Two months ago, Ritchot’s council launched a new app to help keep residents up to speed about what’s happening in local government.

“Our goal is to bring information to our residents at their convenience,” says Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen. “From changes in garbage day to important hearings and fun events, we want all residents to know what’s going on.”

Ewen touts the app as a convenient solution to the problem of keeping people informed.

“You can receive text, email, or phone call notifications,” he says. “You choose the information you want to hear about, and [you] can adjust it with your own account whenever you’d like. We have access to pinpoint where we send the info as well, so if it isn’t relevant to a certain area, it saves them from receiving a redundant message or call.”

Since the launch, Ritchot Connect has attracted 420 users. Ewen says that council expects that number to hit 1,000 by the end of the years, now that council has approved a marketing budget for the endeavour.

“We are also giving away two iPads for those that register within the next couple of months,” Ewen adds. “I believe the draw for the iPads will be in October.”

To build the app, Ewen says that council has utilized the services of All-Net, a company specializing in online solutions for municipal governments. The RM’s website was also provided by All-Net.