Learn to navigate your city on-line
By City of Trail
The City of Trail is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL), the region’s not-for-profit literacy organization, to provide free how-to classes for the City’s online payment system for utility bill payments, property taxes, Home Owners Grant claims and online (electronic) bill notifications. The free classes, to be held in January and February at Selkirk College and City Hall, will be based on the City’s How-to videos currently available on the City’s website and YouTube channel. CBAL will guide participants through a step-by-step process on how to use the online payment system.
“We are thrilled to work with CBAL on this initiative,” says Rino Merlo, the city’s deputy director of finance. “With CBAL’s expertise in computer literacy and the recent upgrades and enhancements we have made to our online payment system, we are confident we can increase our user base, particularly with those who prefer in-person instruction with hands-on experience.”
This initiative aligns with CBAL’s vision to help all people get the functional skills needed to participate fully in their communities. As Trail continues to serve its citizens with improved digital and online services, more education and awareness will be required.
“Partnering with the city and building a curriculum for their online payment system is a perfect example of what CBAL is all about,” says Sonia Tavares, CBAL community literacy coordinator for Trail and Area. “Our trained staff members work with people of all ages in friendly environments to provide them with the knowledge they require to use online programs, mobile devices and much more. Not only will these classes help new users understand the city’s online processes, it will also give them the confidence to make online payments and receive electronic bills for other services or utilities.”
Interested participants can register for the free classes through the CBAL office at 250-368-6770 or by email at trailsettlement@cbal.org. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mobile device (tablets/iPads) or laptop and a utility bill or property tax statement(s) to the class. The free classes are offered on the following days:
- Friday, January 22nd 10 – 12 pm at Selkirk College Room 115
- Wednesday February 3rd 10 – 12 pm at Selkirk College Room 115
- Monday, February 15th 1 – 3 pm at City Hall Committee Room 2
CBAL will also be on location in the main foyer at City Hall on Wednesday, January 27th 11-1pm and Thursday, February 25th 9:30-11:30am to provide online payment information to interested patrons. Take-away materials will be available and a computer station will be ready to help people register on-the-spot.
