The Ontario government’s announcement of a state of emergency and stay at home order has shaken things up at city hall.
Following the announcement on Tuesday, a committee meeting to finalize the 2021 budget was cancelled.
This was the second time the budget finalization has been pushed back. The budget was originally supposed to be passed before Christmas, with a last-minute insurance glitch forcing staff to rework the numbers.
“It seemed wise to put the council meeting on hold and divert our attention to the announcement and determine the impacts,” said Gord Young, the city’s communications officer.
Young says the budget talks may be rescheduled for next week.
As the province heads toward the further restrictions beginning Thursday, city staff are working toward figuring out what municipal operations will be allowed to run.
Young says the city’s Emergency Operations Group is meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss whether or not the city’s outdoor skating rinks will be open during the 28-day restriction period.
“That’s one of the things they’re going to be looking at and looking to the Health Unit for more information on,” Young said.
During the province-wide shutdown originally intended to be in effect for 14 days for the region, outdoor activities such as skating and sliding were deemed safe by the provincial government.
