Turner Valley's new site boasts clean and modern look

It’s easier to get information with the click of the mouse in Turner Valley.

The Town launched its new website platform on Dec. 5 and so far the response has been positive.

Monique LeBlanc, community services and business development manager, said the intent was to make the Town’s online presence more user-friendly.

“Residents and staff had told us that it would be really helpful if the navigation was simpler, that they could find information faster,” said LeBlanc. “So that was one of the reasons. As well, it was time for a new look. We had established the graphics back in 2014 and we decided it was time to update it.”

One of the most noticeable changes is a reduction in the amount of colour and the heavy structure of the site, she said. Instead, the design is clean and minimalist with more graphics and less text.

There is also a slider on the homepage, so visitors can scroll through important content without having to leave the main page, she said.

“This functionality allows our most important information to be shared immediately,” said LeBlanc.

Overall, it should make information easier to find for anyone who visits the webpage, she said.

The total cost of the changeover was $4,700, she said.

It took about six months to update information and content after significant planning, she said.

Town of Turner Valley CAO Todd Sharpe told council on Dec. 2 the new look and feel would improve the site’s performance.

“We really focused on trying to get all the information at everyone’s fingertips within two clicks and where possible just keep it very navigable,” he said.

He said it will also include a fillable form residents can submit with any complaints or concerns.

Coun. Cindy Holladay questioned whether council would be able to see those issues as they arise.

“It can get hard to track Facebook and know where the complaints are, I think if we could think of a way for council to have a better understanding of what the complaints are, if there’s any patterns or if we’re doing better year-over-year,” said Holladay.

Sharpe said the Town monitors social media and can see trends, and it seems council is in tune with resident concerns.

“I would guess council’s got a pretty good handle on that, because with the frequency I hear from you guys on those things and the trends and themes you’re seeing, I think we’ve got a fairly good handle on it,” said Sharpe.

Mayor Barry Crane agreed with Holladay, saying it would be prudent to develop some type of reporting for council to keep watch over citizen concerns on an ongoing basis.

“I always wanted to see a track record of complaints for the exact same reasons,” said Crane. “It’s something we could take about in future, I think.”

To check out the new website, visit www.turnervalley.ca.