Ladysmith Town council amended its procedure bylaw to reflect new B.C. legislation, which requires a space be made available for the public to attend in person and participate during electronic council meetings. This allows anyone unable to attend virtually an opportunity to be involved in meetings. A designated town staff member is also required to be in attendance.
This process will be followed for the Nov. 2 special council meeting and public hearing regarding proposed rezoning at Churchill Place, which will be held virtually to accommodate members of the public, in case the council chamber is not large enough.
Council carried first, second and third reading for the procedure bylaw at its Oct. 19 regular meeting in council chambers. This was its second meeting back at the table since COVID-19 forced a shift to ZOOM meetings. The new procedure bylaw will not hinder the public’s ability to attend and participate in meetings. Special council meetings can still be held electronically if council chooses to.
“We are also working on a larger venue that allows for more spacing, more people to access it and we are just working through the technology supply chain right now… to make sure we can outfit that space appropriately,” said Mayor Aaron Stone.