If re-elected as Winnipeg’s mayor, Scott Gillingham says he will create a committee at council that looks at how the city prepares for new technology, such as artificial intelligence. From e-scooters and delivery drones to AI and driverless vehicles, Gillingham said technology is developing quickly and the city needs to be ready to handle what is on the horizon. “Sometimes, change takes time to cross the prairies and reach Winnipeg,” Gillingham said in a news release. “That can be an advantage. It gives us time to watch other cities, see what works and learn from their mistakes. But we can’t hide from the future forever. We can choose our path if we start preparing now.” Gillingham said he would work to create the Urban Technology Review Committee, which would provide recommendations on how the city tackles new technology. The committee would explore topics such as how to regulate the technology, what rules would need to be developed for the city to use the tech, and how the city’s infrastructure can support what is being created. Gillingham is proposing the committee also feature three “outside experts” that would be appointed by the mayor. “The point is to get ahead of these questions instead of dealing with them one at a time after the technology has already arrived,” said Gillingham. “Winnipeg has an opportunity to learn from what other cities are doing and make choices that fit our city.” A new mayor and council will be decided on Oct. 28.
