Ever since they declared a state of emergency in March to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the issue has dominated the Chatham-Kent council agenda in the past six months. Tonight’s electronic council meeting is no different.
Council will hear a report about the local human and social impacts of Covid-19, which has led to more mental health needs, substance use, food insecurity, housing and shelter needs, and financial barriers and challenges for area residents.
The meeting will also feature a report from Chatham-Kent tourism, on plans on how they plan on spending $90,492.25 in funding from the province to spur tourism recovery in Chatham-Kent by promoting the area with a hyper-local focus.
With $5.8 million in funding from upper tiers of government to assist with 2020 Covid-19 pandemic lost revenues and additional expenses; council will take a look at returning to full 2020 pre-Covid-19 approved budget service levels for all remaining municipal services, for the remainder of 2020.
If council approves a motion, this will mean a reopening of municipal services such as libraries, recreational facilities and service centres where warranted by demonstrated community demand and where allowed under Covid-19 Public Health restrictions.