Still work to be done to resume in-person municipal meetings

North Bay City Council, municipal boards, and committees will continue to meet virtually — possibly until the end of the calendar year and beyond.

"There has not yet been a date set for resuming in-person meetings," confirms Gord Young, Communications Officer with the City of North Bay.

Meanwhile, Mattawa Town Council has reverted to meeting in the Dr. S.F. Monestime Council Chambers — with spectators permitted — although poor audio during its live streams might have played into the decision.

In North Bay, "Council has the ability to continue meeting electronically until the end of December, although staff has been looking at how to resume in-person meetings safely under the current public health guidelines and gathering limits," says Young. 

See related: Virtual municipal meetings may continue until the end of the year

Council would need to pass another resolution before the end of the year amending the City of North Bay’s procedural by-law to allow electronic participation in meetings for members of the local council, boards, and committees into 2022. North Bay's council has been meeting virtually since the spring of 2020.

Young says, so far, discussions have included "how to best configure the council chambers, as well as any potential modifications that may be required to how we conduct in-person meetings."

There are several factors to consider, including how many attendees — Council members, staff, public presenters, media, and spectators — can safely be welcomed inside the chambers. Will partitions need to be added between the members' seats? How would the City's vaccination policy apply to potential attendees?

Mattawa Town Council's meeting earlier this week allowed for onlookers to be seated inside Town Hall to observe the proceedings. Once seated six feet away from others, face coverings were permitted to be removed.

The Town of Mattawa emphasized distancing between attendees, who were required to self-screen upon entry for symptoms, and provide contact information. Face coverings were mandatory to gain access to the building, and while completing the sign-in process.

The Mattawa Facebook feed of its Town Council meetings has been paused due to the sound and lag issues but can still be accessed via teleconference by members of the public.