Grey County council is expected to return to in-person council meetings beginning Oct. 8.
“At the next council meeting, if we pass the changes to the procedural bylaw, then that facilitates us being able to move forward with this,” said Kim Wingrove, CAO for Grey County. “And, unless something changes, we'll simply plan to begin to meet again in-person on Oct. 8.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Grey County declared a state of emergency on March 26.
Council members have been meeting virtually for council and committee of the whole meetings since March 31.
As council shifts back to in-person meetings, appropriate COVID-19 safety protocols have been put in place in council chambers, in consultation with the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
According to Wingrove, some councillors and staff will continue to attend virtually in accordance with the updated procedural bylaw.
"I think it’s a positive thing for the public to see. It is a good example of how we can move forward with our general business and do it in a safe manner,” said Grey County Warden, Paul McQueen.
Council chambers will remain closed to the public at this time with a live stream of the meetings available on the county website.
“In the future, should the building reopen to the public but pandemic restrictions continue to exist, further consideration of in-person public participation will be required,” noted Wingrove.
Beginning on Monday, Grey County will also be opening its administration building and satellite offices to the public on an appointment-only basis, and for service at the Provincial Offenses Court counter.
"A lot of work has gone into safety protocols to make sure that we can do this safely both to protect our staff and also to the members of the public,” Wingrove added.
