Latest update from the City of Parksville:
The city has announced the reopening of offices in the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre.
“We are focusing on the essential services our residents rely upon and will continue to exercise an abundance of caution as we provide limited in-person services starting June 1 and work towards a full resumption of regular services in a gradual and cautious manner,” read a release.
In all cases, the conditions of opening facilities to the public will be contingent upon providing a safe environment for staff and residents in line with provincial guidelines, especially as they pertain to limiting gatherings to fewer than 50 and the continued requirement to physically distance.
READ MORE: COVID-19: Parksville council votes to let businesses use public space for expansion
Beginning June 1, the finance department will be open to the public Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The city is offering limited in-person service when there are no other options; where possible, residents should continue to access services electronically. The finance office will be open to accept property tax payments, utility payments and to process homeowner grants only. They will not issue garbage tags, bus passes or dog tags in June.
Other services such as administration, bylaw, building, planning and engineering will be by appointment only. The city encourages residents to refer to the directory on their website to contact staff by email or phone. Call 250-248-6144 to book an appointment with the appropriate person or refer to the contact information on the city’s website. Walk-in services will not be available at this time.
Some tips from the city about the reopening of the Civic and Technology Centre building:
• We have designated entrance and exit to the building – Jensen Avenue East is the designated entrance-only and the south door by the Cenotaph is the designated exit-only door.
• Washrooms remain closed to the public.
• To ensure a safe transition, residents will be required to take a number of steps. Physical distance markers are located on the floor, hand sanitizer will be provided and procedures for entry to the building will be provided to residents upon arrival.
• The number of people allowed in the building will be limited and it may be necessary for residents to queue outside on the Jensen Avenue sidewalk.
• Please respect safety protocols – wash/sanitize hands thoroughly and often, cover your cough or sneeze, limit your time if others are waiting and stay home if sick.
READ MORE: Full coronavirus coverage here
The city’s outdoor spaces and parks are open for casual use, with guidelines posted. Groups should be small (two to six people) and make sure to keep a physical distance of two meters. No special events in city facilities are being booked at this time.
Regular council meetings will resume in the Forum starting at 6 p.m. To accommodate physical distancing and the attendance of council and staff, seating will be extremely limited. Unless there is a reason to attend in person, please continue to view Council meetings online. Comments may be emailed to council@parksville.ca
The city will continue to monitor public demand for in-person services with a view to offering additional services in July. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
“Our thanks to the residents of Oceanside who have diligently followed the rules to keep us safe and continue to slow the spread of COVID-19. The city looks forward to resuming some in-person services, while ensuring the efforts of our community are not reversed,” read the release.
— NEWS staff, submitted
