Public-free council meetings will continue into the summer in Saanich.
A provincial order implemented in June 2020 under the Emergency Program Act allows municipal governments to conduct meetings electronically while ensuring residents can participate in other ways. The province extended restrictions on gatherings and Saanich followed suit, keeping the public out of council chambers until July.
Saanich is conducting meetings with options for residents to call or write in to share their thoughts on agenda items and watch meetings via livestream.
READ ALSO: Public input resumes at Saanich council following lengthy suspension due to pandemic
On April 19, Saanich began to conduct meetings over Microsoft Teams. Mayor Fred Haynes said the format seems to be working well as it allows residents to see all the council members while they conduct business, and participate in public input and open forum by video.
Council is looking forward to getting back to full public engagement once the provincial health officer deems it to be safe to do so, Haynes said.
READ ALSO: Victoria COVID-19 survivor running half marathon to give back
Do you have a story tip? Email: devon.bidal@saanichnews.com.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.
