A plan to guide the growing use of artificial intelligence across municipal operations is on its way. County staff are exploring how AI can improve efficiency while maintaining human oversight.

The municipality adopted an AI Use Policy in 2025. It requires an annual Artificial Intelligence Governance Update. This year’s report shows how AI is being used, the safeguards in place, and the next steps for governance.

Senior Manager of Infrastructure Technology and Transformation David Boyle said staff have audited the County’s AI software and reviewed its applications against the new AI policy.

“We’re trying to be transparent and open with the public and with council on what we’re doing and how we’re using AI,” he said, noting that while many software programs include AI features, staff are not necessarily using them.

AI is being used across multiple departments to assist with editing reports, summarizing information, improving security, and analyzing data. The report identifies a range of software with AI functionality, including Microsoft Copilot, Adobe products, and planning, scheduling and website management applications. All comply with the municipality’s AI policy.

“Agentic AI” is being tested with a small group of employees. Unlike generative AI, agentic AI can complete more complex tasks with limited human direction.

“We’ve been able to prove that there is value being brought forward,” Mr. Boyle said. “It is not removing jobs from the County, and it is aiding staff members as a positive tool for efficiency.”

The County’s policy requires “human-in-the-loop” oversight, meaning AI-generated content must always be reviewed by staff before it is used.

“Blindly taking AI’s response at face value is not in accordance with our policy,” Mr. Boyle said.

Councillor Bill Roberts encouraged the AI Governance Committee to continue considering the broader ramifications and to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

“The thing that 51 per cent of our population should be concerned about is that 90 percent of the job loss impacts from AI hit women. Those aren’t just made-up numbers. That’s the International Labour Organization. That’s Forbes Magazine.”

He also noted that “Agentic AI is ripe for political bias.”

Councillor Kate McNaughton nodded to the human oversight requirement, noting municipalities must ensure artificial intelligence complements—but does not replace—human expertise.

“I understand you’re only describing what staff are currently using, but maintaining our human skills, maintaining our human jobs, and maintaining our human capacity to evaluate the work product of AI are all going to be critical,” she said.

Ms. McNaughton also said council should continue monitoring AI’s broader impacts, including its growing demand for energy and water resources and the environmental implications associated with expanding use.

The County will host a workshop in September for staff and members of the AI Governance Committee as part of a move to develop an Artificial Intelligence Implementation and Evaluation Framework.