Resource Database and Data Partnerships
We actively participate in provincial database collaboratives and data partnerships to reduce duplication and strengthen the breadth and depth of service information. This includes partnerships with Information Barrie (Barrie Public Library) and United Way Perth Huron, supporting enhanced data quality and improved regional coverage.
As part of the 211 Ontario network, we also contribute to and help maintain a standardized provincial inventory of more than 30,000 agencies, 60,000 programs, and 150,000 services. This shared data infrastructure underpins navigation services, specialized programs, bidirectional data sharing, custom datasets, and a wide range of online directories. Province-wide information is publicly accessible through 211Ontario.ca, where advanced search tools help individuals find relevant services quickly and effectively.
Municipal Data Sharing and GIS Integration
Application programming interfaces (APIs) enable real-time data sharing between our resource database and municipal GIS mapping systems. Current partnerships include the County of Simcoe, City of Barrie, City of Peterborough, Northumberland County, and the West Parry Sound Geography Network.
A multi-year bilingual initiative with the County of Simcoe resulted in an interactive mapping application that allows users to easily find and access services. Using the 211 Community Services mapping layer, individuals can explore more than 4,000 services in English and French. This tool integrates 211 data with GIS technology, enabling advanced search by category, subcategory, and age group. Updates to services are automatically reflected through API integration.
Provincial and National Data Partnerships
The 211 Ontario network participates in data-sharing partnerships that expand access to services across sectors. This includes collaboration with Employment Ontario to support access to employment and training services, and with Ontario Victim Services to help individuals connect with supports following a crime.
Also at the national level, United Way Canada partners with the federal government to support the 211 Canada network in collecting data for the National Shelter Capacity Report. This annual initiative provides information on emergency shelters, transitional housing, and violence-against-women shelters across Canada, including facility counts and bed capacity by region.