Across Canada, municipalities face increasing pressure to do more with less. Rising citizen expectations, staffing shortages, budget constraints, and aging IT systems add to the urgency to modernize.
Legacy platforms, such as OpenText, AS400, and Lotus Notes, which were once reliable, now hinder efficiency and innovation. They make it difficult to share data across departments, automate routine processes, or deliver the fast, transparent services that residents expect.
It is no surprise that many municipalities are turning to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform to overcome these challenges. Whether you are just starting with Dynamics 365 or already using it but struggling to unlock its full potential, this blog explains why so many Canadian municipalities are embracing these technologies and how Elantis helps make that transformation smooth, impactful, and sustainable.
Real Stories from Canadian Municipalities Using Dynamics 365
Here are just a few examples of how public-sector organizations are leading the charge:
– Ville de Laval, Quebec
Laval, Quebec’s third-largest city, was drowning in high call volumes with poor tracking and slow resolution times. By reimagining their 311 system with Dynamics 365 Customer Service and Azure AI, they introduced AI-driven call classification, automated case summaries, and real-time Power BI dashboards. The result? Faster response times, better accountability, and happier citizens. The city expects the system to pay for itself within a year. 1
– City of Vaughan, Ontario
Vaughan faced challenges with disconnected systems, siloed data, and sluggish service delivery. To address these, the city implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform, enabling centralized service request management, automated workflows, and citizen-facing self-service portals. This transformation led to stronger community engagement, more efficient internal processes, and faster, more transparent service delivery. 2
– Parkland County, Alberta
Parkland County was grappling with outdated, paper-based systems that lacked mobility, automation, and real-time reporting. These limitations made it difficult to deliver timely services and adapt to the expectations of modern citizens.
By adopting Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform, they launched a comprehensive digital transformation. Parkland County led a 360-degree overhaul of its operations—digitizing frontline services, automating internal workflows and paper-based processes, and enabling mobile access for staff in the field. This shift not only improved responsiveness and service quality but also empowered staff with tools to work more efficiently and engage citizens more effectively. 3
Build a Full Municipal ERP on Dynamics 365 – Tailored Just for You
Many municipalities don’t stop at citizen services. They use Dynamics 365 to build comprehensive ERP systems that unify core operations, everything from financial management and property tax processing to licensing, permits, utility billing, and citizen self-service portals.
Why is this so powerful? Because it helps you:
- Eliminate data silos and unify critical functions for better accuracy and collaboration
- Boost operational efficiency by automating and simplifying complex manual tasks
- Enhance the citizen experience with seamless, transparent access to services
- Scale and adapt easily as your community’s needs evolve — without costly, disruptive overhauls
Why Building on Dynamics 365 Is Smarter Than Off-the-Shelf or From Scratch
Choosing Dynamics 365 means lower costs and faster deployment, thanks to its cloud-based platform and ready-made components. Maintenance and updates are handled by Microsoft, freeing up your IT team. Plus, with low-code/no-code customization tools, your staff can tailor workflows and interfaces quickly, without waiting on expensive developers.
Because all your core functions live on one integrated platform, you get better data integration, no more costly silos. And, as your municipality grows or changes, the system also scales with it, avoiding expensive upgrades or painful migrations.
Already Using Microsoft 365 or Dynamics 365? Here’s How to Get More Value
If your organization has adopted these platforms but still faces challenges like limited staff adoption, manual workflows, disconnected data, compliance headaches, or underused licenses, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are proven strategies to help you get more out of your investment:
Boost Adoption with Tailored Training and Support
Don’t rely on generic training; create role-specific, scenario-based sessions that show how the tools apply directly to daily municipal work.
Automate Workflows Using Power Automate
Identify repetitive manual tasks like service requests, approvals, or notifications, and automate them to save time and minimize errors. Start small with high-impact processes to demonstrate quick wins, then expand automation gradually.
Integrate Systems Using Power Apps and Connectors
Break down data silos by connecting Dynamics 365 with other municipal systems such as permitting, HR, or finance platforms. This unified data approach improves reporting accuracy and supports faster, informed decision-making.
Simplify Compliance and Records Management with Microsoft Purview
Managing regulatory requirements and records within Dynamics 365 can be complex, especially when data flows across multiple apps like Customer Service, Finance, or Field Service. Use Purview’s built-in intelligence to easily find and manage sensitive data across your Microsoft environment to reduce compliance risks and ensure proper governance.
Optimize Licensing and Explore Funding Opportunities
Conduct regular license usage reviews to avoid paying for unused features or seats. Stay informed about government grants or technology funding programs that can help offset modernization costs and accelerate your digital journey.
How Elantis Helps Municipalities Modernize
At Elantis, we help municipalities get the most out of Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 by leveraging our proven experience in securely migrating from legacy systems and delivering end-to-end Dynamics 365 solutions tailored to your unique needs.
We design, build, and customize purpose-built ERP systems that fit your municipality’s specific requirements. Our services include rapid deployment of mobile-friendly, citizen-facing portals, automation of manual workflows using Power Platform tools, modern records management with Microsoft Purview, and support in building strong business cases to secure funding for your modernization projects.
Start with a Free Assessment
If your organization is considering Dynamics 365 or already has it but isn’t seeing the value, it’s time for a conversation.
Book a free one-hour Microsoft assessment with our team to identify quick wins, prioritize your modernization efforts, explore impactful citizen-facing use cases, and gain clarity on licensing and funding options tailored to your municipality’s needs.
Contact Elantis now to help you build smarter, faster services for your citizens and your teams.
Sources:
- https://www.microsoft.com/en/customers/story/1409585222396616040-laval-gov-azure-canada
- Transforming Municipalities: City of Vaughan
- Transforming Municipalities: Parkland County A comprehensive look at how Parkland County is leading a 360-Degree Transformation with Dynamics 365
