Ottawa Police complete digital archive of old records with help from neurodivergent-led firm
Technology North, a company that employs 50 neurodivergent workers, finished turning 160 microfilm reels of Ottawa Police records into digital files at a ceremony Thursday.
Reported. A news outlet found this. voche.me names the outlet and links its report. Read the original report on cbc.ca.
An Ottawa-based IT company employing 50 neurodivergent workers finished turning 160 microfilm reels of old Ottawa Police records into digital files, the Ottawa Police Service announced at a press conference on Thursday, CBC News reported.
The company, Technology North, completed the job as part of a broader effort by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) to bring its record storage up to date. Each microfilm reel held 3,000 images, CBC reported, putting the finished project at hundreds of thousands of individual images now available in digital form.
"We love this opportunity to support a local workforce that recognizes different abilities. It's very inclusive," OPS Chief Eric Stubbs said at Thursday's ceremony.
What Technology North does
Technology North runs a program specifically for people on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent workers. CBC News reported that the company employs 50 neurodivergent workers across Canada and provides specialized tools, structured support, and task design that lets each employee focus on one piece of a larger job at a time.
Founder Ling Huang told CBC that the problem for neurodivergent workers in the job market is not ability. "The traditional work environment," he said, is what creates the barrier. His company divides large, complex tasks into smaller pieces so workers are not overwhelmed. Huang told CBC the company's work is personal for him: he is the father of a child with autism.
New to Ottawa
Technology North opened its Ottawa office in January 2026. Before that it operated from Edmonton and had office space in Toronto. The OPS records project was part of its first year of local operations.
What comes next
The project's completion means a portion of OPS's microfilm collection has now been fully digitized, CBC reported. For Ottawa residents who want to follow how the new city council and Ottawa Police Board discuss budgets and service plans, the city publishes meeting agendas and minutes at pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com, which answers public requests for documents and upcoming agendas.
Questions this story answers
What did Technology North do for the Ottawa Police Service?
Technology North, an Ottawa-based company employing 50 neurodivergent workers, digitized 160 microfilm reels of Ottawa Police records. Each reel held 3,000 images, so the finished project converted hundreds of thousands of images into digital files. Ottawa Police recognized the work at a press conference on November 5, 2026.
Who is Technology North?
Technology North is an IT company dedicated to hiring people on the autism spectrum and other neurodivergent individuals. It employs 50 neurodivergent workers across Canada. It was founded in Edmonton, had offices in Toronto, and opened its Ottawa location in January 2026.
Who is Ling Huang?
Ling Huang is the founder of Technology North. CBC reported that he started the company partly because he is the father of a child with autism. He told CBC that the obstacle for neurodivergent workers is not ability but the traditional work environment, and that his company breaks complex tasks into smaller pieces so employees can focus.
What did Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs say about the project?
OPS Chief Eric Stubbs said at the November 5 press conference: "We love this opportunity to support a local workforce that recognizes different abilities. It's very inclusive." The statement was reported by CBC News on November 6, 2026.
How many microfilm reels were digitized?
CBC News reported that 160 microfilm reels were digitized. Each reel contained 3,000 images, which means the finished work covered hundreds of thousands of individual images. The project represents a large part of OPS's total microfilm collection.
When did Technology North open in Ottawa?
Technology North established its Ottawa office in January 2026. Before that it was based in Edmonton and had office space in Toronto. The Ottawa Police contract was part of its first year of local operations.
What employment model does Technology North use?
Technology North runs an autism employment program. CBC reported that the company provides specialized tools and support, divides work evenly, and breaks complex tasks into smaller pieces so each employee can focus on one task at a time. This model allows neurodivergent workers to meet the demands of information management work.
Where can Ottawa residents learn more about inclusive employers in Ottawa?
The Ottawa Police Service announced the partnership at pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com, the City's public meetings site, which lists OPS board agendas and minutes. The CBC story on the project is at cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ops-technology-north-9.7412839 and published November 6, 2026.
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