WINDSOR – On Monday morning Windsor, Ontario, became the first city in Ontario to launch a 311 customer service system.
Windsorites now have a single, easy-to-remember access point for city services, whether making a request, seeking information or filing a complaint. From potholes to bus schedules, from tax bills to garbage collection – it’s as easy as calling 311.
311 is the product of two years of research and development and strong teamwork with the City of Windsor’s partners at EnWin Utilities Ltd. and service providers Motorola and Bell Canada. Using software that has proven successful in communities across the continent, from Miami to Chicago, the City of Windsor can now communicate with residents more effectively than ever before.
"The City of Windsor is really leading the way in Ontario by implementing 311 service to enhance their operations," said Frank Maw, president, Motorola Canada, in a release. "This innovative new system will not only provide a convenient one number to call, but residents will also be able to track the progress of their requests and hold the city accountable for service delivery.”
"We should congratulate the City of Windsor for being a leader amongst its peers by becoming the first city in Ontario, to offer its citizens a 311 non-urgent call service," said Douglas McKenzie, general manager, Bell Canada.
311 call centres had previously been launched in Calgary, Alberta and Gatineau, Quebec. Over 25 are currently in operation in the United States, and more are on the way across Canada. While improving service, 311 is also intended to cut down on the number of non-emergency calls placed to the 911 operators.
The 311 Call Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7: a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, from 8a.m. to 4 p.m. 311 will be available to all City of Windsor residents in a variety of languages to meet the needs of all Windsorites. Callers outside the city’s boundaries can reach 311 by dialing 255-CITY (2489). Long-distance callers can call 1-877-RING311 (746-4311).
