Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian declares local state of emergency over COVID-19

Christian says the declaration gives the City’s emergency operations centre (EOC) additional powers.

WATCH: Mayor Ken Christian addresses media after declaring a local state of emergency. (Note: sideways video corrects at :20)

(Video Credit: CFJC Today)

The City of Kamloops published this message to its website Friday:

To address the evolving circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support the Provincial Health Authorities, the City of Kamloops has declared a state of local emergency. This declaration provides the City the opportunity to quickly and effectively address emerging issues for the purposes of enhancing preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and make decisions in the best interests of residents, businesses, and City employees.

“These are difficult and unprecedented times,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “The precautions, closures of facilities to public, and cancellation of programs and events over the past several days have been made through the recommendations and direction of our public health officials in the best interest and wellbeing of our residents and employees.”

The City is encouraging all residents and businesses to follow the direction of public health officials, including limiting public gatherings and practicing social distancing. Effective immediately, the City is suspending the collection of parking and transit fees, temporarily. Transit riders are asked to board from the rear of the bus and try to maintain two metres of distance wherever possible.

In an effort to protect residents and employees, and practice social distancing, the City will be winding down non-essential services and implementing work-from-home protocols wherever possible. Council and statutory committee meetings will be postponed until further notice.

As of today, the City of Kamloops would like to advise the public that the following services will remain operational:

Kamloops Fire Rescue
Kamloops RCMP
Kamloops Bylaw services
Emergency social services
Residential garbage and recycling pickup (includes commercial and multi-family)
Landfills, recycling, and yard waste depots
City parks, dog parks, trails, and public washrooms
Kamloops Centre for Water Quality
Kamloops Sewage Treatment Centre
Building inspection services
Building permit services
Business licensing services
Planning services
Transportation and engineering services
Social and community health
Road maintenance, water, and sewer utilities
Financial services

by James Peters

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian declares local state of emergency over COVID-19

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