The Town of Blackfalds launched a new app today which will allow citizens to report non-emergency and non-bylaw issues within the community.

The app, known as Blackfalds Connect, will allow citizens to report, track, and make follow up comments for whatever non-emergency issue they are having.

Communications Officer Cale Frombach says the app uses the latest technology to quickly and conveniently report issues.

“So say you are going for a walk and you notice a crack in the sidewalk, you can take out your phone, take a picture of that crack, and use the GPS coordinates from your phone to send that straight to the town.”

Frombach goes on to say that the app will also allow users to track their report from start to finish.

“It creates accountability on the Town’s side, so that anybody can see where the issue has been reported. It’s not like where somebody’s phones in an issue, and doesn’t get any feedback back. (With the app) They know that they put in the issue, it’s been assigned to public works, and then they get to see when public works acknowledges that issue, and when public works closes it.”

Users will also be able to view, comment, and vote on issues submitted by their fellow neighbours.

They can also create their own "watch areas" so they can receive notifications about all the issues reported in their community, not just the ones they report.

Blackfalds Connect is available for free download on Android and IPhone, and you can use also access it through the Town of Blackfalds website. 

Frombach says eventually they are planning to adapt the app as a way to send out notices in the event of an emergency, like extreme weather or a gas leak.

Notify Red Deer is Red Deer’s mass notification system, and it will actually be tested tomorrow. 

For more information on Notify Red Deer, you can check out reddeer.ca/notifyreddeer.