The Town of Crossfield met on January 5th to discuss the Electonic Communications Bylaw; moving it to the third reading to be done on a TBA day in February.

The bylaw is to establish a process for sending assessment notices, tax notices, utility notices, school support notifications, notifications relating to outstanding tax bills, and other notices, forms, and information relating to assessment and tax matters.

This bylaw would operate on an 'opt-in' basis, meaning a resident would only receive notices electronically if they have previously agreed to do so. Whether consent was given to receive all utility notices or only a few, the notices will be sent via email. To opt-in for electronic notifications, consent must officially be given through the E-Bill Utility Services Agreement. 

There's also the option to opt-out of receiving notices electronically. This will require written notice outlining the wishes to withdraw. A resident will also be deemed to have opted out if the town becomes aware that utility notices and communications delivered electronically are being returned as undeliverable or are otherwise being rejected. Another reason a resident will be considered to have opted out is if the town becomes aware that the property has transferred ownership.

As for user security, The Town of Crossfield's draft of the bylaw states:

  • Any information collected from taxpayers through assessment and taxation communications, or assessment review board communications using an electronic format shall only be used for purposes associated with the taxation, assessment, and Assessment review board functions of the town in accordance with the requirements of the Act, and its associated regulations
  • Any information collected from utility payers through utility notices or utility communications using an electronic format shall only be used for purposes associated with the utility servicing functions of the town in accordance with the requirements of the Act, and its associated regulations
  • Any information collected from a taxpayer or utility payer shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of the FOIP Act
  • The town shall ensure that the requirements of the CASL Act are met when a taxpayer opts-in, opts out or receives assessment and taxation communications or assessment review board communications in an electronic format
  • Communication through an electronic format with a taxpayer or utility payer shall only take place through an email address as provided by the taxpayer or utility payer