Amid Phase 3, Kent, Harrison resume in-person council meetings

As COVID-related restrictions at long last lift, life in the municipal government is edging closer to a post-pandemic normal.

Both the District of Kent and Harrison Hot Springs recently announced phase 3 protocols for operations and public meetings.

District of Kent

Masks are not required at Municipal Hall in Agassiz, but per provincial health recommendations, thy are still recommended for all people aged 12 and over who are not yet fully vaccinated. “Fully vaccinated” is 14 days after your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Directional traffic signage has been removed from the reception area and regular occupancy has resumed. To avoid overcrowding in reception, residents needing services other than payment or purchasing are advised to call the district ahead of time to book an appointment.

As for council meetings, in-person attendance is open again with the option of audio live streaming still available via Microsoft Teams. To register, visit kentbc.ca.

There will still be some protective measures in place, including plexiglass windows at reception counters, hand sanitizer stations at entrances and the continuation of enhanced cleaning.

If you are sick or otherwise experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you are asked to stay home. District staff members are available to arrange alternate options by calling 604-796-2235.

Mayor Sylvia Pranger urged district residents to get their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available, thanking residents for doing their part.

“Our community has been following strict measures that were put in place to keep us safe,” Pranger said in a statement. “As these measures are removed, we recognize that there will be varying levels of comfort and remind residents to continue to be kind as we all adjust to these changes.”

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot Springs has resumed in-person village council meetings, the first being on July 12 at Memorial Hall. Council meetings will continue to be broadcast via Zoom under Ministerial Order M314 until at least Sept. 28 when the current Provincial State of Emergency Ministerial Order (M192) expires. Recordings of every council meeting are available on the village’s YouTube page after the meeting.

While masks and physical distancing are no long mandatory, village officials ask the public to continue respecting provincial health recommendations.

For a schedule of council meetings, agendas, meeting minutes and other information, visit harrisonhotsprings.ca.

@adamEditor18 adam.louis@ ahobserver.com Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.