RIMS Canada Conference 2019: A Glimpse Into the Future of Mobility
When I arrived at the Edmonton Convention Center for the RIMS Canada Conference 2019, the energy was already building. Music filled the hall, screens were lighting up, and people were streaming in from across the country. This was more than just an industry event; it felt like a celebration of what’s possible when innovation meets mobility.
As the conference opened, the excitement was contagious. I was welcomed with enthusiasm, setting a tone that was both informal and electric. You could feel the crowd leaning in, ready to explore a future defined by new transportation technologies and smart mobility.
A High-Energy Opening That Set the Tone
The conference opened with music, cameras, a buzzing crowd, and an undeniable sense of momentum. Events like these do more than just inform them to build communities around bold ideas.
Autonomous vehicles, smart transit, and urban mobility can feel complex and technical. But when you bring people together municipal leaders, technologists, risk managers, innovators you create a space where these ideas become tangible. You create a space where innovation feels possible.
RIMS 2019 did exactly that.
Meet Ella: Canada’s Autonomous Shuttle Pioneer
One of the standout moments was the introduction of Ella, the autonomous shuttle being piloted in Beaumont, Alberta.
What made Ella groundbreaking?
It operated in mixed traffic, not a closed course.
It navigated real streets, real drivers, real pedestrians.
It gave municipalities hands-on experience with autonomous systems.
It offered invaluable data about safety, public perception, and integration.
This pilot project marked a major milestone for autonomous mobility in Canada. It wasn’t just testing technology it was testing trust, policy, operations, and culture.
Ella reminded everyone that autonomous transit isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s here, and cities need to prepare.
Beaumont: Small Municipality, Big Innovation
Beaumont may not be the first city you picture when you think autonomous mobility pioneer and that’s exactly why it’s so important.
Innovation doesn’t only come from big metropolitan centers. Often, it’s the smaller, agile municipalities that take the boldest steps.
Beaumont’s leadership leaned into experimentation. They embraced the uncertainty. They partnered with technologists. They treated innovation as a responsibility, not a buzzword.
Cities like Beaumont will be the blueprint for how autonomous transit gets deployed nationwide.
Collaboration: The Real Engine of Autonomous Transportation
If autonomous mobility is the car, collaboration is the fuel.
Ella’s pilot succeeded not because of technology alone, but because of:
Municipal staff willing to experiment
City leadership championing innovation
Technology partners designing solutions for real-world conditions
Regulatory teams shaping safe deployment
Community involvement and feedback
Autonomous transit doesn’t thrive in isolation. It requires ecosystems public, private, and community working together. RIMS 2019 showcased that ecosystem in action.
Creating Energy Through Experience
One thing that stood out from the opening moments was the atmosphere.
There was music.
There was movement.
There was energy.
This wasn’t accidental. The entertainment integrated into the opening created engagement and excitement. When you’re dealing with something as technical as autonomous vehicles, keeping people involved matters. A dynamic environment encourages curiosity and conversation, which is where real learning happens.
A Window Into Tomorrow’s Mobility
Beyond Ella, the conference represented something much bigger: a vision of how cities can evolve.
We explored how technology is reshaping transportation through:
Autonomous transit solutions
Smart city infrastructure
Public-private partnerships
Sustainability and accessibility
All of these pieces point to a future where mobility is faster, safer, and more efficient. And cities are no longer just responding to change, they're driving it.
Final Thought: The Future Will Belong to Cities That Experiment
RIMS 2019 wasn’t just a conference about transportation it was a reminder that innovation rewards the bold.
The cities that experiment with autonomous mobility now will be the cities that set national standards tomorrow.
The leaders who embrace pilots and prototypes will be the ones shaping policy, safety, and public trust.
The future of mobility belongs to municipalities and innovators who choose action over hesitation.
Ella was just the beginning.
Canada’s autonomous future is already being built one pilot, one partnership, and one bold step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the RIMS Canada Conference?
The RIMS Canada Conference is a national event where leaders, municipalities, technologists, and innovators come together to explore risk management, transportation, and emerging solutions. It’s a platform to share ideas, learn from pilot projects, and discuss the future of mobility in Canadian cities.
Q2. Why is the Ella autonomous shuttle important?
Ella is one of the first autonomous shuttles in Canada to operate in real traffic conditions. It gave municipalities valuable experience with safety, operations, policy, and public perception. Instead of running on a test track, it navigated real streets, which made the data and insights practical and useful for future deployments.
Q3. What role did Beaumont play in innovation?
Beaumont embraced experimentation. They partnered with technologists, allowed testing in their streets, and gathered real data. Their leadership showed that innovation is not just a buzzword. It’s a responsibility. By acting early, they created a blueprint that other Canadian cities can learn from and follow in the future.
Q4. What are the benefits of autonomous vehicles?
Autonomous vehicles can improve safety, reduce human error, support sustainability, and offer more accessible transportation. They can help with traffic flow, reduce waiting times, and make mobility easier for seniors or people who can’t drive. They also collect data to help cities plan better infrastructure.
Q5. How does conference energy help learning?
The conference used music, movement, and excitement to keep people engaged. This matters because autonomous mobility is technical and complex. When people feel energized, they pay attention, they ask questions, and they network. A lively environment encourages curiosity and helps big ideas become easier to understand.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.