Tri City News
Mar 19 2005

"Smart Choices has been a phenomenal success and it's now at the point where it needs to stand on its own. It will stand on its own as an organization. The benefits from Smart Choices have been phenomenal, for the development of computerized sciences in Coquitlam... We're light years ahead of everyone at this point. It creates a software program that all other municipalities will be able to save millions and millions of dollars."
- Coquitlam Mayor Jon Kingsbury, March 11, 2004

"We went into this project with our partners when it was in concept in 2000. At that stage, around the world, the worldwide web was just starting out. We thought that it made sense to go in with our partners, Coquitlam and Port Moody. We felt it was well-invested for those three years."
- Douglas College spokesperson Brad Barber, whose institution left the partnership in 2004

"It's a techie world and cities do not do well in forward-thinking. Most cities are plodders. In retrospect, if the federal government wanted to encourage cities to be e-friendly, it would have been better to take the money and put it into [research and development'>. That would have been a better use of taxpayers' money. But the federal government isn't known for wise use of taxpayers' money."
- Coquitlam Coun. Mae Reid

"The project, insofar as achieving its goal, has met its goal. The only question remains is, 'What's next?'"
- Port Moody Mayor Joe Trasolini

"From PMPL's perspective, the new technology that we now provide, because of the grant, has meant that we can offer new enhanced services to our patrons. Staff are now always looking at new ways to improve our virtual presence using the new tools we have acquired."
- PoMo Public Library chief librarian Diana Guinn (PoMo and Coquitlam libraries used Smart Choices for their Two Libraries, One Search product, launched in April 2004)

"It's an awesome service."
- Sheri Macey, co-owner of GoferU, a new Tri-City errand-running business that pays about $200 year for citysoup.ca to host its website

"The finances, in terms of cash, was not realized as we went into severe budget restrictions.
- David Oborne, School District 43 assistant superintendent and Smart Choices director, on why the district's initial $1.5 million contribution was reduced to $12,000 plus staff time.