HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2021-16 - Mappedin and Kitchener Fire Department AgreementREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:December 6, 2021
SUBMITTED BY:Fire Chief BobGilmore, ext. 5501
Jennifer Trommelen-Jones, Assistant City Solicitor,ext. 7264
PREPARED BY:
Fire Chief Bob Gilmore, ext. 5501
Jennifer Trommelen-Jones, Assistant City Solicitor,ext. 7264
WARD(S) INVOLVED:All Wards
DATE OF REPORT:November 24, 2021
REPORT NO.:
CSD-2021-16
SUBJECT:Mappedinand Kitchener Fire Department Agreement–Digitization
of City Mapping
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Fire Chiefbe authorized to execute the Agreementwith Mappedin Inc. for the
sharing of mapping data and feedback in exchange for enhanced mapping through
technology for emergency response purposes, as outlined in the Community
Services Department report CSD-2021-16,and any amendments and renewals,said
documentation to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
Kitchener Fire Departmenthas pre-plans for City buildings to assist with emergency
response.
Pre-plans provide internal building information and locations of building services and fire
andlife safety equipment including but not limited to emergency exits, electrical rooms,
fire pumps, alarm panels and warning devices.
Local tech company Mappedin providesanindoor, interactivemapping platform(ex. Mall
and campus maps)and is expanding this platform to emergency services
Mappedin has offeredto digitize approximately 200 City pre-plans and provide free use
of Mappedin’s software for 2 years, at no cost, in exchange for the City providing
feedback on the development of the new software
Ifthis arrangementis successful, there is the potential for the City to obtaina license for
the commercial software, and otherwise, the City will retain ownership of all maps
received, both original and digital, as updated
Mappedin will provide current “real time” information of the buildings current use and
layoutfor firefighters and provide a reliable orientation of where they are situated in the
building at all times.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
BACKGROUND:
The Kitchener Fire Department (KFD) delivers fire and emergency protection services
through three strategic lines of defence: public fire safety and education;fire safety
standards and enforcement;and emergency response. This report, and staff’s
recommendations contained within it, are focused on the third line of defence, emergency
response, which is provided primarily by the Fire Department’s Suppression Division.
To provide efficiencies, enhance building familiarityand addto firefighter safetythe KFD
conductspre-plans of all multi dwelling buildings, industrial and commercial premises.Pre-
plans provide internal building information and locations of building services and fire and life
safety equipment including but not limited to emergency exits, electrical rooms, fire pumps,
alarm panels and warning devices. Historically,the information collected was entered by
staff into a CAD which produced printed drawings that responding crews could accesswhile
on scene. Accuracy of the drawingswas limited due to the information being static. As well,
when buildings changed ownership or permitted use, the department often wouldn’t be
notifiedwhich created furtherinaccuracies.
REPORT:
Mappedin Inc. (Mappedin) is a local business offering a leading mapping platform for indoor
spatial data management, digitizing venues, and building best-in-class indoor mapping
experiences. They have worked with Cadillac Fairway malls, Casinorama Resort, and
Tanger Outlets, to name a few.
While their current industries include malls, retail, stadiums,offices, theme parks,
campuses, and city districts,Mappedin is looking to expand into emergency services to
enhance the tools available to first responders.
To that end, Mappedin and City staff have worked together to prepare an agreement
whereby the City will have primary access to this new Mappedin software, in development,
for at least 2 years, at no cost. Mappedin will also digitizeapproximately 200 City pre-plan
maps, which will beavailable for continuingand interactive updates. The City will also have
the option of entering into asoftware agreement in the futurefor the commercial version, if
and when it becomes available.In exchange, the City will provide feedback on the software
to assist Mappedin with its development. All maps will continue to be owned by the City, and
the City will be entitled to retain the digitized maps, with all updates,on expiration of the
Agreement.
This represents a unique and valuable opportunity for the City to gain access to innovative
and transformative tools for our Fire Department, at no cost, while at the same time helping
a local company develop their product.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The financial implications of staff’s recommendationarelimited to the time necessary for
staff to provide feedback to Mappedin, as part of their regular job duties. Staff expects that
this obligation will not interfere with regular duties.
2
Capital Budget–The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget–The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM –This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of
the council committee meeting.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authoritiesrelated to this matter.
APPROVEDBY: MICHAEL MAY, DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
3