Public Notification Platform

The Vendor is required to provide or the purpose of gathering information from the marketplace about public notification platform (PNP) systems that are currently available.
- Currently uses a range of tools to share information with residents, including:
• Website platforms (WordPress) for general updates and notices
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and twitter) managed through hoot suite for community engagement and emergency messaging
• Email marketing via constant contact for newsletters and service updates
• Event and survey tools like eventbrite and survey monkey to support public participation and feedback
• Link management tools (bitly, link tree) for easy navigation to key resources
• Piwik for basic website analytics
- Current gaps and challenges:
• Limited integration means inconsistent messaging and difficulty targeting specific audiences
• Reach varies by channel, with no unified opt-in system for topic- or location-specific alerts
• Current tools aren’t built for real-time emergency notifications.
- Public notification platform:
• Population growth and diverse demographics - a growing and diverse population means varying communication preferences and needs.
• Emergencies and public safety concerns - rapid dissemination of information during emergencies is crucial for minimizing risks and upholding citizens’ safety.
• Increasing complexity of municipal operations - city manages various programs, projects, and services, ranging from infrastructure developments to community events.
• As the complexity of municipal operations increases, citizens may find it challenging to stay informed about ongoing initiatives and opportunities for engagement.
• Digital transformation and citizen expectations - in an era of digital transformation, citizens expect easy access to information and services through digital platforms. 
• A PNP caters to the preferences of citizens who rely on digital channels for updates. 
• Enhanced community engagement and transparency - effective communication fosters greater community engagement, builds trust, and promotes transparency in municipal decision-making processes.  
- The tool should:
• Enable the city to send mandatory notifications during emergencies or critical events.
• Allow citizens to subscribe to non-emergency updates relevant to their interests and locations.
• Support departmental needs for public notifications without compromising the clarity or value of the system.
• Protect against misuse or overuse through appropriate access controls and governance. 
• Supported communication channels (e.g., SMS, voice, email, mobile app, social media, website integration)
• Capabilities for segmentation, geo-targeting, or address-based messaging
• Resident self-subscription or opt-in/opt-out functionality
• Administrative features (e.g., message templates, scheduling tools, user permissions)
• Data security and privacy compliance, including hosting model (e.g., cloud-based, on-premise)
• Integration capabilities with municipal systems or third-party platforms (e.g., CRM, GIS, provincial alert systems)
• Support for multilingual or localized notifications
• Accessibility features that support inclusive communication
- Questions/Inquires Deadline: July 21, 2025