FAQs
Why is the City of Victoria using an online engagement platform?
Using an online engagement platform is part of our effort to open up our public engagement activities and make it easier for people to get involved in civic life.
Participating in public input opportunities on this site is a convenient way to:
- Share your voice
- Contribute at a time and place that suits you
- Provide input on a range of issues and topics affecting your city
- See what other community members think and engage in a discussion
How do I sign up?
To become a registered user:
- Sign up by clicking on the "sign in" button and selecting "register"
- Provide your email address
- Create a password
- Enter your postal code and year of birth
- Choose a screen name (username)
- Respond to the confirmation email to activate your account
- Return to the main page and click the "sign in" button
Your comments will appear under your screen name (username) and you can comment anonymously through a username of your choice. The identity of registered participants (such as email address) is not revealed to anyone other than the administrators who manage the site – it remains within the platform hosted by a third party (Bang the Table) – which is fully compliant with B.C. and Canada laws on privacy.
How do I provide input?
Your input can be submitted using the online options that are relevant to each of the projects that are currently open for consultation. This can include a survey, poll, discussion or ideas forum, or the places tool. Note: in order to provide input, you need to be signed in.
Why am I being asked to register to provide input?
Knowing a bit about who we hear from provides the City with higher-quality data to help inform policy directions and decision-making. Registration is quick and only required once to fully participate in all surveys, polls, and online discussion forums.
All information about the project is available publicly without the need to register. Registration is only required for those who wish to provide input.
Even when you register, you remain anonymous and only identified by your chosen screen name. The identity of registered participants (such as email address) is not revealed to anyone other than the administrators who manage the site – it remains within the platform hosted by a third party (Bang the Table). – which is fully compliant with B.C. and Canada laws on privacy.
The data from postal codes and year of birth helps us understand a bit of demographic information about who we are hearing from when we review results. It can also help us ensure that all sectors of our community are getting the opportunity to be heard and to participate.
Our online engagement site is provided by one of the leading digital engagement companies in the world. This tool is used by more than 30 municipalities in B.C. Having a simple one-time registration process prior to submitting input for the first time, is considered standard and best practice.
What happens to my feedback/comments?
Your input, and the input of other residents and stakeholders, helps staff and Council better understand the perspectives, opinions, and concerns of people potentially affected by City decisions.
When it comes to making a decision, public input is typically considered along with other factors, which may include things such as City policies and plans, technical constraints, legal requirements, and cost.
In some cases the opportunity for influence is limited (for instance, due to technical considerations such as public safety) while at other times the public can have a great deal of influence.
Note: All comments you make through this site become public records.
Is my privacy protected?
Your privacy is protected, and your email address is only used to contact you with updates and to invite you to participate in consultations. Your email address will not be distributed to any third party or used for any other purpose. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
Can I use this site anonymously?
Yes, you can use this website anonymously. Even when you register and post comments, your anonymity is protected because you are only identified by your chosen screen name.
How is this site moderated?
Moderation is primarily carried out by Bang the Table. The moderators do not edit or alter any comments and will only remove comments deemed to be significantly off-topic, offensive or malicious, in which case they are removed from the site immediately. Please refer to the moderation guidelines.
Who can I contact about Have Your Say Victoria?
If you have any questions or feedback about this site, please email us at engage@victoria.ca