Pelham recognized by Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario for AI Policy

Pelham recognized by Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario for AI Policy

October 2, 2026

Pelham, ON –  The Town of Pelham is pleased to announce that the municipality has been recognized by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) for its artificial intelligence (AI) policy as part of the Transparency Showcase 3.0.

Approved by Council in 2025, this policy provides ongoing operational guidelines for the use of AI, making it clear that the use of AI is not only accepted but encouraged, while also ensuring that transparency measures are in place to inform the public when AI is being used.

"Transparency is critical to building and maintaining public trust, especially in today’s digital age,” explained Pelham’s AI policy author and Associate Director of Community Services, Sarah Leach. “It is an honour to be recognized alongside such credible organizations and to be part of advancing innovative approaches to digital governance.”

Launched during Right to Know Week, this showcase brings together innovative transparency projects from public and health-sector organizations across Ontario with virtual artwork representations of what openness and access can look like.

The virtual 3D gallery, which can also be viewed as part of an exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum, pairs winning projects with a custom piece of digital art created to highlight key project elements. Pelham’s AI Policy was paired with an original artwork by Aedán Crooke, featuring two marble forms balancing on top of each other."

The virtual 3D gallery, which can also be viewed as part of an exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum, pairs winning projects with a custom digital artwork that highlights key project elements. Pelham’s AI Policy was paired with an original artwork by Aedán Crooke, featuring 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,” said Aedán Crooke 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 are encouraged to view the full submission online at transparencyshowcase.ipc.on.ca or by visiting the IPC’s Transparency Showcase Digital Kiosk at the Royal Ontario Museum before October 4.