Open Data Frequently Asked Questions

What is open government?

Open government is an approach based on the belief that citizens have the right to access government information and decision-making. In practice this means transparent processes, accountable decision-making and accessible information and services.

What is open data?

Data that can be freely used, shared and built-on by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose.
(Source: Open Knowledge Foundation, 2005)

How does open data affect the privacy of personal information?

The Town of Oakville will not release personal or confidential information or provide ways to identify individuals as part of our public datasets.

Who can use the datasets?

Everyone — that’s what open data is all about! The most likely users will be professional and amateur software developers who build new applications to solve existing problems. The datasets could also be used by academics, researchers, the media and the general public to inform studies and analysis.

Will the town help me develop an app?

We are making our data available for others to use and develop apps on their own.

How many datasets will be released?

We have released over 85 datasets and are always looking for ways to provide more data to the public. That’s part of being transparent and accountable.

Still have questions?

Contact us at opendata@oakville.ca.