Computronix News

User-friendly, Web-based Permit System available to Municipalities

October 25, 2001

Edmonton... A new, province-wide electronic permit information system made available by Municipal Affairs and the Safety Codes Council will make life easier for Alberta municipalities.

The user-friendly, low-maintenance system, called POSSE, is designed to assist municipalities in the administration of the Safety Codes Act. It provides information on permit application and approvals, plan reviews, and inspections for municipalities accredited in the building, electrical, gas and plumbing disciplines.

"We are grateful to the individual accredited municipalities and agencies who worked with the project team to design, refine and test the system. Their input has been crucial to developing a system that responds to the needs of municipalities," said Guy Boutilier, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "This investment will provide accredited municipalities with the tools they need to manage the complex system that ensures safe structures and equipment in Alberta."

A grant is available to assist municipalities and includes:

• $1,000 to purchase or update computer hardware
• user licenses
• system installation and user security
• staff training
• technical support.

Municipal Affairs has provided $1.4 million to the Safety Codes Council from its existing 2000/2001 budget to administer the permit system. The Council is the main contact point for municipalities wishing to inquire about or sign on to the system.

The system was developed in Edmonton and is already being used in Edmonton, Calgary and several cities outside of Alberta.

"This system will enhance the ability of accredited municipalities to monitor and ensure the effectiveness of their permitting and inspection activities," said Safety Codes Council Chair Dr. Ken Sauer. "It will also help facilitate and promote a new level of consistency and uniformity in Safety Codes compliance throughout the province."

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For more information on the electronic permit system, visit www.safetycodes.ab.ca

View news release on Government of Alberta website

For further information, contact:
Gerald Baron - Code Development and Policy Coordinator
Safety Codes Council - 780-413-0099

Alison Gates-Kriston - Communications, Alberta Municipal Affairs - 780-427-8862