211Ontario.ca

How to contact the project team

There are two easy ways to contact the project team, make a comment or get a discussion going.

1. Contact: Email the project manager, or give us a call 416-392-4558.
2. Comment: Post a comment or question right on the site by clicking on the comments option that's on the bottom right of every posting.

Our pledge is to respond to all questions and comments, to develop project requirements based on feedback, and to share Q&As as broadly as possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions are welcome! Please post any questions using the "Comments" field below. Here is the current list of questions:

• What is "Strengthening Our Partnerships"(SOP)?
• How are projects selected?
• Why was Findhelp Information Services selected as the transfer payment partner?
• What will $3M support?
• How will the project be managed?
• How will the unique needs of communities be met?
• How will people get the information they need?
• Won't another website increase overlap and duplication?
• What will happen to the project after 3 years?
• Will the same website be used by the public and professionals?
• What is 211?
• How can my organization get involved?

How can my organization get involved?

It is recognized that diverse communities throughout Ontario must be able to utilize resources to plan for, respond to and support the well-being of clients. To realize 211Ontario’s full potential benefit, project management resources are dedicated to community engagement and alignment across regions and sectors. 211Ontario.ca represents many stakeholders, and your organization can be involved at many levels including data partnerships, advisory and task groups, working groups and informal networking. Active outreach and community consultation is dedicated to ensuring all stakeholders have information about the project and can connect into formal groups. Please contact the Project Manager for more information.

What is 211?

211 is an easy-to-remember three-digit phone number providing free, confidential, multilingual access to information about the full range of community, social, health and related government services. 211 calls are answered by certified information specialists, who assess each caller’s needs and link them to the best available services and programs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A user-friendly version of the comprehensive, continually updated 211 database can also be accessed on the Internet in communities where 211 service has been launched. For more information on 211 in Canada, visit www.211Canada.ca. For information on 211 in the United States visit www.211.org.

Will the same website be used by the public and professionals?

Extensive research, including surveys and focus groups, indicated that occasional users want only most basic information, and find too many search options and features confusing and intimidating. Conversely, professional users want a wide variety of features, and are frustrated by too many results and not enough information. That’s why, in addition to the simple and straightforward directory available to the public, professional users have the option of utilizing a resource with enhanced functionality, multiple search options, expanded information, contact lists and downloadable, printable, mini-directories. 211Toronto.ca currently features a professional version of its website.

What will happen to the project after 3 years?

The Government of Ontario provides the initial funding for project development and infrastructure costs. Transfer payment agencies involved in the project are responsible for the ongoing maintenance costs of their projects. 211Ontario.ca is built on the foundation of community-based information and referral providers, who have worked together on province-wide projects for many years. Many Ontario I&R Data Partners are United Way member agencies and have the support of their municipalities and/or regions in addition to their own revenue generating projects such as the sale of local print directories, training, and other services.

Won’t another website increase overlap and duplication?

211Ontario.ca isn’t just another website – it is an online database that will be developed so that information (in the form of records) can be seamlessly streamed into existing websites to create “community portals” that contain other relevant information and have their own look and feel. Database interoperability will reduce information silos and allow users to access information in many ways and through multiple portals.

How will people get the information they need?

211Ontario.ca will be searchable by keyword, category and region. This will mean that a woman living in Halton who normally accesses information through a Halton portal will be able to easily find a way to search for information for her mother, living in Thunder Bay.

How will the unique needs of communities be met?

The development of the provincial online directory will expand access to information to include the entire province of Ontario. Although the provincial online database will allow users to search over 60,000 programs and services, the information can also be narrowed by geography or category. The project will enrich and strengthen local information and referral, while connecting communities to further the extent of the services to the populations we serve. For example, a person moving from Hamilton to Barrie will be able to easily connect to the services they need in Hamilton before they move. This is especially important for someone with specialized needs – and critical for vulnerable citizens.

How will the project be managed?

The 211Ontario.ca project follows the governance and accountability structure with a Project Steering Committee and Project Management Office. The Project Steering Committee is responsible for approving finances, and high level oversight of the project. It consists of senior representatives from Findhelp, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The Project Management Office is managed by Findhelp, working with established 211Ontario.ca partners and Ministry representatives.