City of Elliot Lake Announces Asset Management GIS Partnership with Sault Innovation Centre
Elliot Lake, Ontario — December 9, 2025
The City of Elliot Lake is pleased to announce that Council has officially approved a new GIS Services Agreement with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and its Acorn Information Solutions division, an entity owned by the City of Sault Ste. Marie. This agreement strengthens regional collaboration and enhances the City’s ability to manage and integrate vital geographic data that supports operations across all municipal departments.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a central role in modern municipal management, supporting land-use planning, emergency response, environmental monitoring, infrastructure renewal, and asset management. As the City aims to increasingly rely on spatial data to guide decision-making, accessing specialized, scalable technical support has become essential.
Under the renewed partnership, SSMIC will provide Elliot Lake with pay-as-you-go GIS support, including:
- system configuration and data management,
- technical troubleshooting and software development,
- spatial analysis and custom applications,
- cloud GIS tools and real-time dashboards,
- training and departmental support,
- integration with asset management and business systems.
No minimum annual spend is required, and work will proceed only with written approval from the City’s designated project lead, ensuring both flexibility and financial control.
“SSMIC brings deep expertise and northern Ontario experience that aligns perfectly with our operational needs,” said Acting CAO Natalie Bray. She further suggests“this partnership strengthens our ability to make data-driven decisions, enhances efficiency, and supports long-term planning for infrastructure and municipal services.”
The ESRI platform, widely regarded as world-class, continues to serve as Elliot Lake’s primary GIS environment. The partnership with SSMIC ensures the City has expert support to maintain, enhance, and modernize its GIS systems consistent with industry best practices.
A significant benefit of the agreement includes continued participation in a shared municipal GIS cost-pool model, enabling Elliot Lake to access advanced upgrades, tools, and innovations at a fraction of the cost of operating an independent system. This collaborative model also supports the City’s commitment to strategic partnerships with neighbouring communities, consistent with Goal 15 of Elliot Lake’s Strategic Plan.
“This agreement builds capacity where it is needed most,” adds Director of Finance and Treasurer, Andrew Ault. “Reliable GIS data is critical to our Asset Management Plan and helps ensure we are making informed, timely decisions regarding infrastructure renewal, capital planning, and service delivery.”
Council’s approval formalizes Elliot Lake’s continued partnership with SSMIC and positions the City to leverage innovative technology, regional expertise, and cost-efficient services as it moves forward with modernization initiatives.
