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The vast majority of workplaces, businesses and organizations strive to streamline and improve how services are delivered.
Sometimes this is done to reduce cost, attract new customers or simply to avoid waste and duplication of services. They also work to improve communication. Getting your message out there is not only important, but also leads to great customer satisfaction.
The same should apply to the City of Barrie as a corporation.
A little over a week ago, to my pleasant surprise, the washrooms at Minet's Point Park had opened up. As one of the many people who regularly walk the waterfront trail, this added a level of comfort and convenience. Many kayakers and paddle boarders have started using this park. Families are enjoying the quiet shady green space by the water.
This morning, the washroom was boarded up and closed for renovations!
After contacting the city, they informed me that they would be closed until May 21st (today) for floor work and that closure was posted on their website.
From a communications standpoint, this is a complete fail. Nothing indicated that the closure was coming. I, for one, do not boot up my computer or scroll my phone to check the city website each and every morning to check what city amenities are open.
From a customer service standpoint, why was this work not planned to be completed before the washrooms were opened for the season? Any business in Barrie would have been ready before their planned opening. Actually, one Barrie business had work done to their washrooms. What did they do for customers? Rent port-a-potties!
I am sure the young mother who had her children out on beach this morning may have appreciated having a place for a diaper change.
Robert Ossowski
Barrie
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