5/29/2010 8:44:23 PM

May 26, 2010

INFOTOGO pillars help tourists access information with the touch of a screen

Visitors to Toronto will now have quick access to information about the city with the touch of a screen as five new INFOTOGO information pillars are rolled out as part of the City’s Coordinated Street Furniture Program.

The INFOTOGO pillars have been installed in high traffic pedestrian areas near popular tourist attractions and shopping destinations. Each pillar features a touch-screen that will allow people to identify their information needs and have the information and/or maps to a requested location posted on the screen in front of them.

The five pillars are located at:
• 40 Dundas St. W.
• 777 Bay St.
• 280 Spadina Ave.
• 220 Dundas St. W.
• 750 Bloor St. W.

The touch-screens provide a wide array of information on key sites and destinations in Toronto, including:
• the CN Tower
• Toronto Eaton Centre
• Fort York
• Art Gallery of Ontario.

The touch-screens will also provide general information to help the public navigate the city such as how to access public transit, a water ferry to Toronto Island and requirements for driving and cycling in Ontario. Contact information is also available on the screen, including phone numbers and web addresses so people who carry web-enabled cell phones can access information and make decisions quickly.

The five pillars are the first phase of the pilot project and will be used to gather public feedback on the information provided as well as the technology. This feedback will be considered for improvements prior to the City installing an additional 115 pillars throughout Toronto starting in the latter part of 2010 with full completion due over the following two years. Later this year, maps will be made available for purchase through a dispenser for a toonie ($2). A photo of a pillar is available at http://www.toronto.ca/streetfurniture.

The INFOTOGO pillars are one component of the City’s Coordinated Street Furniture Program. The program includes new street furniture such as transit shelters, benches, litter and recycling receptacles. The carefully designed street furniture elevates the quality of Toronto’s open spaces and generates revenue for the City based on the advertising displayed on some furniture pieces. The installation and maintenance of the furniture will be done by Astral Media Outdoor.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.