Abstract

Using Neighbourhood Data as a Catalyst for Change
Track: Aid and Development
Authors: Paul Steeves

United Ways around the world are evolving in response to changing demographics, increased demand for social services and donors who want evidence of the impact of their investment. The University of Ottawa has partnered with UWO and Ottawa's health sector to create the Ottawa Neighbourhood Study (ONS). The goal of the ONS is to better define Ottawa neighbourhoods while investigating the relationships between geography and community outcomes. The ONS has assembled a vast number of neighbourhood indicators and created one of the most comprehensive place-based databases in Canada. Using the neighbourhoods outlined in the ONS, a common geographic frame of reference is created. This in-turn allows UWO along with stakeholders to make decisions that inform and, in some cases drive, collective community impact. GIS technology has allowed us to efficiently and effectively expand our organizational reach and find solutions to community issues while fulfilling our commitment to our donors.