Public gatherings in the context of COVID-19

March 10, 2020

The District wishes to clarify its position on public gatherings in the current context of COVID-19. The Brackendale development public information meeting (Development Permit No. 539) has been cancelled for Wednesday evening (the cancellation notice cited COVID-19 concerns), however it was cancelled by the District by mistake. The Public Information Meeting will be rescheduled, or held in a different format at another date and time if required. Please stay tuned, and our apologies for the confusion.

We do not wish to create any heightened cause for alarm in our community, and the District's official position is to follow the recommendations of provincial agencies - B.C. Health Authorities and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. 

While information is changing daily, B.C. Health Authorities have not issued a directive to cancel public events at this time.

Tonight's Public Hearing for Squamish Canyon will proceed as planned at The 55 Activity Centre, beginning at 6 p.m. Alternatively, written submissions can be sent to us by 4 p.m. to hearing@squamish.ca, or delivered to Municipal Hall to the attention of the General Manager of Corporate Services. 

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control recommends social distancing (maintain one metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing), forgoing usual greetings (i.e. avoid handshakes), and, most importantly, staying away from events if you are experiencing any illness.

The number of community transmitted cases in British Columbia remains low, and decisions to cancel major events are being looked at on a case-by-case basis following careful risk assessment. 

We encourage residents to continue to stay informed through official information sources such as the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

March 10, 2020