Notice to Interested Parties

Purpose of this Notice

The City of Niagara Falls (City) is undertaking a market engagement exercise to identify potential technology providers with experience delivering Artificial Intelligence (AI)‑enabled solutions to support building permit and zoning review processes in a Canadian (Ontario) municipal environment.

This notice is intended to invite qualified and experienced parties to express interest in potential opportunities related to AI-assisted building and zoning review software.

This notice does not constitute a Request for Quotations, Request for Tenders, or Request for Proposals, or a commitment to procure goods or services.

Background

As outlined in the Council-approved report PBD‑2026‑20 – Artificial Intelligence Building and Zoning Review Software Project, the City has received authorization to proceed with a modified procurement approach, including the ability to engage the market, explore cooperative procurement opportunities, and negotiate, in accordance with the City’s Procurement Policy.

Funding has been approved within the 2026 Capital Budget to pursue an AI‑enabled solution intended to:

• Improve efficiency and consistency in zoning and building permit reviews
• Reduce incomplete or insufficient application submissions
• Support staff capacity and address workload pressures
• Improve turnaround times for development applications
• Integrate with the City’s existing permitting and planning systems

The City is seeking to understand the range of available, proven solutions currently in the market that may be suitable for Ontario municipalities.

What the City Is Interested In

The City is interested in hearing from qualified Suppliers  that can demonstrate experience delivering AI‑assisted or rules‑based software solutions that support the following functions:

• Zoning by-law compliance check
• Building permit review assistance
• Application submission checks for building and planning based on required application submission information
• Automated or semi‑automated identification of missing or non‑compliant materials
• Integration with the City’s existing municipal permitting and planning system (e.g., Cityview)
• Secure handling of municipal data in compliance with privacy and cybersecurity requirements

Solutions may use artificial intelligence, machine learning, rules engines, or a combination of techniques to support regulatory review processes.

Who Should Respond

This notice is intended for experienced Suppliers who:

• Offer an existing, market‑ready solution (not conceptual or under development)
• Have a proven track record and demonstrated municipal experience, particularly in planning, building, zoning, or regulatory environments
• Can support implementation, integration, and ongoing operational use in a Canadian (Ontario) municipal context
• Have the capacity to engage in technical discussions or demonstrations, if requested.

Nature of Engagement

At this stage, the City is seeking high‑level information only, such as:

• A brief description of your solution and how it applies to municipal building and zoning review
• Examples of municipal or public‑sector deployments
• Key functional capabilities
• Integration considerations, including with CityView
• A general implementation approach

Detailed pricing, proposals, or formal submissions are not required.

The City may, at its sole discretion, engage with selected parties for discussions and demonstrations, or gather further information to better understand available solutions and procurement options.

Important Notices

• No evaluation, ranking, or shortlisting is implied by responding
• Nothing in this notice or any response received creates any contractual relationship, obligation, or commitment between the City and any respondent 
• The City is under no obligation to issue a subsequent solicitation or to procure any goods or services
• Any future procurement, if undertaken, will be conducted in accordance with the City’s Procurement Policy, using a modified procurement approach that may include Cooperative Purchasing and/or Purchase by Negotiation, as authorized by Council
• The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept, reject, or not consider any or all responses received 
• Respondents are solely responsible for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response or participating in any engagement with the City
• Participation does not confer any preference or advantage in any future procurement process, if undertaken
• The City makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided as part of this notice.

Next Steps

Interested parties who believe they meet the above criteria are invited to submit a brief summary outlining their innovative solution (maximum two-page limit) or request further engagement by contacting:

procurement@niagarafalls.ca 

Responses must be received by Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Further details will be communicated directly to interested parties at the City’s sole discretion.