Hope’s Mayor says the district is lobbying the province to “consider deferring when municipal property taxes are due.”
In a note posted on the district’s website, Robb said the lobby effort is one action the district is taking in response to the spread of COVID-19. The district is also considering deferring some fees and charges, and will work to adopt the district’s budget by May 15, in council meetings to be held via teleconference. A budget consultation is set for April 20 - the district stated residents can provide feedback via email or letters.
The district’s bylaw officer is also working with Fraser Health, Robb said, to ensure maximum compliance with public health orders. Active orders include bans on the resale of food, medical supplies and personal protective equipment, gatherings of 50 or more people, as well as mandating the closure of restaurant dine-in and personal service establishments. Anyone who has concerns relating to these orders can contact district hall directly at 604-869-5671.
Acknowledging that the virus may have already reached Hope, Robb urged residents to keep doing what provincial leaders are urging in order to “flatten the curve.”
Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry has stated numerous times that the province will not release positive cases of COVID-19 for individual communities, so if and when a case is confirmed here it is unlikely the public will be privy to this information. The province releases daily updates by health region instead.
When there are positive cases at health and long-term care facilities, these are also made public. This includes announcements last week that Abbotsford’s Worthington Pavilion and Mission’s Chartwell Cedarbrooke Retirement Residence have had positive cases. The province announced Saturday two inmates at the Mission Institution have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Please treat each other with respect and kindness. Don’t hoard. Keep practising social distancing,” the mayor urged. “Stay in touch with your neighbours or friends you know would like a supportive phone call and maybe assistance.”
He thanked healthcare workers for “placing themselves in harms way to look after our personal and community health.”
emelie.peacock@hopestandard.com
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