Durham Region receives a Smart 50 Award for innovative approach to customer service

Whitby, Ontario – Hey Google and Alexa—which municipality was just presented with a Smart 50 Award for its commitment to improving the customer experience? It’s Durham Region!

The Region has received a Smart 50 Award for its myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service. It’s an innovative tool that allows customers to access information and frequently asked questions, through smart home devices.

How easy is it? Just ask Google or Alexa about Regional facilities, waste pick up, the nearest bus stop or even when to expect the next Durham Region Transit bus. More information is available on the Intelligent Communities web page.

The Smart 50 Awards recognize the most transformative smart projects; those that offer innovative ideas that have municipal-scale impact and application. The top three projects—found in cities across the globe—will be announced in May.

Visit Spring.SmartCitiesConnect.org/Smart50Awards to learn more about the Smart 50 Awards.

Quotes

“True customer engagement begins with making services available at a time that works for the individual, rather than the corporation. The smart home device application is an excellent way to enhance the customer experience—it’s an innovative and intuitive communications channel that helps people feel more connected and educated about Regional programs and services.”

– Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

Quick facts

• This award recognizes Durham Region as the first municipality in Canada to bring Regional services to customers via their smart home devices by implementing this innovative approach; marking a significant achievement and setting a new standard that other municipalities may follow.
• The myDurham 311 Smart Home Device Voice Service showcases how Durham Region is focused on improving the customer experience through an omnichannel approach. It’s a co-ordinated system that will help ensure Regional services are accessible via a variety of methods, including in-person, web, emails, phone calls, social media and more.
• As of March 2023, there have been about 1,500 activations of this service.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.