The low turn out for the launch of the core services review won't be the trend for public participation, predicted the city's mayor.
Only a few people turned out at city hall in May to get introduced to the city's cost fact-finding mission, but Wednesday's workshop could be a different story.
"The first launch meeting was really to explain what the process would be and I think we had also done that in a variety of other ways," said Mayor Shari Green. "So I don't think the smaller number of people that attended that kick off meeting is indicative of a lack of interest."
Residents are encouraged to review a set of seven service profiles - compiled by consultants KPMG - that are available on the city's website.
Using information provided by the city of Prince George and from cities of comparable size, the consulting group outlined what each department is responsible for and whether it meets the expected standard.
The public is also asked to provide feedback on whether the various service levels should increase, decrease or stay the same. That can be done online or at a public workshop to be held at the Civic Centre July 25.
"[The workshop] is the place where we're going to be able to sit and have that table talk and roll up our sleeves and have a conversation," Green said.
Giving that feedback is important because when making final decisions, council needs to know that the community had an opportunity to give their input, according to the mayor.
"We've extended it to them and the onus is on the citizens to take advantage of that," said Green. "If they don't, we need to press on and continue with the work."
But Coun. Brian Skaun worried the online process might not be clear enough and expressed his concern at the July 16 city council meeting.
"I've been getting some calls about the survey... and I don't know if the word convoluted comes to mind," he said, noting some residents find navigating the service profiles confusing.
But Green said an online survey might not be ideal for everyone, but that it is an effective tool and stressed it's not the only way for residents to provide feedback.
"People have already been writing letters and my office is getting calls," she said.
KPMG will continue to take public submissions after Wednesday's workshop online until Aug. 3 and via email at [email protected].
The next opportunity for direct public input will be during Phase 4 of the project, when the consultants release their draft findings in the fall.
