The District of Sechelt has confirmed plans for a “gradual reopening” of the municipal offices on June 1.
“Municipal hall will open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a reception kiosk set up outside the main entrance to accept property tax payments only,” the district said in a May 27 release.
The district is encouraging people to pay online if possible.
Most staff continue working from home and all other municipal hall business will continue by phone, email, mail and online meetings, the district said.
The district also announced that its playgrounds will reopen June 1.
And district-owned facilities at the Seaside Centre, Rockwood Lodge and Mission Point House will be available for rentals, with new health and safety requirements in place. People who rent the facilities will have to submit a safety plan at the time of booking.
The Town of Gibsons offices have been open on a limited basis since May 20, with some ICBC and municipal services available at the counter.
The Town is using its parking lot as a space for people to line up at a safe distance.
“This is not business as usual,” Mayor Bill Beamish said in his May 21 update to the community, adding that residents are still being encouraged to call ahead to see if Town staff can take care of their requests by email or over the phone instead.
“Although it is not mandatory, I also urge residents to wear a non-surgical face mask when visiting public offices or shopping,” Beamish said. “These masks are worn as a courtesy to others and if we all remember to do this, we reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.”
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) administrative offices on Field Road remain closed to the public. At a May 28 committee meeting, CAO Dean McKinley said they are “looking at some form of opening” the week of June 1 and will take a “phased approach.”
