Posted 2009-08-06
New interpretation service offers access to information in more than 170 languages
RICHMOND HILL - Beginning today, local residents and business owners who prefer speaking in their native language will benefit from the Town of Richmond Hill's newest service which will connect them with an interpreter to facilitate call-in or walk-in requests.
"As we continue to welcome an increasingly diverse population, we appreciate the challenges some of our newcomers might have," said Mayor Dave Barrow. "They not only have to learn about their new homeland, but also to communicate with others and we know for a fact that some citizens feel more comfortable speaking to us in their mother tongue. Here at the Town, we are committed to providing access to services and information to all residents to the best of our ability, regardless of their mothertongue. We hope that this new interpretation service will bridge any language gap between the Town and our citizens and increase our ability to communicate."
Language Line Services, contracted through the Town, will provide an over-the-phone interpretation service, through a three-way telephone conversation between Town staff, an interpreter and the resident who requires services in languages other than English.
In order to be able to share information with the community, the Town had previously translated several flyers to communicate with residents in their mother tongue, including Fire Safety and
GoingGreen materials. Council recently approved a Translation and Interpretation Policy in response
to advice resulting from a corporate-wide Communications Audit in June 2007.
Plans are already underway to translate flyers with essential information, related to health and safety, as well as corporate-wide programs requiring mass participation, into Chinese, Farsi and Russian, the top three languages in Richmond Hill as indicated by Statistics Canada. Information will also be translated into French as per the requirements under the Municipal Elections Act. Translated materials will be posted on the Town's Website this fall.
For access to verbal interpretation service, residents can call (905) 771-8800 or visit Municipal Offices located at 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.