City Data Request: Traffic Sensor Data in Edmonton

Technology and Data Alberta 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta publishes many transportation datasets but raw traffic sensor outputs are not always public by default. This guide explains how to request raw traffic sensor data from the City of Edmonton, whether via the Open Data portal or a formal access request under Alberta's access rules, what departments handle requests, likely timeframes, and how to appeal or escalate if data are withheld. Use the steps below to determine whether the dataset you need is already published, how to request unpublished raw feeds or historical logs, and where to find official forms and contact points to submit a request.

How to request raw traffic sensor data

Start by searching the City of Edmonton Open Data catalog for traffic or sensor datasets; some feeds and historical counts are available for download or API access. If the specific raw sensor stream or archived logs are not published, submit a records request to the City’s access/foip office explaining the dataset, date ranges, sensor IDs, and preferred format. For published datasets, use the portal download or API; for unpublished records, use the formal access request process and include technical details to speed processing.[1] [2]

Be specific: list sensor IDs, timestamps, and preferred file format to reduce back-and-forth.

Penalties & Enforcement

Requests for raw data are administrative and governed by access rules rather than by municipal bylaw penalties; monetary fines for withholding municipal data are not specified on the cited pages. Enforcement of access obligations and reviews of decisions are handled by provincial oversight bodies and the City’s access office. Time limits for responding and fee rules are set in the applicable access legislation and policies; where a specific fee or fine is not shown on a City page, it is noted as not specified on the cited page below.

  • Response timeframe: not specified on the cited City page; consult the access office for expected timelines.
  • Monetary penalties or fees for requests: not specified on the cited City page.
  • Complaints and inspections: use the City access contact or submit a review application to the provincial commissioner if needed.
If access is denied, you can request a review by the provincial privacy commissioner.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes guidance for Open Data downloads and for formal access requests; where a specific City form name or fee is not published on the City page, it is not specified on the cited page. If making a formal access request, attach any existing Open Data links, a clear description of records, and preferred file formats.

  • Open Data download/API: use dataset pages or API endpoints on the City Open Data portal.[1]
  • Formal access request: submit to the City access/FOIP office by the method described on the City's access page.[2]
Attach sample rows or a schema to clarify the format you need.

How-To

  1. Search the City of Edmonton Open Data portal for "traffic" or "sensor" dataset names and review metadata.
  2. If dataset exists, use the API or download links shown on the dataset page to obtain raw files or CSV exports.[1]
  3. If the exact raw feed or historical logs are not published, prepare a formal request with sensor IDs, time range, and file format, then submit to the City's access/FOIP office.[2]
  4. If access is refused, follow the City's internal review instructions and consider applying for a review with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.

FAQ

Can I get real-time raw sensor feeds from the City?
Some feeds may be published on the Open Data portal; if not, request access from the City's access office describing the required stream and usage.
Is there a fee to request raw traffic sensor data?
Fees are not specified on the City dataset or access pages cited below; ask the access office for any applicable charges.
Who enforces access decisions?
The City of Edmonton access/FOIP office administers requests and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta handles reviews and appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the Open Data portal first before filing a formal request.
  • Provide precise sensor IDs, timestamps, and formats to speed processing.
  • Use the provincial privacy commissioner for reviews if the City refuses access.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Edmonton Open Data portal - dataset pages and APIs
  2. [2] City of Edmonton access / FOIP information

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