Residents like us rely on our city government for various needs, particularly those that are under the municipalities’ responsibility. It can be a challenge to access information in a way that works for us, especially since many of us might be too busy to send a letter, wait during a phone call, or go to downtown to get the information we need. Luckily, there are tools that the city launched to make things a bit more convenient.

This short list of resources can help with getting familiar with which ones they are. Apps are available for both Apple and Android devices which is handy.

1. Edmonton 311 App: Reporting various complaints to the city is made easier with this app. Other options still are always available such as calling or sending an email. However, the app has a few conveniences, such as adding a photo with the complaint, and the GPS location feature will pinpoint the location as you report on the spot. Concerns such as illegal parking complaints, potholes, graffiti, litter including used needles, weeds and icy roads and sidewalks can be reported.
2. Edmonton Police Mobile App: This is a handy app to report certain types of crimes, receive alerts from the Edmonton Police Service, and even provide information by viewing the Missing Persons list, Assist to Identify list and more. As always, for emergencies, calling 911 is recommended.
3. Edmonton Public Library App: This mobile library and e-book access is a really useful tool. Through the app you can check availability of items you want to borrow, browse materials and review them, renew items you borrow, get directions to library branches, and borrow e-books that you can read right on your phone.
4. Edmonton Recreation Centre App: The city operates a number of recreation centres throughout the city that offer facilities from pools, gym equipment and classes. The app provides information about the recreation centre locations, schedule for classes and facilities.
5. ETS Live to Go App: Taking the bus and train throughout Edmonton takes planning an organization, and this app can help with planning your commute. Users can save their most commonly used addresses and landmarks for planning trips, get real-time information on buses with Smart Bus feature, and see real-time departures based on location.
6. MyEPark Parking App: When driving and parking on a street with a meter or parkades owned by the city, this app is an alternate way to pay for parking. The app includes a wayfinding map to locate your car and open spots, an auto-notification when your parking session is ending, and having your own EPark account that makes payment more convenient.
7. WasteWise App: Garbage and waste management are handled by the city, and if residents do their part in sorting garbage properly, the easier it is for the city to process these waste. The WasteWise App can help determining whether certain items go to garbage, recycling, or Eco Station and inform you of your garbage collection date.
8. SafeCityYEG: This is a new app that the city is using to collect information regarding which parts of the city have issues when it comes to safety, such as landmarks, street corners and more. The city plans to use this data to make improvements based on the feedback. To make a report, users can pinpoint a location and add comments regarding safety concerns.
   One thing to note is that these apps are specifically designed by and for the City of Edmonton. There are certainly equivalent apps that might be more suitable to your style or have more universal information, such as Google Maps for broader travel information or other apps about composting and waste management. That being said, these can be useful in living in our great city of Edmonton, to make sure that we comply with the bylaws and participate actively as residents.