City updates website for enhanced navigation

City of Powell River has launched a redesigned website, with new interactive features, including a photo gallery.

“Our main goals with the new website were to make it more user friendly and easier for staff,” said Mayor Dave Formosa at the October 17 council meeting. “It’s really nice, it’s effective, it’s bright and snappy.”

City Clerk Marie Claxton explained that one of the new features is the I Want To section. The public can select an activity and go directly to the information about that activity, such as requesting to appear as a delegation at a council meeting, registering for a recreation program, applying for permits or viewing bid opportunities for city projects. “We will be adding to that,” said Claxton. “The more feedback we get from folks about how do I do this, we’ll add that to the I Want To section.”

Visitors to the website can now easily book their vacation stay at the Willingdon Beach Campsite by clicking on the Willingdon Beach Campsite link.

The navigation and search capability of the website has been improved, Claxton said, and there is a live weather update icon. “We’ve put direct contact information for departments,” she said. “Instead of going to the general number, you can go into the departments and if it’s a finance issue or if it’s engineering, or whatever it is, there’s a listing there with direct lines. You’ll get somebody in that department.”

Website users will continue to have the opportunity to subscribe to news feeds. As well, the website continues to provide direct links to community organizations or resources.

Members of the public are invited to submit their favourite photos of the community to a new photo gallery. Photos should be emailed to [email protected] with “Website Photo” in the subject line. Submissions should include the name of the photographer and a brief description of the photo.

In addition to the new look of the site, the city implemented a paperless meeting management solution in June that streamlines the creation of agendas and minutes and allows staff to post this information online for the public instantaneously.

City staff has been working with iCompass Technologies Inc. on the development of the website for the past year. The website will continue to be a work in progress, continually developing and evolving. “Send us some feedback,” said Claxton. “We look forward to hearing from the public.”