Local data enthusiasts are coming together to show what they can do with data to make Winnipeg a great place to live, work, and visit.
On Saturday, March 7, we are co-hosting the 2026 Open Data Datathon in partnership with Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, Canada Computing, and Launch Coworking. This event is being held in celebration of International Open Data Day.
This educational event offers an opportunity to explore the useful and interesting datasets available in our Open Data Portal. The day starts out with presentations on what open data is and how to use it.
Participants will then compete with each other to see who can come up with the best project using the data.
“It’s an all-day event, and we have lots of fun. I just love it,” said Jen Bodnarchuk, a Senior Data Scientist with the City, on the March 2026 episode of Our City, Our Podcast. “It’s so fascinating to see the different projects that come up.”
People can also choose to be observers and see what the participants come up with.
“Winnipeg’s global competitiveness depends on our ability to harness data, foster innovation and invest in emerging talent,” said Amanda Macdonald, Vice President of Business Development, Market Intelligence & Corporate, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “By equipping future innovators with the tools to uncover insights about our city’s liveability and strengths, we’re investing in Winnipeg’s long-term prosperity."
If you would like to attend, please reserve your spot in advance and indicate whether you will be a competitor or an observer. Registration is free and space is limited.
Working together
We value our partnerships that help make the Datathon possible.
“Our agency’s support of strategic initiatives like the Datathon helps cultivate the next generation of data leaders and problem-solvers who will shape our city’s growth, agility, and long-term economic success,” said Macdonald.
“Winnipeg’s future depends on our ability to turn information into insight and insight into action,” said Jason Abbott, Founder & CEO, Launch Coworking. “The Datathon reflects the kind of innovation ecosystem we’re working to build in Winnipeg. One where data, entrepreneurship, and community intersect to create real impact for our city.”
“Open data isn’t just about transparency. It makes a real difference in people’s everyday lives,” said Mahmoud Alzaibaq, Co-Founder of Canada Computing. “When the right infrastructure is in place and information is accessible, it opens the door for practical innovation. As a technology partner in our community, we are proud to support the systems that help turn shared information into tools people can actually use.”
About our open data
Open data is information that is widely available in a format that can be read by a computer. It is made available for anyone to use, transform, or republish without restriction. Open data operates under the principle that the data gathered on behalf of the people belongs to the people.
If you can’t make it to the Datathon, you can test out your skills with the same data as the competitors by visiting our Open Data Portal.
“You will find data on many topics and services,” said Bodnarchuk. “Whether it’s assessment information, 311 call times, or an inventory of all trees on City property, there is likely something that will pique your interest.”
Not sure where to start with open data? We have a series of quick start videos in the portal. They guide you through the basics of interacting with datasets, visualizations, and more.
We launched our Open Data Portal in July 2014 and currently have 216 datasets and 61 maps. We’re always adding more, so remember to check back and see what’s new.
Our City, Our Podcast
Hear more from Bodnarchuk on Our City, Our Podcast. She discusses the ways her team uses data and highlights some of our popular datasets. This episode was released in March 2026.
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