As of 11 a.m. Thursday, the District of Hope’s public washrooms will be closed until further notice.
The measure comes as the district steps up its response to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 virus. Municipal hall will also be closed to in-person services.
In a news release Thursday, the district assured residents services will continue - these include utility services, public works, fire protection and administrative services.
The district joins a range of Hope and area businesses and services who have shut their doors, including the visitor centre, Manning Park Resort and all Fraser Valley Regional Library locations. The closures come as provincial health officer Dr Bonnie Henry says British Columbians are seeing a “dramatic change” in how they are going about their daily lives.
“This is not optional. This is what’s going to protect us in the next few weeks. The importance cannot be minimized,” Henry said at a news conference Wednesday. The number of cases in the province is now at 271, with eight deaths associated with the virus.
While in-person services are shut, the municipality will still continue with public meetings, including a public hearing and council meeting Monday evening. For those who want to practice social distancing by viewing the meeting online, the Hope Ratepayers uploads video of meetings here. The district says they are also working on being able to livestream meetings.
While these meetings are still open to the public, the district reminded residents that they can submit their comments and questions in writing to Director of Community Development Jas Gill at jgill@hope.ca, or to Director of Corporate Services Donna Bellingham via dbellingham@hope.ca as well as drop of written submissions at municipal hall.
Staff are still available by phone or email, the district stated, and if you need to pay a bill you can do so online or by email or phone. The district can be reached at 604-869-5671 or info@hope.ca.