CIVIC

Your Streets. Your Data. Your City.

Help shape safer, quieter streets in Old South (London, Canada).

We’re inviting residents and businesses in Old South to take part in CIVIC - a community-driven research project using real, continuous data to better understand how our streets function every day.

By hosting a small traffic and noise sensor, you’ll help turn everyday experiences into real evidence that supports safer, healthier neighbourhoods.

What is CIVIC?

CIVIC (Community-centred Infrastructures for Visible and Inclusive Cities) is a research initiative from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, led by Dr. Carrie Mitchell.

The project uses real-world data to:

• Strengthen community voices

• Support better, data-informed decisions

• Improve health, safety, and livability

What does hosting involve?

We’re looking for volunteers to host a small sensor at their home or business.

• Installation take 20 minutes

• We handle all costs, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

• Hosting is easy and requires minimal effort - all that’s needed is a suitable location for the device

• Participation is voluntary and can be ended at any time

Occasionally, we may invite hosts to share their experience or perspective (e.g., short quotes or photos). This is completely optional, but helps us highlight community voices in the project.

Who can apply?

We will be placing 16 sensors across Old South.

You may be eligible if:

• Your location is within the study area (see map)

• You have a second-storey window facing the street

• The window has a clear view within 15m of the road

• A power outlet is nearby

• Wi-Fi connection

Privacy & Data:

Your privacy - and that of your neighbours - is fully protected.

• Sensors do not record or store identifiable images, video, or audio

• All data is collected and processed anonymously

• Host addresses and personal information are never shared publicly

• Hosts retain full control over their data, including the ability to withdraw it whenever they choose

The data collected is strictly quantitative (counts and measurements) - not recordings.

Collected data will be shared publicly through an open data map and used to better understand traffic and noise patterns. It will also be shared with City of London staff to support decisions on traffic calming and active transportation.

Interested in participating?

Complete the short host registration form on the Apply as a Candidate tab to express your interest in becoming a sensor host.