Photo: Screenshot of Candidly AI presentation.

Bashaw town council heard a presentation Aug. 12 on a proposed artificial intelligence-based system that would give residents another way to provide input on municipal priorities.

Candidly AI representatives Noah McDonough, founder and CEO, and Jackson McDonough, head of business development, presented the proposal during council’s regular meeting.

The company is proposing a one-time community engagement campaign using a dedicated Canadian phone number. Residents could call at their convenience and speak with an AI voice system that would ask questions and follow up based on their responses. The system would not make outgoing calls.

Candidly AI proposed using the service as part of the second phase of Bashaw’s strategic planning process. Questions would be developed from themes identified earlier and approved by administration.

The company said the system could reach people who do not normally attend council meetings or complete surveys. Residents would not need an app, account, login or password and there would be no limit on participation.

Presenters said the system is intended to supplement, not replace, council’s existing conversations with residents. It could also allow for more detailed feedback by asking follow-up questions based on a resident’s answers.

After the engagement period, Candidly AI would provide council with a report grouping responses into themes, along with transcripts and recordings. The information could be used during strategic planning and preparation of the town’s 2027 budget.

The proposed cost is $4,400 plus GST for the one-time campaign. The package includes planning, development of the AI voice system, unlimited calls, promotional material, transcription, analysis, a final report, recordings and Canadian client support. There would be no subscription, per-call charge or continuing contract.

Mayor Cindy Orom questioned how the system would distinguish between Bashaw taxpayers and people from outside the municipality.

Orom asked what would prevent someone from the United States or a surrounding county from calling and identifying themselves as being from Bashaw. She said the priorities of town taxpayers may differ from those living outside town, particularly when taxpayer dollars are being spent.

The presenters said they generally recommend including a qualifying question that local residents would know. They also said the phone number would be distributed to residents when feedback is being sought rather than broadly advertised.

Orom described the system as another tool for council rather than a replacement for direct public engagement.

Council passed a motion to enter into negotiations with Candidly AI and develop a plan for a town hall where residents could ask questions, with the presenters invited to participate.