Short Summary

The Toronto Public Space Initiative is launching a brand new civic engagement tool called TABS On Toronto that will let residents, media, staff, and organizations sign up for email alerts from City Council based on their keyword preferences.

For example, a user can type into the system the name of their local street, or a policy issue of interest to them. Whenever that word comes up on a Council agenda item or background document they will get an automatic email from the system informing them of the upcoming Council meeting.

 

Resident's will have an easier time keeping informed of what government is doing, never missing a beat, and getting their full 7 days statutory notice.

 

Other features include an enhanced search option using the City's own thesaurus from its open data catalogue, showing users related and alternate keyword search terms that the City uses to help them refine their search.

What We Need & What You Get

The system is launching as a beta and, if we secure enough funding, future features can include:

• Bill/policy progress tracking.
• Text/phone alerts.
• Advice on how to engage City Hall.
• Expansion of the system to include the Agencies, Boards, and Commissions of the City of Toronto (TTC, Library Board, Toronto District School Board, etc)
• Research into geo-location of alerts, and information of nearby community organizations, contextual information, and other expanded features.
• Research on expansion to other Cities and Levels of Government.
• All funds raised will go towards the scaled implementation and maintenance of this project, even if the total funding goal is not met. Any left over funds will go towards expansion and maintenance.

The Impact

This system will help residents and organizations such as BIAs and Resident's Associations, City Staff, Media, NGOs, and Councillor's Offices by:

• Saving them time and money as they won't need to conduct manual searches for the up-to-date information they seek.
• Making it easier for stakeholders to engage with City Hall and hold government accountable.
• Helping to prevent stakeholders from missing important issues.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you cannot contribute funding you can still help by:

• Ask folks to get the word out and make some noise about our campaign.
• Use and beta test our system, and offer feedback and recommendations.
• Visit www.publicspaces.ca and sign up for our newsletter to keep in touch.