Feb 26, 2025
How a multi-locality interoperability platform stands out from a citizen portal or a website
Vivianne Gravel
In a world where the digital transformation of communities is essential to better serve citizens, it is crucial to understand the difference between an interoperable citizen platform like bciti+, a municipal citizen portal, and an institutional website. These solutions play complementary but distinct roles in managing urban services and information.
So, how does a platform like bciti+ stand out?
1. A Multi-Service, Multi-Partner, Multi-City Interoperable Platform
Unlike a municipal citizen portal, which is typically designed for a single city and managed by its administration, a platform like bciti+ allows citizens to access multiple cities and services (civic and urban) from a single account via a mobile app or a web portal.
Unified Access to Services: Citizens can access their city's services, regional organizations, and even services in other cities where they live, work, or visit without needing to register on multiple platforms.
Seamless Experience: The digital environment remains the same regardless of the selected region, ensuring a consistent user experience.
2. A Connected Experience Beyond Civic Services
Municipal websites and portals are usually limited to city-specific services, such as municipal forms and registrations. In contrast, bciti+ expands its scope by integrating additional services and partners to enhance the user experience.
EcoLocal Digital Card
Facilitates faster registration for partner services.
Enables payments for parking, facility access, and special privileges.
Example: Brossard uses it for aquatic center access via automated door unlocking.
Civic and Urban Services
Provides information on service hours and essential daily services.
Local Events and Businesses
Thanks to partnerships with chambers of commerce, bciti+ includes an economic component with EcoLocal, which supports local businesses and connects citizens with nearby services and events.
Requests & Reports
Allows users to submit requests concerning the city or other local organizations.
Personalized Alerts & Notifications
Users receive customized updates based on their preferences and interests.
3. A Model Based on Citizen Engagement, Interaction, and Transactions
Municipal websites are typically static information platforms, requiring users to search for the services or documents they need. In contrast, bciti+ is built on interactivity, engagement, and transactions:
Personalized Access
The platform adapts based on the citizen’s status (resident, worker, visitor) to provide relevant services and information.
Multi-Partner Connection
Municipalities, businesses, local associations, and chambers of commerce can interact with citizens on a single platform.
Seamless Transactions
Citizens can purchase services directly (e.g., transportation, recreation, local commerce) within the platform.
4. A Privacy-Respecting and Ethical Data Management Model
One of the major concerns of citizens is data privacy. Bciti+ operates under a model where users retain ownership of their data.
BTrusted bciti+
A patented button enabling users to transfer personal data to forms with explicit consent.
Transparency & Control
Users manage their data and can delete it at any time.
Ethical Interoperability
Unlike platforms like Google or Facebook, which exploit user data for targeted marketing, bciti+ ensures a secure, ethical approach, keeping user data under their control.
5. A Scalable Solution That Adapts to Community Needs
Municipal websites and portals require continuous investment for updates, whereas bciti+ is an evolving platformthat integrates the latest technologies based on user feedback.
Feature Upgrades Without System Overhaul
Any community using bciti+ instantly benefits from new updates and innovations.
Fast Deployment & Cost Optimization
Developing a custom citizen portal can be costly and time-consuming. Bciti+ enables quick and easy integration.
Conclusion: bciti+ and the Future of Digital Governance
In summary, bciti+ does not replace municipal websites or citizen portals but complements them by enhancing service accessibility and bringing citizens closer to their local environment.
With its multi-city, multi-partner, multi-service, and interoperable model, bciti+ connects citizens, businesses, and community organizations in a smarter way.
More than just an information portal, bciti+ is an intelligent, unified ecosystem designed to improve citizens' daily lives while respecting privacy and encouraging economic growth.
Article written by Vivianne Gravel