programming as well as special events information. "The printing cost of the brochure was one of the reasons we were looking at a different option," Massey said. "Online registration is more cost effective and efficient for users. You can sign up anywhere and anytime as long as you have access to a computer or any kind of mobile device. The registration comes into effect immediately and indicates how many people have signed up and you get a receipt to print out."
Shannon added that this information comes in handy when tax time rolls around. "You have all the information in one place and don't need to go to different locations. In the past, there were three different offices involved: the arts council office, the recreation office and the community school coordinator's office."
Shannon added that registration will go live on Wednesday, August 29 but information on classes and instructors is already available for browsing. The website for general information (www.bowencommunityrecreation.ca) and for registration (https://activenet2ca.active.com/bowencommunityrec), will be linked to the BIAC, BIM and BICS websites. Shannon hopes that online registration will make it easier for people to register early as they don't have to rely on office hours. "Some classes fill up fast," Shannon warned. "We will see how online registration will affect that."
Shannon also encourages islanders to set up their accounts ahead of time. "To sign up for classes, people need an account," Massey explained. "It can be done online and there is no fee. Once there is an account, you can register for as many classes as you want. It's also a communication tool."
Massey added that people use their email address to register and have a number of choices available for receiving more information, including email alerts. Shannon said, "For people who are interested in Salsa lessons, for instance, and want to know if the class is going ahead or if there is a new session coming up, we send notifications though email." Shannon added that in case of cancellations, the same policies for refunds are still in place.
Shannon said that this system will also help the community recreation to have updated information about their customers. "In many cases, the information that we have in the office is no longer current," she said. Massey agreed. "This should increase accuracy and it's also a great tool for feedback about programming needs and wishes," she said. "And people can check their registration at any time or find out their status if they are on a wait list."
Shannon said that people will be able to easily check their schedule and see when the classes are on and the system can also send the instructor a list of the class. "It's a real help for instructors," she said.
Massey sees this as a big benefit. "Instructors can derive timely information from the site, and find out how many people are registered," she said, adding that, in the past, community recreation and arts council staff or the community school coordinator had to pass on current registration details.
"It is a system that is used by many different recreation departments. The municipality did extensive research to find a program that is ideal for Bowen Island." Massey said. "It's designed for our community."
Shannon said that people who need help with the registration can still phone or drop by at the office on Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
