THUNDER BAY - The city launched a free mobile app Tuesday that will change the way communities and municipalities interact.
Developed by eSolutionsGroup, Pingstreet uses location-based technology to give citizens easy access to information in the palm of their hand.
“This is a huge step forward in the way we communicate with constituents,” said Northwood Coun. Shelby Ch’ng.
A growing number of people are using mobile devices to access the information they need, and Pingstreet allows residents to connect with city information and news in a timely manner..
The app is based on GPS location, it reads the user’s location given them relevant and timely one-touch access to all city news and information.
“It’s extremely important to evolve,” Ch’ng said. “One of the things I heard over and over on the campaign trail was that people wanted better communication from City Hall.
Pingstreet allows users in the community to access the information they need and want, including garbage and recycling calendars, transit schedules and stops, municipal service issues reporting, news and emergency alerts and much more.
“Reporting a problem is going to be the bee's knees,” she said. “With the app you can take a picture, write a brief description and the app takes the coordinates, so it automatically reports to the administration staff where it is and the picture too.”
The initially cost for the app was $25,000 and $5,000 a year to maintain the membership, “we can change out tiles, it’s responsive, we get input from other communities as well as to what’s working for them very small amount of money for a great amount of bang for your buck.”
Ch’ng said she’s hoping people will use the app and engage with the city councilors as it is a one stop shop that you can really take with you in your pocket.
