One of the legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic could end up being the dramatic shift in the way we are doing business, meeting, and interacting with friends and family.
But, what about political meetings at the municipal level?
Councils across the north are adapting to a new way of conducting city or town business. North Bay and West Nipissing have been holding virtual council meetings while Mattawa has been addressing the town's political agenda via teleconference.
North Bay City Councillor Marcus Tignanelli sees potential uses for the format beyond the COVID-19 emergency.
"It's 2020. Under the right circumstances, a council member should be allowed to call in or participate virtually in a meeting — with the right guidelines. You wouldn't want somebody calling in every meeting. Maybe something like twice a year. If you are sick, why miss a meeting? Just call in from home. Hopefully, that comes out of the COVID-19 situation."
Another potential benefit of embracing this newfound connectivity is improved community participation in the affairs and direction of the municipality. Would more citizens take part in committee and council meetings if they did not have to leave their homes? What about those who cannot leave their homes easily?
Think of the gruelling winter months, with the city in the grip of a blustery snowstorm. The sidewalks and parking lots have not been plowed but someone who uses a wheelchair has important points to make at that night's council meeting. Despite the poor weather, the meeting has not been cancelled. Why can't that taxpayer make a presentation or raise objections to a planning matter safely and virtually?
Tignanelli sees opportunities for engagement in increased virtual availability.
"It's a simple link that can be shared. I hope to one day see public presentations from home. This would improve accessibility," he says.
One could even foresee digitally recorded video and/or audio presentations played back in chambers. How many have bravely stood up to speak only to lose their train of thought or forget part of their speech? Perhaps a five-minute recorded presentation by members of the public would keep delegations on track and on topic. A chance to trim the presentation for length could streamline the process. Council's questions (if any) could be answered in person or online.
Due to the COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions, there are three virtual special committee meetings scheduled for this Friday and next Monday and Tuesday. The City of North Bay has released a troubleshooting guide to help members of the public watch, participate, and even ask questions electronically.
However, it would take the will of the council to have virtual participation continue.
"The provision allowing for electronic participation in meetings by members of Council was enacted specifically for meetings held during a declared emergency," clarifies City Clerk Karen McIsaac.
"That means electronic meetings will come to an end once the province’s emergency order is lifted. If Council wanted to continue to allow electronic participation in meetings, changes to the City’s procedural bylaw would be required."
