The BeSpatial association will be hosting a special virtual event to carry out the business required for its 2020 AGM. Following the AGM, a Best Challenge Awards ceremony will be held. There will also be a lightning round opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors and a presentation.
AGENDA
12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM
For details
Keynote Presentation
Sault Ste. Marie's GIS Based Vulnerable Persons Registry
The virtual program for the event will include a presentation from award winning Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre’s Acorn Information Solutions (AIS) Group that will highlight the Sault Ste. Marie's GIS Based Vulnerable Persons Registry,
About the Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR)
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre’s Acorn Information Solutions (AIS) Group and the City of Sault Ste. Marie initiated discussions concerning the development of a Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) after the unfortunate passing of Lewis Wheelan during the 2003 North American electrical grid blackout. Lewis had passed away during the blackout because he was electric dependent, needing air conditioning to cool his body.
Through significant efforts and partnership building, AIS launched the Sault Ste. Marie VPR in 2011. The VPR is a free, voluntary and confidential registry for persons at greater risk during an emergency or disaster. A secure communication tool provides GIS based data to local first responders and the local power distribution company with the key information they need to help increase one’s safety during the following situations: power outages, home emergencies and large scale emergencies.
This presentation will detail the conception of VPR, the process to implement and maintain and will discuss the initial barriers and the successes that have resulted. With rapidly changing climate conditions and aging populations, most communities are facing the growing issue of protecting its most vulnerable populations. In Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding region, the VPR has served to help this vulnerable population learn about emergency preparedness and know that they will be protected should an emergency occur.