A transition to a new software system should make it easier for residents to book facilities and register for recreation programs under the City of Sarnia.
The Parks and Recreation department will switch from Active Net to Xplor, starting on March 31, but the new system will not be noticeable to users until April 5.
Superintendent of Recreation Shelley Kern said from the website's back-end, it'll offer more efficiencies for city staff and from the front-end, it'll be more user-friendly for residents to navigate.
"They can actually view all of the programs available, they see all of the current information, so when the program's offered, who the instructor might be, they can work within a calendar. So they can set up their programs and there's no overlap," said Kern. "It's a better way to organize how they're shopping for their programs. It's the same with facility bookings. There will be calendars and you can see what field times are available, ice times available, that type of thing."
The system change is expected to deliver annual savings in the operating budget. Kern said they're aiming to save 50 per cent as current system costs and existing costs incurred are $70,000 annually.
When the new system opens to users, guides will be available.
During the transition, there will be a service disruption for online program and facility bookings from April 1 until April 4.
Those with questions about bookings during the first week of April are encouraged to email parksandrecreation@sarnia.ca or call 519-332-0330 extension 3301.
Kern said bookings made prior to March 31 through Active Net will transfer to Xplor.