City of Delta requesting local state of emergency
Posted March 18, 2020 6:17 pm.
Last Updated March 18, 2020 6:18 pm.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) — Delta Mayor George Harvie is asking the province to allow him to declare a local state of emergency.
This declaration will give the mayor the ability to limit public gatherings and practice social distancing, which the province’s health officer Bonnie Henry has verbally ordered.
“These are challenging times for residents and businesses in our community. By declaring a Local State of Emergency, we will have additional abilities to protect the community,” Harvie says.
The city is also asking the province to provide local municipal governments the ability to extend payment deadlines for the collection of fees and taxes without a penalty to residents or businesses.
“We also recognize the financial hardship being faced by our residents and businesses at this time and are asking our counterparts at the Provincial Government to provide some immediate relief. I continue to work with all of council and staff to protect this community from the impact of COVID-19, and taking these measures today will help us in our ongoing response to this public health crisis.”
The city adds, they will also request that the province adjusts requirements to qualify for the Property Tax Deferment Program.
Meanwhile, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth declared a provincial state of emergency in B.C. to address the spread of COVID-19.
