The Town of Pelham has been recognized by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) for its artificial intelligence policy, the municipality announced.
The policy was selected as part of the IPC's Transparency Showcase 3.0, which highlights transparency projects from public and health-sector organizations across Ontario.
A policy that encourages AI — with transparency
Pelham Council approved the policy in 2025. According to the town, it sets ongoing operational guidelines for how municipal staff use AI, making clear that the technology's use is not only accepted but encouraged, while requiring measures to inform the public when AI is being used.
"Transparency is critical to building and maintaining public trust, especially in today's digital age," said Sarah Leach, Pelham's Associate Director of Community Services and the policy's author, in the town's announcement.
"It is an honour to be recognized alongside such credible organizations and to be part of advancing innovative approaches to digital governance," Leach said.
From Fonthill to the ROM
The showcase was launched during Right to Know Week and takes the form of a virtual 3D gallery. It can also be viewed as an exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
Each winning project is paired with a custom piece of digital art. Pelham's AI policy was matched with an original work by artist Aedán Crooke depicting two marble forms balancing on top of each other.
"Neither form in the sculpture dominates the other; each depends on the other's exact position to remain upright," Crooke said in his artist statement. "In the same way, the policy treats innovation and responsibility not as opposing forces, but as a single structure — one that only holds together when both are given equal weight."
Residents can view Pelham's full submission at transparencyshowcase.ipc.on.ca, or visit the IPC's Transparency Showcase Digital Kiosk at the Royal Ontario Museum before October 4, according to the town.
Pelham joins other public and health-sector organizations across the province whose projects were chosen for the showcase, which the IPC describes as celebrating innovative approaches to openness and access to information.
