Following a number of additional orders last week from the province and the Provincial Medical Health Officer, the city will be adjusting various operations and services for the duration of the provincial state of emergency.
Bylaw Services
Starting immediately, the city’s bylaw officers are able to enforce orders that have been issued by the Provincial Medical Health Officer. This will involve providing information to residents and monitoring facilities that have been closed by a public health order. Residents who wish to report incidents where they believe an order is not being followed can call 311 or email 311@princegeorge.ca.
Public health orders, notices, and guidance can be found on the Government of BC website.
Council meetings
One of the provincial orders enables council to hold council meetings without the public being present, and also makes it easier for elected officials to meet through electronic mediums such as teleconferencing.
Council will also be able to complete three readings and adoption of certain bylaws in one meeting, instead of requiring multiple council meetings. Council will consider options for how to conduct its meetings, including options regarding public hearings at its next council meeting on April 6.
Note that public meetings of council will continue to be live-streamed via the city website: www.princegeorge.ca/council.
Civic Facilities and Locations
Farmers’ markets haves been designated as essential food service providers and the city is working with the Prince George Farmers Market Association to feature its food vendors without opening the city-owned building at 1310 – Third Avenue.
The city will also work with the PGFMA and the Wilson Square Community Market to establish parameters for when their outdoor markets open, which is normally in May but is subject to any future orders or recommendations from the Provincial Medical Health Officer.