government works better, works faster, and works for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
- What we saw today in the Members’ Lounge is exactly why City Council supported the Mayor’s AI Awards.
- These projects show what happens when we pair good ideas with public‑service values and a clear sense of purpose.
- They demonstrate that when we adopt technology thoughtfully, we deliver better services, remove barriers, and make everyday interactions with the City simpler and more human.
- To the teams being recognized today: thank you.
- Your work is moving this city forward.
- You’re helping us modernize how we serve, and you’re doing it responsibly, with the public interest front and centre.
- And to my colleagues: when we support this kind of innovation—when we give people the space to imagine what’s possible—we’re better prepared to meet the expectations of the residents who count on us.
- Congratulations to all the 1st Mayor’s AI Award recipients. I look forward to seeing how this work continues to grow and strengthen our city.
- Thank you!
