The City of Colwood announced Friday it is cancelling upcoming public council and committee of the whole meetings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In a release. Colwood mayor Rob Martin said, “We believe the public may be under-represented at this coming Monday’s meeting amid health advice to avoid public gatherings,”
The meetings scheduled for March 16 and 23 are cancelled, and the city is working towards capabilities for remote participation in electronic meetings.
Although Colwood live-streams all council and committee of the whole meetings, it has not tested technology to allow council to attend remotely, while also providing public participation.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) says it is recommending changes to allow electronic meetings.
The CRD is recommending regional and hospital board meetings be moved to a bi-monthly schedule and that committee meetings be suspended after March 18 until further notice, with essential items going directly to the CRD Board.
“Staff are proposing these measures as a proactive approach in their response to this evolving situation in order to protect both staff and the public as we work to mitigate the risk of transmission associated with COVID-19,” CRD Board Chair Colin Plant said.
The CRD says commissions will be advised to meet only to consider essential business.
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