Getting in contact with city hall could be a matter of pressing just three digits by as soon as early next year as city council gave staff the go-ahead Monday to bring a 311 service to Prince George.
Similar to 911 for emergency services and 411 for directory services, 311 will serve as a "short, easy-to-remember number" for reaching the service centre at city hall.
Steps include applying to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for approval and reaching agreements with phone service providers on routing the calls.
"Based on the estimated time to receive those approvals, it's anticipated that the service could be launched in early 2019," administrative services general manager Walter Babicz told council.
Several municipalities in Canada have implemented 311 since it was first launched in late 2004. Bringing it to Prince George will come at no cost to the city, Coun. Garth Frizzell noted. He also noted that the number of calls Vancouver's city hall has received since 311 was put in place there has increased significantly and he hopes it will have the same effect here.
"As we have talked about from the very first day this council began, we wanted to connect with the public and hear from the public," Frizzell said.
A public awareness campaign will accompany the launch of the service. Those living outside city limits will still have to call 250-561-7600 to reach the service centre.
