Red Deerians continue to report problems in their neighbourhoods using traditional methods.
Since launching the SeeFixClick option as a pilot project last fall, the city has closed 360 out of 424 service requests.
The online reporting tool is accessible through the city’s website and as a mobile app. Users can report problems with the simple click of a mouse or using a smartphone.
“Actually it’s on par with what we have seen before,” said Jenny Spurr, Red Deer communications consultant. “We thought the program would be a lot more popular with mobile users.”
A mere 15 per cent of reports are coming in via smartphones versus 85 per cent that are reported using the reddeer.ca or SeeClickFix.com websites.
The majority of the reports coming in are problems with broken street lights, parking concerns and potholes. Unlike the previous online tool, the complaints go directly to the department responsible for fixing the problem. The city’s policy is to either acknowledge or close a report within two to three business days.
But Spurr said this depends on each department and its workload.
“Some of the reports we receive are seasonal type repairs so they may sit in the acknowledge state a little bit longer,” said Spurr. “It’s a seasonal repair that may need more time to repair it.”
Spurr said this is one channel for reporting infrastructure problems and the city also encourages residents to use telephone and email.
The city is evaluating the pilot program to determine whether it is the right fit. The city pays an annual licence fee of about $7,000. The SeeFlickFix option replaced Report-a-Problem on the city’s website in mid-August.
To report an infrastructure problem, go to www.seeclickfix.com or www.reddeer.ca/onlineservices/reportaproblem.htm.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com