In a world of negative media constantly criticizing the new 311 service, I had a different experience. First time caller, I was prepared for the worst. After dialing the 311 number, a recording said that I was going to wait 1 minute, however, within 50 seconds, a pleasant woman answered the call, she knew exactly what I was looking for, it took about two minutes to register for a Leisure Guide program and while I was still talking to her, I received the e-mail receipt on the screen of my computer.  I was impressed. Quite different from what I was expecting, I was pleasantly surprised, after listening to the downbeat and harmful criticism of the media and all the other naysayers. Thank you 311. Job well done.

A. Calas, September 1, 2009

I would like to commend 311 for excellent service. I called the other night to register for a Leisure Guide course and received competent, courteous, efficient service. This one employee's excellent manner gives me a much more positive impression of the system (about which I originally had many reservations). Thank you.

K. Braun, August 27, 2009

Thank-You for the quick response to my (311) question. This is the second time I have used this service and am very satisfied! I don’t know why people are complaining! Once again Thank-You! 

B. Balonyk, July 28, 2009

I just wanted to send you a quick note praising the excellent work that your 311 contact centre agent have been doing. I know people have been complaining somewhat about the service however I have made 2 requests to the service over the last couple of months (1 by phone and 1 by email) and in both cases, I was directed to the appropriate resource to resolve my question or issue. Thanks again and great idea on the 311. Keep 'em coming.

B. Simister, March 29, 2009

I would like to commend your 311 service for prompt, professional, friendly and reliable support when I reported sewer main line problems yesterday morning. The operator carefully noted in detail all my comments. City work crews were dispatched very efficiently and they attended to the issue in an informed manner. The work crew kept me informed of developments on site. I would like to make special mention of the call back I received from the operator at your 311 service who took my first call in order to provide me with corrected information. Also, the City responded quickly within a couple of hours to technical questions I channeled through 311. It was a great pleasure to encounter people with such a level of commitment to service delivery. Your 311 service is leading the way along with very able support from your back office and field staff. I believe all individuals who were involved in my case yesterday deserve commendations and my wife and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to each and every one of them. Congratulations City of Winnipeg.

J. Bekker, March 26, 2009

I would like to offer my compliments to the much maligned City of Winnipeg 311 phone line. I have had the pleasure of utilizing this service twice in the last two days. My first call was an inquiry about library services. The call was answered immediately after I chose which official language I wanted to converse in. I was never put on hold. I spoke to a polite, efficient, knowledgeable gentleman who appropriately transferred my call. My second call was about a malfunctioning traffic light. It was handled by a woman with all of the same characteristics as her co-worker. I was again quickly and efficiently transferred to the correct department. To the people working at the 311 call centre, great job and keep up the good work. And to the City of Winnipeg administration--finally a great idea. Try to add a few more now and then. This city needs some foresight and initiative in its leaders.

T.Swidinsky (source: Letters to the Editor, Winnipeg Free Press, August 4th, 2009)