Client Services and 3-1-1

This past week I encountered traffic lights out at Carp Road and the 417 off ramp. The situation was dangerous in that cars were backed up right onto the 417 at rush hour, since cars were respecting the rule of treating the intersection as a stop sign. I called 3-1-1 and explained the situation. A repair crew and traffic control were sent immediately.

It reminded me of several emails I had received recently whereby residents were obviously unaware of the terrific services provided by 3-1-1. Further, my staff advises me that they frequently encounter callers who are surprised to hear of the service, or how it works.

Some examples of the types of calls or emails that I have received that can be handled or redirected by Client Services/3-1-1 staff:

• “There are cars parking on two sides of the road and I am worried that emergency response cannot reach us if they had to because they would not fit through the parked cars.”

• “I have spotted a wild animal and I am worried for the safety of my family.”

• “There are cars speeding on my road and I want someone to do an assessment of whether the speed limit should be reduced.”

• “I want to enrol my daughter in a City of Ottawa swim program, but cannot find the information I need.”

• “I feel that there is too much noise coming from the adjacent neighbour (or park, or sports field). Isn’t there a by-law to deal with this?”

• “I want to put an addition on my home. What do I need to do?”

In each case, there are advantages to speaking directly with Client Services. Firstly, they will have many questions to ask that only you can answer (time of day…. Descriptions… etc). Secondly, they may need to follow up with you directly afterwards and it is inefficient if my office is used as a go-between.

If at any time you have taken steps to help yourself and you need a boost or some follow up answers after trying the Client Services route, by all means, I would like to hear about it.