The Chatham-Kent Community Portal has been recognized by Microsoft Canada for the innovative use of their Content Management System. A case study has been written, and made available through the internet, to describe the creative use of the Microsoft software. The portal web pages are created, not by web masters, but by existing Municipal staff who are using standard software and customized templates and web tools. The placing of information onto the portal site, allows subject matter experts to communicate more accurately and quickly with our citizens and the world at large. Using the Microsoft software has resulted in cost savings as well as incorporating the objectives of the Community Strategic Plan.
In the June 2003 issue of Canadian Government Executive magazine, the importance of innovation is highlighted. The Chatham-Kent Community Portal is presented in a two page article written by Joann McDonald. The publisher and editor-in-chief, Dr. Hawley Black, comments that the Chatham-Kent Community Portal is an innovative IT project that "shows us that you don't have to be big to be good".
The web portal, launched at the end of October 2002, is designated to be the primary source of information and service delivery for the Municipality, with the intention to expand into the broader community sector once governance structures have been established.
For further information, or to submit your questions or comments, please e-mail:
ckwebmaster@chatham-kent.ca