EMBRUN – Russell Township has launched a redesigned municipal website aimed at making it easier for residents to access information, municipal services and community resources online.
The new website, which went live July 21 at www.russell.ca, was developed in partnership with Accurate Creative following an extensive review of the Township’s previous site.
According to the Township, the redesign was shaped by feedback from residents, municipal staff, council members, community organizations and other stakeholders. The project also incorporated website analytics, accessibility standards and municipal communication best practices.
Among the most noticeable changes are simplified navigation, plain-language content, improved search capabilities and a mobile-friendly design. The website also meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA accessibility standards.
The guidelines help ensure that people with visual, hearing, physical, speech, cognitive and neurological disabilities can use a website effectively. Level AA is considered the accepted standard for most government and public-sector websites in Canada.
The Township has introduced several new features, including text message alerts for emergencies, parking restrictions, water and fire bans, road closures and other important notices. Residents can subscribe to SMS or email notifications through the website.
Waste collection information has also been updated through the Recycle Coach platform, allowing residents to access personalized collection calendars, set reminders, search disposal information and download six-month collection schedules.
Other additions include an interactive parks map, a searchable database of municipal by-laws and policies, an enhanced community events calendar, improved listings for local associations and community groups, a new online careers portal and a department directory designed to help residents find municipal contacts more quickly.
The Township said the redesign is intended to improve access to municipal information and services while making the website easier to navigate on both desktop and mobile devices.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
