In a significant move toward smart city innovation, Kirkland has become the first municipality in Quebec to implement NoTraffic’s artificial intelligence-powered traffic management system. The groundbreaking installation, emerging from a strategic partnership between NoTraffic and Orange Traffic, marks a new era in urban mobility for the region.
“With the new development, we needed to look at our roadwork and find a solution for the flow of traffic,” Kirkland Mayor Michel Gibson told The Suburban. “We needed a way for cars to go from point A to point B, and this is an intelligent solution for cars, bikes, and pedestrians to have safety and efficiency on the roadways.”
The system represents a dramatic shift from traditional traffic management methods. While conventional traffic lights operate on pre-programmed timing based on historical studies, NoTraffic’s platform adapts to actual traffic conditions as they occur. “We’re not just installing boxes at intersections,” Tom Cooper, VP at NoTraffic said to The Suburban. “This is a comprehensive platform that uses sensors, radar, and AI to track everything happening at our intersections in real time, regardless of weather or lighting conditions.”
The journey to bring this technology to Quebec began in 2022, when Orange Traffic, a long-established Quebec-based traffic management company, first encountered NoTraffic representatives at a corporate event. “The partnership developed through extensive research and testing,” Hughes Michaud of Orange Traffic explained to The Suburban. “As integrators for NoTraffic technology in Quebec, we underwent a thorough qualification process, analyzing series of tests and performance metrics before becoming promoters and distributors.”
One of the most attractive aspects of the system is its cost-effectiveness. “What’s particularly impressive is how this solution enhances the capacity of existing infrastructure without any major civil works,” Michaud emphasizes. “Instead of spending millions on adding extra lanes or major infrastructure changes, municipalities can optimize their current roadwork for a few hundred thousand dollars. This is especially crucial in areas with increasing density surrounding major boulevards.”
Mayor Gibson acknowledges that the implementation required patience. “At the start, the system establishes a routine via trials. It takes a bit of time, but it is worth it. Now we have a normal flow along Saint Charles and Brunswick boulevards.” The mayor is enthusiastic about the results, stating, “I encourage other cities to follow us — it is working very well.”
The platform’s capabilities extend beyond simple traffic flow optimization. The system can detect pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges, and adjust signal timing accordingly. This feature aligns with Orange Traffic’s mandate to work within existing infrastructures while improving their efficiency. The AI-powered platform also adapts to special events, weather conditions, and emergency vehicle movements, ensuring optimal traffic flow in all situations.
The technology’s origin story adds another compelling dimension. In 2017, NoTraffic’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Uriel Katz, found himself sitting at a Tel Aviv intersection at 2 a.m., waiting at a red light with no other vehicles in sight. That frustrating moment sparked an idea that would eventually transform into a company at the forefront of urban mobility solutions.
The installation represents a significant milestone in Quebec’s smart city initiatives. Following successful implementations in British Columbia and several U.S. locations, Kirkland’s adoption of the technology positions the municipality as a leader in innovative urban solutions.
For residents, the benefits are tangible: shorter commute times, improved safety, and more efficient use of existing infrastructure. As municipalities across Quebec face increasing urbanization challenges, Kirkland’s experience with NoTraffic could serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to modernize their traffic management systems without extensive infrastructure overhauls.
The partnership between NoTraffic, Orange Traffic, and the City of Kirkland exemplifies how international innovation can be successfully adapted to local needs through strategic collaboration. As cities continue to grow and traffic patterns become more complex, this kind of smart infrastructure solution may become not just an innovative option, but an essential tool for modern urban management.
---
Autor(en)/Author(s): Chelsey St-Pierre
Quelle/Source: The Suburban, 22.04.2025
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
