The City of Belleville will close its buildings to the general public effective tomorrow (Tuesday).
Staff will continue to report to work.
The buildings to be off-limits to the public include city hall, Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, Belleville Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery and Community Archives, Glanmore House, public works, Belleville water, and all community centres including Parkdale, Gerry Masterson, and Foster Ward buildings.
Access to city hall can be had, but only by special appointment. Services from the City of Belleville can always be had online and all essential services will be maintained.
At a press conference this morning Mayor Mitch Panciuk said the decision to close buildings in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus was made by the city’s Emergency Management Control Group, with advice and support from Hastings Prince Edward District Public Health experts.
On another subject Mayor Panciuk said city council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held March 23 but the public will not be allowed.
Delegations will not be allowed in person but people can always express their concerns by communicating with city staff and councillors by other means.
The press will be allowed entrance to cover the meeting. As always the meeting will be streamed live online through the city’s website.
Other meetings over the next 3 or 4 weeks have been postponed.
Meanwhile, Panciuk expressed a lot of concern about the local economy. “Most certainly, many businesses will see a drop in revenues for the next while. We expect the hardest hit to be in the tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and service sectors.”
The city has struck a special task force to deal with the economy made of the Mayor, CAO, Director of Finance, and Manager of Economic Development to come up with proposals on ways the city can assist local business through difficult times.
“One of the ideas we’ll consider will be a deferral of city taxes on business. We’ll be getting together very soon and will announce any moves to keep the economy relatively healthy.”
As have other national, provincial, and local leaders, the Mayor stressed that “we will get through this”. “The City of Belleville has faced several serious challenges since 1816 and the residents and municipal leaders have always rose to the occasion. Yes, this will be an uncomfortable time for many but none of us have ever experienced a situation quite like this. We will get through it.”
Here is a link to the City of Belleville website.
Mayor of the City of Belleville Mitch Panciuk addresses local media Monday March 16 2020. (Photo: Quinte News)
