MARKHAM, ON - June 25, 2008 – Markham has received the 2008 Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Willis Innovation Award for last year’s unique Click with Markham public engagement program. Initially presented last month at the Association’s annual meeting in Quebec City, the award was re-presented to Markham Council last evening by Paul Scarafile, Regional Solutions Manager, Canada from award sponsor Johnson Controls. This national award is given annually for programs, projects or services that demonstrate exceptional innovation or meritorious initiative.

Click with Markham was an engaging interactive on-line program seeking public input on six proposed priorities and associated action plans that would form the foundation of Markham’s strategic direction for the next several years. “The response to the program was remarkable,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “More than 5,000 people participated, making it one of the most successful public engagement programs ever conducted in a community the size of Markham.”

The unique online program, www.clickwithmakham.ca, was developed by Toronto based inactive services firm Delvinia. It included a video introduction by the Mayor and video segments describing each strategic area of focus. Visitors to the site could answer a series of questions and comment on proposed plans for each of the priorities. Material on the site was available in eight languages.

Comprehensive advertising and promotion, including direct mail to all Markham households and a rewards program, encouraged residents and those who work in Markham businesses to participate. The questionnaire was also available in a printed form and those wishing to respond in a language other than English were invited to call the Town’s Customer Service line through which they could be connected to Language Line for interpretation service in 170 languages.

Markham Councillor Joe Virgilio chaired the planning and roll out of the program in a six-week period. He said, “The Willis Award is wonderful recognition for the excellent work and lasting benefits Markham is reaping from Click with Markham.” The strategic priorities and action plans were updated with results from Click with Markham and, in March this year, Markham Council unanimously approved this as its official Strategic Direction.