Vancouver launches new online public engagement tool

The City of Vancouver, Canada, is partnering with Vision Critical, a leading provider of insight community technologies, to launch Talk Vancouver, the city’s new online public consultation and citizen engagement community.

“The launch of Talk Vancouver is following through on a quick start recommendation from our Engaged City Task Force, and will be a great new way for people to have their say on the issues that matter to them,” said Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver. “We’re embracing new technology to support civic engagement, and providing an online community where people can be plugged in to what’s taking place at City Hall and around Vancouver.”

Talk Vancouver is open to anyone over the age of 15 who lives, works, or attends school in the city. People who join the online community will contribute on important city issues by participating in online surveys and discussions via their smart phones, computers and tablets.

Talk Vancouver is powered by Vision Critical’s online community platform, connecting busy Vancouverites with their city online, through ongoing consultations and engagement, on their time and on their terms.

“We’re increasingly turning to digital and mobile technology to work, finish errands, connect with family and have fun,” said Shachi Kurl, Vice President of Citizen Engagement for Vision Critical. “It’s time for public institutions and local governments to engage people where they are spending time: online.”

Vision Critical also provides its platform in the City of Surrey in British Columbia, where residents are having their say through the City Speaks online community, and at UBC (The University of British Columbia), where students and alumni are engaging with the university as members of the Open Minds Forum.

According to a survey conducted by Angus Reid Global in March 2013, 70 percent of British Columbians polled said they wished it was easier to make their views heard to their local governments.