Port Hope launches new and improved engagement site
Port Hope town hall. Northumberland 89.7 FM file photo.
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Port Hope
The Municipality of Port Hope announces a new and improved community engagement platform, as Engage Port Hope replaces My Port Hope.
A full rebrand and redevelopment (in partnership with a new vendor) has resulted in a more user-friendly and interactive experience, with tools that make it easier for residents to share feedback and participate in local decision making.
Social Maps – This interactive tool for collecting and analyzing place-based feedback will help users visualize issues and provide important insight to help shape planning and decision making.
Story Sharing – This is a space for residents to contribute stories, ideas and experience, with the option to comment and vote on submissions.
Budget Engagement – As year-end budget deliberations approach, this dynamic feature allows residents to provide input on municipal spending priorities.
Ideation – This is described as a virtual Post-it Note board for sharing and refining ideas, supporting collaboration and creativity.
Director of Corporate Services Brian Gilmer called it “a positive step in how we connect with residents and the broader community,” thanking the communications team for their hard work and initiative.
Since My Port Hope was introduced in 2017, municipal staff have worked to create meaningful ways for residents to share their input on local matters. Feedback gathered through the platform played a key role in shaping decisions made by council and staff.
In 2024, staff conducted a comprehensive review of this platform, analyzing usage data, community feedback, vendor support and council input. This review identified opportunities to expand engagement options, improve data analysis and enhance the user experience. As a result, a new vendor was selected to deliver these improvements – at no additional cost to the municipality.
Engage Port Hope reflects the municipality's continued commitment to inclusive, transparent and accessible engagement. Residents are invited to explore the new platform, share their ideas and help shape Port Hope's future by visiting engage.porthope.ca
