Mayor Larry O'Brien released an 82-page report yesterday on transforming the use of technology that he and a task force on e-government claim will make the city run more efficiently.
The report concedes the city's information technology branch is operating "reasonably well," but says it's also "clear that information technology is not having a significant impact on the city."
As a result, and after six months reviewing IT at the city, the eight-member task force on e-government provided eight recommendations, including identifying how staff can use technology to offset any increase in staffing and to compare Ottawa's use of information technology with other Canadian municipalities.
The task force, led by Rob Collins, a former chief information officer at Cognos, suggests new forms of technology can help the city function better and make doing business with the city more convenient for residents.
The report suggests e-voting in the future, which would allow voters to cast their ballot online rather than leaving their home or business.
Collins also suggests making it easier for citizens to pay for parking. The report says Toronto residents and visitors can easily purchase and print a temporary parking permit online.
"The city must find ways to engage citizens so that their voices can be heard," the report says.
"By doing so, services can be delivered based on a deeper understanding of the expectations of citizens and businesses."
The task force suggests efficiencies gained by introducing new technologies could offset the increase in operating costs associated with a growing city.
"Their recommendations ... can fundamentally transform our city government for the better," said O'Brien of the task force report.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Derek Puddicombe
Quelle/Source: Ottawa Sun, 18.06.2008
