FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thames Centre Receives Certificate of Merit for Innovation
AMCTO Recognizes Thames Centre for the Implementation of OpenBook Budget Software
WINDSOR – Last night the Municipality of Thames Centre received an E.A. Danby Certificate of Merit for its implementation of OpenBook software in 2024. Awarded by the Association of Municipal Mangers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, (AMCTO), the E.A. Danby Awards recognize outstanding performance and innovative practices in municipal administration.
Thames Centre received one of the two Certificate of Merits awarded at the 2025 AMCTO Conference, receiving recognition for municipalities with a population under 20,000, (the City of Guelph received the other Certificate of Merit for municipalities over 20,000.)
“We’re very proud to be recognized for implementing an innovative idea like OpenBook,” said Deputy Mayor Michelle Smibert, who was in Windsor to accept the E.A. Danby Certificate of Merit. “Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent, and OpenBook makes that information easy to access and understand.”
OpenBook is an online transparency and data visualization tool that enables organizations to share complex data and financial reports. The program is designed to facilitate seamless navigation by users of all levels, presenting information through interactive charts, tables, graphics, and informative text pop-ups.
OpenBook gives residents access to important information regarding the Municipal Budget, and comprehensive details on capital projects. This includes an interactive map with details of infrastructure projects, the actual project spending, and a project’s funding sources.
This information is updated annually, in advance of the public consultations for the Annual Budget.
“We are appreciative of this third party recognition highlighting our team’s strong commitment to transparency and community engagement,” said CAO David Barrick. “With OpenBook, residents have easy access to clear financial information. Informed residents are empowered to participate meaningfully in public consultations, and that that helps us target investments by building better budgets for Council and the community.”
To access OpenBook please visit: https://thamescentre.openbook.questica.com
For more information about the E.A Danby Awards, please visit:
https://www.amcto.com/about/awards/ea-danby-awards
The awards are named for E.A Danby, the first president of the AMCTO. The E.A. Danby Awards recognize outstanding performance and innovative practices in municipal administration. Awards are presented annually to municipalities that demonstrate an initiative or a willingness to explore innovative techniques that produce tangible results related to the efficiency and effectiveness of the municipal corporation.
The E.A. Danby Awards focus on initiatives that fall within the broad categories of municipal finance, administration, and the implementation of legislation.
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Contact:
Michael Ramnanan
Communications Manager
mramnanan@thamescentre.on.ca
519.268-7334 ext. 258