[CivicAccess-discuss] Introducing FixMyStreet.ca

[Jennifer Bell]

VisibleGovernment.ca has launched a new pilot: http://fixmystreet.ca

The site allows people to file problem reports on things in their neighbourhood they’d like to see fixed, such as potholes, bad lighting, or unsafe pathways.  People can browse reports that have been filed, and subscribe to reports they’d like to see updates on.  The site is modeled on MySociety’s  FixMyStreet.com, which was adapted for Canada by Chris Taggart of OpenOttawa.  The first city supported is Ottawa, Ontario.  We hope to add other Canadian cities soon.

FixMyStreet.ca is designed to help both the city and its citizens. Providing the ability to browse and subscribe to problems that have been reported avoids having many people report the same issue individually, meaning less work for city call centres.  Keeping public records of when reports were filed, and when they were fixed, gives citizens access to richer information about their community and municipal council.

If you live in Ottawa, give the site a whirl -- find a pothole that bugs you, and report it.   It's the first step to making sure it gets fixed.  Plus, it will make you feel better.

We're also looking for city co-ordinators to help us add more Canadian cities to our database.  If you would like to take charge of:

 - contacting your municipality to find out how to obtain ward or borrough boundary maps for your city
 - helping VisibleGovernment.ca promote the site in your city

please contact jennifer at visiblegovernment.ca.

Jennifer Bell
VisibleGovernment.ca 


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