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North Cowichan launches new online engagement platform

Municipality looking for more input on projects, programs and services
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North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring. (File photo)

North Cowichan has launched a new online engagement platform that provides people with opportunities to share input, ask questions, and present ideas in an easy-to-use space, in order to help inform decision making regarding municipal projects, programs, and services.

“Public input is very important for council to make better decisions,” said Mayor Al Siebring.

“Through tools such as ConnectNorthCowichan.ca, we hope to hear from a wide range of people on important topics. Public input helps achieve optimum outcomes and decisions, and provides open and transparent communications with citizens.”

Siebring said North Cowichan residents told the municipality they wanted a more inclusive and transparent public consultation process; that they wanted to be acknowledged and hear what had been heard; and to be kept informed of projects as they move from idea, public input, and final decisions.

In 2020, more than 1,500 people shared their thoughts on North Cowichan’s public engagement process to help municipal officials better understand barriers to engagement, what topics are of interest, and what meaningful engagement looks like, and ConnectNorthCowichan.ca is one of the steps to improving public engagement.

ConnectNorthCowichan.ca is a user friendly, low-barrier online space for citizens to stay informed on municipal projects, and an easy way to share feedback,” said Barb Floden, North Cowichan’s manager of communication and public engagement.

“Simple navigation is easy to use and clearly shows a project’s timeline, when people can give feedback, how their feedback will be used, and explains the decision-making process.”

Existing subscribers to North Cowichan’s project email updates will receive an email invitation to register on ConnectNorthCowichan.ca in the coming days.

The email will provide details on completing the registration, and will also outline the site’s privacy policy.

People do not need to register to view projects, and to participate in some engagement activities, however registering will allow people the opportunity to ask questions or post comments in the forum, receive project emails, and to participate in some activities that require registration and sharing of some demographic information such as location.

Learn more, sign up, and connect at ConnectNorthCowichan.ca.