Operators are now standing by at 3-1-1 service

Committed to quality service, Mayor Sam Katz, together with members of Winnipeg City Council, officially opened the City of Winnipeg's 3-1-1 consolidated Contact Centre Friday.

"Winnipeg is at your service," said Katz from the 5th floor of City Place. That's where customer service representatives are standing by to take your call. The service runs 24/7 365 days a year, and the plan is one call resolution.

"Want to know when your garbage is picked up? Call 3-1-1. Hours for a city pool? 3-1-1, Library? 3-1-1, report a pot-hole," asks Katz as he probes reporters for an answer. 3-1-1 they say in unison.

Katz says the service is all about accountability and will be tracked to make sure people who call are getting results. He was quick to point out that it's for questions not for a crisis.

Katz says if you have a crisis, you should without hesitation call 9-1-1. Knowing the difference could be the acid test for those who were bogging down 9-1-1 emergency services in the past. People would ask all manner of question including were to order good pizza from.

For those who find the phone pass�, e-mailing or faxing in your inquiry is also an option.

: by phone at 311

: by fax at 311,

: by email at [e-mail]

: by TTY at 986-1311.

Even those from out of town can use the service toll-free at 1-877-311-4WPG.

Citizens who request a non-emergency service will be provided with a unique reference number and an estimated time for completion. Citizens are encouraged to keep the unique reference number handy for ease of use should they wish to follow-up at a later date.

Inquiries received by the Centre will be monitored for quality assurance and to continuously improve our ability to serve citizens.

Winnipeg's other public face; www.winnipeg.ca has also undergone considerable streamlining to become more service-focused and customer-friendly, providing citizens with enhanced access to information about the services the City provides.