Winnipeg's 311 service goes online

Winnipeg's 311 information portal has gone online with a new self-serve system.

Originally launched in January as a telephone hotline for non-emergencies, the 311 call centre fields public inquiries or complaints relating to city hall business and services.

People use it to apply for permits, report a pothole or graffiti, find out when their garbage is to be picked up, search the public library catalogue, or even seek out the gloves they left on a city transit bus.

As of Tuesday, it can all be done online.

A new tab on the city's website will direct people on how to find the information they are seeking and access city services.

Once the form is completed, the request is sent electronically to the appropriate city department.

A reference number will be provided so people can check the status of their request whenever they want.

The site also includes a citizen satisfaction survey. People can fill out the survey and provide contact information if they want someone from the city to followup with them.

"We encourage feedback from citizens as it lets us know what is working well and what may need to be changed or improved," said Melanie Swenarchuk, manager of the 311 contact centre.

Since it's inception on Jan. 16, the 311 telephone service has received more than 1.6 million calls. The email version of the service has handled more than 36,500 messages.

People are still welcome to contact 311 via telephone or email at 311@winnipeg.ca, said Swenarchuk.