Canada Launches Apps Contest

Canada's capital city plans to hold a contest for citizens to think up government services. But first someone should make sure the competition's website works.

Ottawa launched this week Apps4Ottawa, which will award $50,000 (Canadian) in prizes to people who create applications designed for mobile devices, computers, websites and other software platforms, the Ottawa Citizen reported.

Yet, the government may need help with their own website. As of 3 p.m. EDT, when you go to the site for the competition, this message is displayed:

We're story, but something went wrong. We've been notified about this issue and we'll take a look at it shortly.

In the hope that they get it fixed quickly, the city says in a release, "Not only will you help Ottawa become a more transparent, interactive and functioning city, you will also gain major street credit . . . and yes, cash."

The competition will run from Sept. 29 to Jan. 3, and public voting will begin on the website on Jan. 4. People can submit writen apps or suggest ideas for ones. We would tell you more, but, well, the website is down.