SIOUX LOOKOUT – The Municipality of Sioux Lookout says impending new procedures at its municipal offices will improve service to residents.
Starting Oct. 1, there are new procedures for residents to interact with staff at 25 Fifth Ave.
“These new procedures will help us serve you faster and ensure staff are ready to help when you arrive, with minimal wait,” a notice posted on the municipality’s Facebook page and website declares.
Doors to municipal departments will be locked, and visitors will need to check in at the customer service desk unless they’re visiting Sioux Lookout Hydro.
A staff member will meet a visitor in the lobby if there is an appointment. When there is no appointment, customer service staff will see if someone is available to meet with the visitor.
“Scheduling an appointment will help our staff be prepared for your visit and provide an opportunity to collect any information you may need when you arrive,” the municipality’s public notice says. “This will help ensure that we can help you as quickly as possible, without waiting for staff to become available or while they search for answers or documents.”
No appointments are needed for paying taxes or utility bills.
Sioux Lookout chief administrative officer Brian MacKinnon said in an email to Newswatch that the procedure changes were sparked by “our desire to provide more prompt customer service to our residents, ratepayers and stakeholders.”
It’s all “part of an overall effort to enhance our customer service experience,” he said.
The public notice said the new procedures are aimed at making residents’ interactions with staff “more focused, timely and productive.”
