Project Description:
An application was made to the Ministry of Energy, Science and Technology (Connect Ontario) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (GeoSmart) on behalf of Connect Chatham-Kent, to secure 1.5 million dollars of matched funding. The application was approved and a contract was signed on March 22, 2002.  Chatham-Kent, with the collaboration and support of the Chatham-Kent Lambton Administrator's Group (CKLAG) was approved for a "phased" approach to the Business Plan.  The project began on July 6, 2001 and was completed December 31, 2003 within a two-phase project timeframe.
 
What will the Chatham-Kent Connect Ontario/GeoSmart projects do for the community?

• The projects will provide Chatham-Kent with the technology, infrastructure, tools and capabilities to positively transform the traditional way of doing business.
• Will expand community access to services and information via the Internet in a more efficient and accurate manner – improving the efficiency of local government services.
• Will provide a one-window access point to Chatham-Kent information.
• Encourages participation in e-Service initiatives and creates opportunities for partnerships and information sharing within the local community.
• Improved tourism promotion on-line will increase revenue to the local economy.
• Provides a "proof of concept" for e-Services technology within the local government sector and establishes a baseline of reference for future e-Services.
• Fully utilizes the implementation of the CKLAG Wide Area Network that provides connectivity to all of the services in a cost-efficient manner.
• Access to more detailed geospatial information allows industry to effectively evaluate and compare Chatham-Kent – enabling the ability to compete globally and attract more business thus creating growth.
• Improves public access to land and mapping information through the building of community-based geospatial applications that address local business requirements.
• Provides a security/firewall strategy for future e-Service initiatives.