Project focused on improving the design and functionality

Pemberton, BC - The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has launched a new website that aims to improve the user experience and increase accessibility.

The website is managed by the SLRD's Communications and Engagement department and is the organization's primary communications tool, providing comprehensive and timely information to the community.

The previous website launched in July, 2014 and was built using Drupal 7, an open-source content management system (CMS) recognized as a flexible, user-friendly and secure option. While there have been enhancements to the website, including the addition of third-party applications such as the meetings portal, online building permitting program and online engagement platform, the website has not undergone a substantial refresh or upgrade since its launch in 2014.

The website project was prompted by the upcoming sunset of Drupal 7 (with support for that platform expected to end in early 2025), and a need to improve the overall user experience of the site.

The new site was developed by UpanUp Studios Inc., an award-winning company providing web solutions and user experience services to governments and utility providers across Canada and the United States. The website is built on the Drupal 11 platform, with improved functionality, enhanced navigation, increased accessibility and a refresh with new, more accessible fonts and additional brand colours.

"The SLRD website, while having met our needs for many years, was long overdue for redevelopment," said SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford. "We know from public feedback, and from our own experience, that the site, while being a robust tool for sharing information, had some limitations," she said. "We're excited to move forward with a refreshed site, that improves the user experience, both internally and externally, improves accessibility and is more responsive to our needs."

Enhancements to the site were driven in part by feedback from data collected through the SLRD's communications and engagement surveys.

Highlights of the new website include:

• Modern design with updated color palette to aid in add visual contrast.
• More accessible fonts.
• Improved functionality with user able to actionable elements of the website, with a clear indication of the area being interacted with and using their keyboard, rather than a mouse.
• Ability to resize text up to 200% without loss of content or functionality.
• The navigation experience is consistent on all pages of the website and includes the addition of more homepage quick links for popular content.
• Responsive mobile forward design and navigation that adapts to various screen sizes.
• Prominent search functions.

"The new website offers a compelling online experience that will help us improve our community relations and meet the communications needs of the diverse range of user groups accessing the site for SLRD information," said Heather Paul, the SLRD's Chief Administrative Officer.

"I'm very proud of our team and the work that they've put into this project," she said. "We heard from the community - loud and clear - that the website is your primary source for SLRD information, and that the outdated nature of the previous site posed some challenges for navigation, and finding the information that you need. This is a big improvement and a step in the right direction. We look forward to hearing back from the community on further ways to improve the function of our primary communications tool."

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