The County of Prince Edward is launching an online civic engagement platform called Have Your Say. During this time of social isolation, the platform is intended as a tool to keep the public up to date on municipal projects and initiatives.

Have Your Say, which was purchased using the modernization fund from the provincial government, will also allow the public to provide input on said projects in a controlled and moderated environment.

“This new online platform will be a great resource that County residents can use to share their views and opinions about matters that impact them,” said Mayor Steve Ferguson. “It will complement the other important ways we reach out to the public, including public meetings, comments at council meetings and through deputations, and in-person discussions with staff and councillors. This is important step for the County in general, but is all the more relevant now as public engagement is more challenging due to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The platform will feature forums, surveys and Q&A sections where staff can respond to inquiries from the public. The platform will also feature space for the public to collaborate and generate ideas and real-time polling to get public opinion on matters.

The Have Your Say tools will be moderated to ensure productive conversation.

The municipality is launching the consultation tool with two initiatives:

• To support public consultation on planning applications once a file comes before the County for municipal review

• To provide a resource for County businesses looking to access resources and information for both immediate response and longer-term recovery from COVID-19

In the next couple of weeks, residents can expect the platform to support a road service level consultation, with further projects being added in the coming months.

Anyone with a computer, tablet or mobile phone may log onto Have Your Say. The platform will also be available at the Prince Edward County Public Library computers once they reopen to the public. Library staff will be trained to help the public become familiar with the platform.

To access the Have Your Say platform, please visit: https://haveyoursay.thecounty.ca/