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Transforming municipalities

Presented by David Houle
in Innovation, Technology
May, 2025

Smarter decisions, streamlined operations

Sponsored by SimpleSurvey

Municipalities across Canada are navigating an increasingly complex landscape, balancing resident engagement, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Adopting digital solutions is not just about keeping up. It is about working smarter, responding faster, and making informed decisions with confidence.

With SimpleSurvey, municipalities gain a powerful, Canadian-based cloud platform designed to streamline data collection and analysis while ensuring full compliance with privacy and accessibility laws.

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From public consultations and policy research to service evaluations and emergency response, this platform is not just a tool. It is a key driver of better decision making and service deliver.

Enhancing Community Engagement

Resident feedback is essential for effective planning. Municipalities use public consultations to shape urban development, environmental policies, and infrastructure projects.

Citizen satisfaction surveys assess services like transportation and waste management. Budget consultations enhance transparency by involving residents in spending decisions.

Streamlining Administrative Processes

Digital tools can significantly reduce inefficiencies in municipal operations.

Customizable online forms with automated workflows simplify the management of building permits, license renewals, and service requests. This reduces administrative burdens and improving response times.

Supporting Policy Development, Public Events

Data-driven decision making strengthens municipal policies.

Stakeholder surveys and public opinion polls provide valuable insights to align policies with community needs.

Municipalities also streamline event registrations and volunteer management, making community participation easier and more efficient.

Effective Emergency Communication

During emergencies, timely and accurate data collection is crucial.

Municipalities use surveys and forms to:

  • rapidly assess community needs
  • collect critical information
  • support post-crisis recovery efforts

This ensures a well-informed and efficient response.

Performance Metrics, Reporting

Tracking internal performance and measuring service delivery helps municipalities continuously improve.

Staff surveys and program evaluations ensure resources are allocated effectively and policies remain responsive to evolving community needs.

Boosting Efficiency Through Integration, Automation

SimpleSurvey seamlessly integrates with existing municipal systems to maximize efficiency. With its API, webhooks, Power BI connector, and workflow automation options, municipalities can:

  • automate data handling
  • improve reporting
  • act on feedback in real time
  • enhance service delivery

Inclusive Participation

Accessible, multilingual surveys – including support for Indigenous languages – break down barriers. They ensure that everyone, regardless of language or ability, can have their voice heard and their input valued.

To learn more about streamlining operations and enhancing community engagement, visit www.simplesurvey.com or contact us at info@simplesurvey.com.  MW

Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in Chris Rickett and Zac Gribble’s article: Data drives community economic development for main street.


David Houle is the president of SimpleSurvey, a leading Canadian online survey and voting platform tailored for public and private sector organizations.

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