Councillors seek to modernize ‘antiquated’ civic amenities booking system

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This article was published 23/07/2021 (1881 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers could one day book a city picnic shelter or soccer field with just a few clicks, if a new motion succeeds.

Two city councillors want to explore a new online booking system for civic park amenities and athletic fields, which would include picnic shelters, fire pit sites, baseball diamonds and soccer fields, as well as formal gardens available for special events.

“We’ve seen parks usage increase dramatically (during the COVID-19 pandemic)… and I really believe that trend is going to continue, so it’s important that we ensure the City of Winnipeg’s process for making park reservations is smooth, convenient and accessible,” said Coun. Devi Sharma, who raised the motion.

The Old Kildonan councillor said bookings currently require residents to contact the city to claim a space, which could begin with a 311 call. The caller must then be transferred to a second number to actually make the request, which is typically monitored during weekday business hours. Application forms can also be filed by mail or email.

A city spokesperson said people can also make a booking by filling in an online application.

Ideally, Sharma would like the city to add a new system that lets users check out the availability of exact sites and amenities online and book them without having to make any further contact with the city.

“I feel (this) is no longer meeting the needs of our citizens… There’s got to be a more (efficient) way of doing it,” she said, noting city rink space can already be booked online.

Coun. Jeff Browaty, who seconded the motion, said the current booking system is “antiquated,” so the change is long overdue.

“Right now, our customer services level for this entire city service is just, in my mind, behind the times and honestly not acceptable. This is just to provide the level of service that I think Winnipeggers, in this day and age, are expecting,” said Browaty (North Kildonan).

The motion calls for the city to cost out a potential new system for possible implementation in 2022. It will be considered by the city’s protection and community services committee in September.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga