Kelowna

Is there a problem the City of Kelowna needs to deal with?

Icy/snow covered roads or sidewalks, graffiti, maybe an abandoned vehicle, noisy neighbour or issues with drainage or storm water.

Photo: Contributed

The city now has an 'App' for that.

A 'web app' was launched Monday that will allow people to place a service request with the city using their mobile device like a tablet or smart phone.

Unlike other 'App's' that are downloaded from 'app' stores, this one can be added to any home screen from the city's website, www.kelowna.ca/mobilesr.

From there, residents can create a service request using a series of drop down menus which allow you to identify specific locations, the specific problem and include a picture if desired.

It was less than three years ago, in 2010, the city introduced on-line access to make it easier to report problems around the city.

Performance Improvement Consultant, Clint McKenzie, says the new mobile devise reporting system will save both the public and staff time.

"Specifically, when looking at the public it will serve as a convenience to report issues on the go and for staff it will reduce the time to gather and confirm information," says McKenzie.

"Fewer sites visits to a reported area will be required based on the photo submissions now available on the application."

McKenzie says various staff members have tested the application which resulted in several improvements made prior to Monday's launch.

He says staff did research other municipalities utilizing similar technology to ensure an easy to use and cost effective set up.

McKenzie says each of the approximately 30 problem types available on the 'app' feed directly back to the responsible city department.

"There is no re-keying of any of the information before it is sent to the responsible department. It's quick and direct the first time through," adds McKenzie.

The city's advertising campaign will begin Wednesday.