Even as the province continues to open up and more people are heading back to the office, it could be a while yet before local councillors return to the Civic Centre.
Mayor Darrin Canniff says they’re looking over their options.
“There is no specific timeline, but certainly I think a lot of us are pretty eager to get back to council chambers and having the meetings in person,” Canniff says.
Municipal council meetings have been held virtually since the pandemic began in March, 2020. There have been some bumps along the way with technical difficulties and trouble with rural internet connections.
However, Canniff says there are some benefits to having virtual meetings.
“It allows certain people to tie in virtually if they’re out of town for some reason. I’d love to be able to see opportunities for us all to be there. If anyone wants to tie in to council and make deputations, for example, to be able to do it virtually rather than having to come in.”
Canniff says over the next few weeks, municipal officials will look at potentially setting a date to return to somewhat normal council meetings, pending Chatham-Kent’s COVID situation and other issues.