In an ongoing effort to maintain the health and safety of its employees and the public, the Cowichan Valley Regional District is closing its administrative offices at 175 Ingram St. as of March 17.
A press release said this action is being taken in coordination with the CVRD member municipalities of Ladysmith, Duncan, North Cowichan and Lake Cowichan, each of which is also closing its administrative offices to the public.
The public will still be able to attend North Cowichan’s scheduled council meeting Wednesday, March 18 in person, though they are urged to consider following it through the online live stream instead.
All those staff who are able to work from home will be doing so as of March 18, and a select number of staff will remain working from the Ingram Street offices in order to ensure essential service delivery and coordinate the Regional Emergency Operation Centre.
Core land use services including building inspection, development planning, and bylaw enforcement will attempt to continue to deliver service to the public, working remotely and in the community.
There will be limited intake of new building permit and development applications for the foreseeable future, and CVRD staff will focus efforts on in-stream applications.
All recycling centres and solid waste collection will continue to operate with minor modifications to protect public and staff contact, but will be subject to staff capacity going forward.
Revised contact information for administrative services will be shared with the public as it becomes available, both through the CVRD website, CVRD social media channels and local media outlets.
The CVRD apologizes for the inconvenience these actions will inevitably create, and asks the public to practice patience and understanding as they make every effort to adjust their operations to these exceptional circumstances.
For more information on the district’s response, visit the COVID-19 information page on the CVRD website.
Any members of the public who may be experiencing symptoms and require screening information are encouraged to call 1-888-COVID19 to speak with public health staff.
As well, the free stores located at the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s recycling centres and drop-off depots at Bings Creek, Meade Creek and Peerless Road facilities are now closed until further notice.
All other recycling and garbage services are currently open for business during regularly scheduled hours of operation.
Any future changes to facility hours will be posted on the CVRD’s website.
