The following is a news release issued by the City of Powell River on Wednesday, March 18:
City of Powell River will be taking the following emergency measures effective Thursday, March 19, and until further notice, to ensure continued operations and services are provided to residents during the COVID-19 state of emergency declared by the province on Wednesday, March 18.
City hall and all city buildings will be closed to the public. This action is being taken to promote social distancing in the community, and for the health and well-being of staff and residents. Staff will continue to engage with the public through telephone and email for general enquiries and for scheduling appointments at [email protected] and by phone at 604.485.6291.
Individual departments can be reached by phone via these numbers and emails:
Bylaw enforcement, animal control and pay parking 604.485.8600 [email protected]
Building services 604.485.8614 [email protected]
Engineering 604.485.8604 [email protected]
Infrastructure and public works – roads, sewer, water, garbage and recycling collection 604.485.8657 [email protected]
Mayor and council 604.485.8615 [email protected]
Parks, recreation and culture 604.485.2891 [email protected]
Planning and land use 604.485.8612 [email protected]
Finance 604.485.8637 [email protected]
All general enquiries 604.485.6291 [email protected]
The city will update critical information concerning COVID-19 and the public on its website at powellriver.ca, Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Operations, public works and other employees who work in the field will continue to provide services by maintaining the public health office (PHO) recommended social distancing of approximately one to two metres. The city asks residents to respect those parameters for their own safety and for that of the workers.
BC Transit Service will continue as scheduled.
Garbage and recycling pickup will continue as scheduled.
Previous actions taken by the city will continue until further notice, including closures of the Recreation Complex, Powell River Public Library and Powell River Historical Museum and Archives.
RCMP and Powell River Fire Rescue emphasize that 911 calls only be used for true emergencies. The RCMP is halting all administrative services, including civilian fingerprinting and criminal record checks. Fire Rescue will be taking measures to limit administrative procedures and public engagements.
People with any health concerns can call 811 to speak to a medical professional. The BC Ministry of Health has developed a self-assessment toolthat will help determine whether people may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
Regularly scheduled meetings of city council will continue while maintaining social distancing measures. Residents can follow meetings via live streaming or through archived webcasts on the city’s website. The public can provide input on city business by sending correspondence via email or letters.
As ordered by the provincial health officer (PHO), any events or activities booked, reserved or rented in or on city-managed facilities that bring more than 50 people closely together will be cancelled or postponed. Organizations leasing city properties must adhere to the PHO order.
Powell River businesses can access important information at Resources for BC Businesses and the Government of Canada Support to Businesses. The city will continue to closely monitor the situation and make any recommended or ordered actions directed by the PHO, Ministry of Health or Health Emergency Management British Columbia.
