This Tuesday: Uncover & track Canadian military exports with AI Learn how Cole Westerveld and #CivicTechWR used automation and AI to save #ProjectPloughshares hours of work. guild.host/events/civic...#CivicTechWR#ProjectPloughsharesPlus: discussions and project breakouts! 👉 7pm Nov 11 in person and online

Make open data requests more open Get a sneak peek of Toronto's new Open Data public requests portal and share your feedback. The Open Data Team's Luke Simcoe presents at Civic Hacknight. Plus: discussions and project breakouts! 👉 𝟳𝗽𝗺 Nov 4 in person and online guild.host/events/civic...

This Tuesday: Human Cartography! @patcon.bsky.social shows us a Google Maps-inspired tool that maps human perspectives—revealing how we can come together despite our differences. Plus: discussions and project breakouts! 👉 7pm Tues Oct 28 in person and online guild.host/events/civic...

This Tuesday! From Raw Data to Public Safety – Kien Dang explores the story of CanadianRecalls.ca, a project that uses Health Canada recall data to help Canadians stay informed and safe. Plus: discussions and project breakouts! 👉 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟭 in person and online guild.host/events/civic...

𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝟳𝗽𝗺 Sovereign Markets for Any Nation Traditional markets have been displaced by multinational platforms. Wingham Rowan explains how any govt can induce corporates to run markets across their economy, available to anyone: a new public utility guild.host/events/civic... In person + online!

This Tuesday: Elbows up, Nerds! US companies dominate our digital lives. @davenuman.bsky.social shows us that Open Source software offers alternatives that can be fully Canadian sovereign. Plus: discussions and project breakouts! 👉 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟳 in person and online guild.host/events/civic...

This coming Tuesday! Aedan Burnett will explain how he built ismympalandlord.ca – and many of the surprising and unexpected things he learned in the process. Plus our usual discussions and breakouts, naturally. Come along! 👉 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟯𝟬 in person and online 👈 guild.host/events/civic...

Coming up on Tuesday! Hacknight #511 TorontoID: Kelindi Kumar will talk about his experience of making local software, and using the AT Protocol Plus our usual discussions and breakouts. Come along and join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟯 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 in person and online 🙌 guild.host/events/civic...

Coming up on Tuesday: Alex MacIsaac, Senior Research Coordinator at the Samara Centre for Democracy, will share his insight into the state of social media research. Plus our usual discussions and breakouts. We'd love to see you! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟲 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 in person and online 🙌 guild.host/events/civic...

Next week Tuesday: Francesca Policarpio talks about Community Benefits, and how ArcGIS maps and interactive tools have helped users understand these vital funds. Plus our usual discussions and breakouts, of course. Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 in person and online 🙌 guild.host/events/civic...

Come and see Sonali Chakraborti talk about the controversial City of Toronto procurement of PayIt. Innovative digital transformation or accountability failure? Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝘂𝗴 in person and online 👍 guild.host/events/civic...

New statements are coming in for you to vote on. pol.is/3smctymsxs Then Pol.is will measure the hidden consensus. #CivicSpark

Now is your chance to see for yourself how AI can assist in insuring your matters. Follow this link pol.is/3smctymsxs to join the conversation and help shape the collective picture. The more perspectives, the sharper the insight. #CivicSpark

Don’t forget, if you need a moment to recharge in peace away from all the excitement, Room 380 is available with puzzles and relevant reading material. #CivicSpark

In a creative block? Ali and Zam want to talk about it at #CivicSpark unconfernce edition.

The truth is, you only fail when you stop trying. #CivicSpark

Let’s talk about Operationalizing AI and Democracy. #CivicSpark

Going into the second half of the event, this is a good time to think about what YOU would like to facilitate and participate in for the Unconference tomorrow. #CivicSpark

Overheard in the lunch line: “looks like we have a one way ticket to yum town.” - Anonymous Thank you, Naan Kabob. naankabob.ca

Q: What has contributed to the long term success of bike brigade? A: Connections that extend beyond the organization. Ideally, it would be designed to eventually be obsolete. Don’t underestimate the potential of prioritizing a sense of peace that can pivot into any other activities. - Rachel Wang

Enjoyed the Conversation on Bike Brigade and wondering how to get involved? Sign up for a ride and you could be cruising too this week. www.bikebrigade.ca/deliveries

Andrew Do is presenting at #CivicSpark Stage 2. But why choose Participant Advisory Councils?

REMEMBER: while you’re rehydrating between sessions stop by the welcome table to contribute (or shall I say, fuel the flame with) an anecdote on what brought you here today. Is there anything that sparks ⚡️ your interest?

“How to make a culture of repair? Show what’s broken” - Anibal Davila at #civicspark

We’re adding “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein to our reading list. Be sure to tag #CivicSpark if you come across any more book recommendations this weekend.

One thing I think we can all appreciate and emulate about Victor is he will speak to you as a community member first even tho he’s a technologist. Not to mention he is bringing the energy this morning.

When someone quotes Simone Weil, you have my attention ;) Great start to @civictechto.bsky.social

So excited for our @mapletestimony.bsky.social project to present at #CivicSpark! Check it out!

“What can we do to make rent more transparent?” @vassb.bsky.social is on the MainStage sharing her answers. What are yours?

Today’s the day! Welcome to #CivicSpark 2025. First stop by to say hi to our registration team Noami, John, and Ben. Then help yourself to breakfast. ☕️

My @thestar.com column this week: Civic Tech in Toronto turns ten! A look at some of the people getting together each week to hack away at our problems via @civictechto.bsky.social — and what City Hall could be doing to support their work. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...

This weekend at Civic Spark: Anibal Davila, an early volunteer organizer of several do-it-yourself bike shops in Toronto. Rooted in mutual aid & skill-sharing, spaces like BikeSauce give people the tools to fix their own rides, build confidence, and connect with neighbours. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Government transparency fans! Mathieu Hallé talks to us about CivicPress, a new open-source platform that helps towns and cities publish meetings, bylaws, budgets, and civic records in a transparent, inspectable way Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟵 𝗔𝘂𝗴 in person and online 👍 guild.host/events/civic...

We’re thrilled to welcome Shingai Manjengwa to Civic Spark! An entrepreneur, educator, and trusted voice on AI policy and governance, Shingai works to make sure AI serves the public good. Join the conversation on innovation, responsibility, and the future we want to build Aug 16+17 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Joining us at Civic Spark is @adoaboutthings.bsky.social! Andrew presented at our 9th Hacknight. Now almost a decade later, it’s a real pleasure to have him back on the stage! Andrew is a designer and researcher at Nava PBC and a former co-organizer of Civic Tech Toronto. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

We are so grateful to welcome Rachel Wang and @max.computer from the Bike Brigade into the conversation. The Bike Brigade is a true local gem. Since 2020 they have rallied more than 1,500 volunteer cyclists to deliver food and essentials across the city. Join us August 16+17! 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Celebrating our own 💙 shout-out to emcees @yaelboyd.bsky.social & @ilyakreynin.bsky.social who will be bringing their energy & insight to keep the conversation flowing! Both are CivicTech members working Civic Dashboard. You're invited! ​August 16 + 17 at Myhal Centre, U of T 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Our regular CivicTechTO event this coming Tuesday: A big welcome to incoming Grade 12 student Sarveshwar Senthil Kumar! He'll talk about building VolunteerHub — making volunteering easy and addictive Plus our usual breakouts 💁 In person and online! ⏰ 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝘂𝗴 guild.host/events/civic...

🚨 Speaker Spotlight: @phirephoenix.com Joining us as one of our panel moderators—Jenny is a writer, software developer, and secret optimist. She is the founder of Show Up Toronto, which makes it easier for Torontonians to get involved in community organizing and mutual aid. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Excited to spotlight 18F Chief of Staff (Emeritus) Alan Brouilette! In his own words, Alan spent nine and a half very good years as a federal employee of the United States despite his distrust of government and dislike of technology. Hear from Alan and others August 16 & 17th! 🎟️ civic-spark.com

🚨 Speaker Spotlight: @civicwhitaker.com Christopher is the Executive Director of the Alliance of Civic Technologists and has spent years growing the civic tech community. Don’t miss Christopher and a lineup of civic innovators who impact how we serve the public. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

🚨 Speaker Spotlight @vassb.bsky.social at Civic Spark! Policy thinker challenging how we govern platforms + plan for digital resilience. Don’t miss her talk. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

🚨 Speaker Spotlight @biancawylie.com is joining us at Civic Spark! Bianca is a writer, a public interest tech advocate, and co-founder of Tech Reset Canada, where she works on resetting the innovation agenda. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

🚨 Speaker Spotlight Hillary Hartley is joining us at Civic Spark! From 18F to Ontario to US Digital Response – Hillary leads by example in human-centred public service design. 🎟️ civic-spark.com

Come and see Technologists for Democracy! Khasir Hean will talk about what the group is doing to keep tech companies and government accountable to the people. Plus our usual project and discussion breakouts Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟱 𝗔𝘂𝗴, in person and online 👍 guild.host/events/civic...

Civic Spark is built by us — the civic tech community. Join us Aug 16–17 for a volunteer-led gathering shaping the future of public life. Full story → civictech.ca/announcements/civic-spark Tickets → civic-spark.com

One for lovers of food banks and service design! Come and see Brian Hendrick and Alison Gibbins talk about how service design has transformed the volunteer experience at Daily Bread. Plus our usual project and discussion breakouts Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟵 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆, in person and online 👍

Andrew Ilersich presents on Tuesday about TTCmap.ca, a real-time network status map that shows all the current TTC subway service disruptions in one place Plus our usual project and discussion breakouts, naturally Come join us! 𝟳𝗽𝗺 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟮 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 in person and online 👍 guild.host/events/civic...

This coming Tuesday! Come and see @seanyyz.bsky.social talk about how (and why) he's attempted to map every intercity transportation link – bus and rail – in Canada. Plus our usual project and discussion breakouts. 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟱, 𝟳𝗽𝗺: in person and online! guild.host/events/civic...

This Tuesday! Andrea Mills (Exec Dir of @internetarchiveca.bsky.social) and Brewster Kahle (founder of Internet Archive) present Democracy's Library: a global initiative to provide free, permanent access to govt and civic information. 𝗝𝘂𝗻 𝟭𝟬, 𝟳𝗽𝗺: in person and online guild.host/events/civic...