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June 19, 2020 - 3:00 PM
Kamloops residents may soon be able to voice their concerns to city council in person.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, council meetings moved to live-stream only on April 1, with no in-person public access.
On Tuesday, June 23, council will vote on temporarily relocating to the Valley First Lounge at Sandman Centre for all meetings and public hearings. The larger venue would allow for social distancing and in-person attendance from the public.
The decision is prompted in part by a new ministerial order made June 17, which "requires that municipalities make every effort to ensure public participation in these meetings," according to report to council. Council will adhere to the 50 person gathering limit put in place by the province.
The move could potentially remain in effect until spring 2021, however, the meetings will continue to be live-streamed online.
Council is also looking to offer the space to other groups who may benefit from a larger meeting space, such as the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, School District No. 73 and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc council.
The upcoming regular council will be held in the on-line format, but if the motion passes, the public will be able to attend in person at the Sandman Centre.
To see the schedule for upcoming meetings and public hearings, click here.
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