311 is changing, here’s what you need to know

Downtown Edmonton can be seen by drone in this undated file photo. (CTV News Edmonton)

The City of Edmonton is making changes to 311 in order to save some money.

Starting on March 2, Edmonton’s 311 telephone line will reduce hours in order to cut costs.

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The new hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The service will be closed Sundays and statutory holidays.

The line is a non-emergency contact for city information, service and other resident needs.

Support for essential public safety and urgent bylaw calls – such as those for downed trees, sinkholes and animal attacks – will still be taken after hours and every day of the week through an emergency after-hours line.

The city said the service changes may lead to longer wait times but are required to limit this year’s property tax increase.

“The changes were based on an analysis of calls, with Sundays accounting for only 6.5 per cent of calls and where answers to the majority of those calls could be found online,” the city said in a press release on Wednesday.

Edmonton’s 311 service was introduced in 2009. Since then, the city said it has helped connect residents with services and information more than 25 million times.

The free 311 app was introduced in 2014. Users can submit requests, send photos and report concerns.

Online requests can be made online at any time on the 311 website.

More information on requests, services and frequently asked questions can be found on the City of Edmonton website.