Town of Midland recognized for AI-powered innovation in water infrastructure management

The Town of Midland has received the Community Water Innovation Award from AquaHacking, an initiative of AquaAction, in recognition of its leadership in using artificial intelligence and data-driven tools to manage water and wastewater infrastructure. The award recognizes municipalities making a tangible difference in water management and inspiring others.

"Safe, reliable water and wastewater services are essential to the health of our community and local economy," said Mayor Bill Gordon. "By embracing new technologies, we're strengthening our ability to make informed decisions, safeguard critical infrastructure, and maximize value for taxpayers."

The Town's Environmental Services team has worked with CANN Forecast, a Montreal-based technology company specializing in artificial intelligence, to develop predictive models that identify water and wastewater assets at the greatest risk of failure across Midland's more than 200 kilometres of infrastructure.

"These tools provide valuable insight into the condition and risk of our infrastructure," said André Pepin, Director of Environmental Services. "That information helps us plan maintenance and capital investments more effectively, improving service reliability and extending the lifespan of Town assets."

The recognition from AquaAction builds on earlier recognition in 2024, when the Town received the Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for its work applying artificial intelligence to water and wastewater infrastructure planning.

The Town of Midland continues to invest in both innovative asset management practices and critical infrastructure improvements. In addition to its work in data-driven water infrastructure management, the Town is advancing numerous water and wastewater infrastructure servicing projects supported by more than $30 million in provincial funding. Visit midland.ca/WaterProjects for details.