City launches 3-1-1 service

The City of Greater Sudbury has launched a new telephone number for information on city services and programs.

3-1-1 becomes effective immediately and will provide a "one-stop-shop" for people looking for any information on the city.

"3-1-1 is all about citizen service - better service, faster service, easier access to local government," noted Mayor John Rodriguez. "3-1-1 is an easy and efficient way to deliver hundreds of city services to thousands of customers."

The 3-1-1 telephone number is part of the City of Greater Sudbury's continuing efforts to enhance service and bring city hall closer to the people served. City staff will now be able to track service requests through to completion, using an electronic tracking system. In addition, staff will be able to better monitor requests and manage response times.

The City of Greater Sudbury has been using a "one-stop" approach since amalgamation with a consolidated call centre and client services centre. The adoption of the 3-1-1 service is a natural next step. The city also anticipates that with the addition of the 3-1-1 telephone service, there will be a reduction in non-emergency calls to 9-1-1.

3-1-1 has been successfully implemented in recent years in North American cities such as Calgary, Windsor, Ottawa, Gatineau and Chicago. 3-1-1 is for City information only; including services and programs. 9-1-1 will continue as the emergency services telephone number.