Open Data, Open Standards, Open Source in Vancouver

[Carl Forde]

I must say this took me by surprise. But I'm very pleased and excited by the potential of the motion. I wonder what it would take to have Chilliwack adopt a similar proposal? Anyone know any Chilliwack city councillors?

http://eaves.ca/2009/05/14/vancouver-enters-the-age-of-the-open-city/

Carl Forde

The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.
-- George Bernard Shaw

[Ryan Graham]

I was just talking to my wife about how this kind of thing needs to
happen at her work place (City of Surrey IT department).
Unfortunately, we live in Langley so we don't have much in the way of
concerned citizens status.

I'm really hoping this goes well for Vancouver so the rest of us can
use it as a reference point in our own cities.

~Ryan

--
http://rmgraham.blogspot.com

[Carl Forde]

I sent a note to Vancouver City Councillor Andrea Reimer, in support of the motion and asking if she was in contact with any of the Vancouver LUG. I also asked her if she knew any of the Chilliwack City Councillors and how to go about approaching them with a similar motion. It'll be interesting to see how she responds.  

Carl Forde

The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.
-- George Bernard Shaw

[Carl Forde]

Andrea responded that the motion had been a community effort. She didn't elaborate on which community. She also didn't know of any Chilliwack, or Abbotsford city councillors. She suggested finding some FOSS champions on the council. That having a champion can carry things much further than any policy or motion. 

I met with Ruth Weibe last April (or so) who is the School District 33 Director of Instruction. I also met with Kevin Traas who is the IT Manager for SD 33. At the time they were planning a roll out, which should be completed by now, of Linux desktops for all the schools in the district. With that as a start, I'm thinking I could re-introduce myself to Ruth and ask her for suggestions of how to proceed. 

Thoughts?

btw, a recent posting to the VanLUG email list says that the motion passed. That means the Vancouver City IT department has to get busy...

Carl Forde

The problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.
-- George Bernard Shaw