The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) says in a media release it collects and analyzes a large amount of information and data to make informed decisions about planning, service delivery and advocacy. It is also used to evaluate programs across DNSSAB’s service areas of housing and homelessness, children’s services, social assistance and paramedic services. Often, DNSSAB gathers data and information to paint a more accurate picture of Nipissing's demographics and socioeconomics.
A DNSSAB Data Portal has been developed so that anyone can access this data and it is now available to the public through the DNSSAB website. Publishing open information and data on the portal will help inform the community in areas of public policy across DNSSAB’s departments and programs. The portal data will also inform local planning and research for other community plans or funding applications and proposals, and help to mobilize the community around the issues. The public portal will only contain anonymized, non-identifiable data.
Examples of data found on the portal include program caseload and waitlist dashboards, homelessness Point-in-Time Count summary infographics, and Nipissing ambulance call volume. The data on the portal will be maintained and continuously updated with new data as it is identified and becomes available.
“Providing public access to quality, timely data helps to engage the community on social issues while increasing public education and awareness of the DNSSAB, its operations, and the district’s communities,” says DNSSAB Chair Mark King.
For the purpose of the portal, data consists of tables, charts, PowerPoints, dashboards, infographics, maps, or graphics in various formats. Links to other relevant data from agencies such as Statistics Canada are also included. Public reports, plans, research papers, and other types of documents are not considered data for posting on the portal and are published in other appropriate areas of the corporate website such as the News and Information page or program-specific pages.
