The City of Owen Sound is introducing QR codes at development sites to provide residents with more details on planning applications.
The city says as the province of Ontario requires all planning authorities to provide a notice of applications, Owen Sound has traditionally posted notices through local media and Canada Post.
The Owen Sound planning department is introducing these QR codes to better inform residents on planning applications, and they come at a time when they are finding a resurgence during the pandemic.
“This more efficient and modern planning act notice continues staff’s work to fulfill council’s key corporate priorities in the City’s Strategic Plan Refresh – Service Excellence, which includes enhanced information, technology, and digital capabilities,” says the city.
The planning division will be looking at the use of the QR codes through website data and see if people use these codes to look up information on planning applications.
When a planning application is validated, details on any associated documents are posted on the city’s website and will also be printed onto a sign and set up at the applicant’s site. The QR code will take the user to the webpage that provides a summary of the planning application, which will be easily viewable on a smartphone.
When a resident approaches one of the established signs, they will be able to scan the QR code and will receive the relevant details to the project.
In addition to development plans, active notices, and permit searches, residents will also be able to access the city’s portal for information on the site plan, which includes the owner or responsible agent’s name, address, phone number and email.
Residents will also be able to call 519-376-1440 for more details.
Mayor Ian Boddy says, “Posting notices of Planning Act applications with QR codes of the property, in addition to mainly notices to neighbouring landowners are part of the city’s efforts to keep citizens and businesses informed.”
