Mayor Dave Formosa, in providing his weekly update on the COVID-19 pandemic, expressed pride in the response of Powell River residents.
At the April 9 city council meeting, Formosa said: “The city is proud of how responsible we’ve all been during the COVID-19 crisis. We’re proud of families, friends and neighbours who remain on the front line for us. Thanks to our nurses, doctors, caregivers and first responders.”
Formosa said he also wanted to recognize frontline retail and service providers who are working to help provide as much of a normal life as possible.
He said he knows some people are out banging pots, making noise and cheering frontline workers on for their devotion to the health and well-being of the community at 7 pm every night.
“Let’s all make some noise for them,” said Formosa.
He added that he wanted to say thanks to the fire department, RCMP and ambulance service for the “beautiful parade” they ran on April 8 through the hospital complex to show support for doctors, nurses and health-care workers.
Formosa said Easter would not be an easy weekend.
“We’re being asked to stay home, not having family and friends to come over and celebrate Easter and not having large gatherings,” said Formosa. “We know, without a doubt, the measures that are in place are working in BC and we must continue in order to fight the curve. The provincial government took steps this week to close all BC parks. City parks and trails will remain open at this time, but we stress that physical distancing must be maintained. If the city finds that physical distancing is not being maintained, then it will have no other choice but to close them.”
Formosa said he also wanted to remind people that playgrounds are closed within the city and school district.
He said he has received a number of phone calls about the city’s boat ramp and harbours. He said at this time they are still open, but again, physical distancing measures must be adhered to. The city is asking that transient vessels not visit its harbours at this time unless it’s an emergency.
“You are welcome to come and see us when it is safe to do so,” said Formosa.
He said for the last two weeks the city has been running a survey of local businesses on how they have been impacted by COVID-19. He said the survey is online at participatepr.ca and this weekend will be the cut-off for submissions.
“I urge all business owners to take the time to fill out the short survey as the results will help guide local agencies on how they can help, and will be added to the provincial database that will be shared with provincial and federal decision-makers,” added Formosa. “In addition to this, the city, in partnership with Community Futures and Career Link, started contacting businesses directly this week to make sure they are connecting with the federal, provincial and local programming and resources that have been put in place to see what other help they need.”
Formosa said in closing, he asks residents to be diligent and not give up on all of the progress made in planking the curve.
“We are doing well,” he said. “Keep it up. Without a doubt it’s working.”
