Region of Waterloo and cities partner to increase citizen participation online
Waterloo Region – Local municipal governments have created a new way to involve the public in local issues and decision-making. By launching a new online tool called ‘engage’, shared by the Region and all three cities, citizens will have more opportunities to have their say on local topics.
The shared online engagement platform is easy and convenient. “It will benefit citizens in a variety of ways,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “They can participate in discussions from home or on their mobile device on numerous Regional and municipal topics.” There will be one single login for all regional citizens. They can comment, do a survey, express preferences or offer ideas on numerous local topics. Townships can also post topics on the Region’s space.
Online engagement isn’t meant to replace traditional public consultation methods like public meetings, open houses or phone calls — it’s designed to enhance public input opportunities. For example, after participating online, citizens can receive reports on how feedback is being used or next steps planned for the project.
“We are working together to make it easy for citizens to engage in community issues and decisions,” said Deb Bergey, Manager of Client Experience and Service Improvement, Region of Waterloo. The Region announced its first set of public input topics at today’s Administration and Finance committee meeting. Topics include: the Early Learning and Child Care Service Plan; the Region of Waterloo International Airport Master Plan; the Biosolids Master Plan; the Transportation Master Plan; and the King and Victoria Transit Hub project. The Region and the Cities of Cambridge and Kitchener are joining the City of Waterloo who is currently using the tool. The Cities of Cambridge and Kitchener are launching engageCambridge and engageKitchener on April 25, 2016. Kitchener will start with topics such as the Neighbourhood Strategy and Chicken by-law consultation.
For more information and topics please visit:
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Deb Bergey, Manager, Client Experience and Service Improvement, Region of Waterloo 519-575-4097 or dbergey@regionofwaterloo.ca